If you’re looking for a timeline of dental milestones for your child, check out this blog from Hallock Family Dental in Texas.
Your Child’s Smile: The First Few Years
The sight of a baby’s toothless smile is sure to bring happiness to both parents and children. As new parents, you may be curious about the various stages of your baby’s growth, including dental development milestones. To help you feel more secure about the journey, we have created a timeline of some of the most important dental milestones your child will experience during the first two years of their life. As a parent, it is your responsibility to guide your child and their teeth through this process. Knowing the key moments of your child’s dental development will help you address any issues that arise.
From 0-4 Months Old
As your baby grows from 0 to 4 months old, their mouth is preparing for the arrival of teeth. Even though it may seem like there’s not much you can do for dental hygiene at this stage, it’s a good idea to start wiping your baby’s gums with a damp cloth or a soft rubber finger toothbrush. Clean your little one’s gums twice a day, just like you brush your own teeth. This will help form a habit of regular brushing and make sure their mouth is clean and ready for the arrival of teeth.
From 4-12 Months
Before your baby is even a year old, their primary teeth have already begun to form in their jaw. Usually, the first two teeth to come in will be the bottom two and they should be visible around the baby’s first birthday. As your infant gets closer to four to six months old, they will start teething. To help ease the discomfort of their new teeth and gums, make sure to wipe their mouth twice a day. Doing this will help keep plaque from forming. Once your baby’s teeth start to come in, it’s important to make an appointment with the dentist.
When Should We See A Dentist? (1-3 Years)
When your child turns a year old, it’s important for them to go to the dentist for the first time. After that, they should have regular check-ups and cleanings twice a year. This is essential to make sure any problems with their growing teeth can be identified early on.
At this age, you can start to get your child used to brushing their teeth by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Until they are able to do this on their own, either use a toothpaste that does not contain fluoride or just use water.
By the time your child reaches three years old, they should have a full set of baby teeth. If they have not visited a dentist yet, now is the ideal time to do so. It is essential to remember that baby teeth are important! They help keep the space in the mouth open for adult teeth to come in and also assist in the development of speech.
When To Help Your Child Floss
Once you start to see that your child’s teeth are touching each other on the sides, it’s time to get them into a habit of flossing. This usually occurs when they are approximately one year old. It’s best to floss both you and your child after every meal. Establishing this beneficial practice early on can help prevent future dental problems.
Say No To Thumb-Sucking And Pacifiers (2 Years Of Age)
By the time a child reaches two years old, their parents should begin the process of breaking their child’s pacifier and thumb-sucking habits. These habits can lead to oral health problems like misalignment of teeth and malformation of the mouth. Parents should also create a regular schedule to help their toddler brush and floss their teeth at least twice daily or after every meal. It is also an ideal time to introduce fluoride toothpaste and teach them to spit out after brushing.
Time To Brush And Floss Side-By-Side
When kids are in the age range of 3-6, it’s important to foster their independence. Let them brush and floss their teeth on their own, but stay close by to make sure they don’t miss any tricky spots and that their teeth get properly cleaned. You may need to do some follow-up brushing afterward. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to get your child their first dental x-ray to get an overall view of their oral health.
When To Expect A Visit From The Tooth Fairy
When your child is around 5-6 years old, they will enter the major dental milestone of mixed dentition, where their baby teeth start to fall out and their adult teeth start to come in. As a parent, it is important to make sure your child is brushing their teeth twice a day and to make it a pleasant part of their daily self-care ritual.
Your child should also visit Hallock Family Dental twice a year for exams and preventative care. Generally, the front four teeth are the first to fall out, followed by the canines and molars at the back of the mouth. By the time your child is 12-13, they will have a full set of 28 adult teeth, and the last four wisdom teeth molars will erupt between the ages of 15 and 22.
Trust Your Smile In The Hands Of Hallock Family Dental
The team at Hallock Family Dental looks forward to helping your family maintain healthy teeth, gums, and mouths through every stage of life. Call our Allen location at 972-390-7200 or our McKinney location at 972-547-1775 to learn more about how we can help you and your family have the healthiest, brightest smiles possible.
