Toothy Timeline of Dental Development Milestones

We can probably agree there is no cuter sight than a baby’s toothless grin. It represents pure joy, and hardly an adult or child can resist a giggle when seeing one. New parents may be wondering about growth stages for their little ones, including dental development milestones. We have put together a simple guide or a Toothy Timeline of Dental Development Milestones as an easy reference.

Birth to One Year: Baby Teeth Eruption

You may not realize it but even before your infant’s first tooth appears, the primary teeth are beginning their formation in her jaw. For most babies, you can expect the first teeth to start erupting by their first birthday. The first teeth that appear are usually the two bottom teeth.

Age 1 – 3 Years: First Dental Visit

During this time your child teeth will be actively erupting, and by the time your child is three she have a full mouth of little teeth. If your child has not had an appointment with your dentist yet, now is a perfect time. Remember, baby teeth do matter! They will hold space for the permanent teeth and aid in speech development.

Age 5 or 6: First Lost Tooth

The next major dental milestone is losing baby teeth, and permanent teeth starting to erupt. Your dentist will refer to this as mixed dentition. It happens around five or six years of age. On average it takes approximately six years for your child to lose all her baby teeth to the eruption of the final adult teeth (except the wisdom teeth). It is imperative as a parent to monitor your child to make sure she is properly brushing, at least twice a day. Encourage her, and make this a fun activity, not a chore. Also, your child should now be visiting the dentist twice a year for exams and preventative care.

Age 12 to 13: 12 Year Molar Eruption

Around 12 or 13 years old, with the eruption of the 12 year molars, all of your child’s regular adult teeth are in. This time there may be dental issues that need attention, such as overlapping, overcrowding, or an incorrect bite Your child may need treatment with braces. Most kids get braces around 12 to 13 years old, although, some dentists may recommend an orthodontic consultation as early as seven. Teenagers are famous for unhealthy eating habits. As your child enters these years, they may be able to comprehend just how important good dental health is to their overall health. So, as a parent strive to teach them this connection.

Age 13+: Wisdom Teeth

Most teenagers will not have enough space in the jaw for the third molars to erupt. Should this be the case, they may need to be removed to avoid future problems, such as infection, pain and shifting of adjacent teeth. Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon. If your child has had braces, his orthodontist will also monitor these teeth, by taking special x-rays. If qualified, the orthodontist may perform the surgery himself.

If you have any questions about your child’s dental development milestones, contact Tooth Fairy Smiles. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff can answer questions or to make an appointment with the dentist.