What Milestones Should I Watch For My Child's Teeth?
Posted on 2/15/2025 by Naveen Kwatra, DDS
As a parent, it's natural to wonder how your child's teeth will develop and grow. Knowing the typical timeline for each milestone can help you identify potential problems and support their healthy development. In this article, I will discuss important milestones your child's teeth can go through, starting from infancy to their teenage years.
Infancy (0-12 months):
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Gum Development: By around 6 months of age, most babies will develop a small, white ridge along their gums, indicating where their first baby teeth will erupt.
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Tooth Eruption: Between 6 months and 1 year, most children will experience their first tooth erupting through their gums. This process can cause discomfort and drooling, making it essential to offer safe teething toys and provide extra care.
Toddlerhood (1-3 years):
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Completion of Baby Teeth: By the age of 3, children usually have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
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Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule your child's first dental appointment by their first birthday or six months after their first tooth appears. Regular visits help your child dentist monitor growth, identify potential issues, and provide preventive care.
Preschool and Kindergarten (4-6 years):
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Loss of Baby Teeth: Between the ages of 4 and 6, children typically begin to lose their front baby teeth. This can be an exciting experience for many children, and it marks the start of permanent tooth development.
Grade School and Early Adolescence (7-12 years):
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Eruption of Permanent Teeth: The process of permanent teeth replacing baby teeth continues throughout this period. Most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth by age 10.
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Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Establishing healthy habits like brushing and flossing twice daily helps children care for their permanent teeth and prevent problems like cavities.
Teenage Years (13-18 years):
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Wisdom Teeth Development: Around this age, most teenagers develop wisdom teeth, the final set of molars in the back of the mouth. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they cause pain or impact other teeth.
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Orthodontic Treatment: If needed, braces or other orthodontic treatments are typically started during adolescence to address any alignment or bite issues.
It's important to remember that these milestones are general guidelines and can vary between children. Some babies may teeth earlier, while others may not develop permanent teeth as quickly. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's tooth development, don't hesitate to discuss them with your child dentist.
As a parent, it's natural to wonder how your child's teeth will develop and grow. Knowing the typical timeline for each milestone can help you identify potential problems and support their healthy development. In this article, I will discuss important milestones your child's teeth can go through, starting from infancy to their teenage years.