Understanding How Your Child's Teeth Develop

You experience a lifetime of milestones in your child’s early years, from their first steps to their first words. One of the most memorable moments for parents is seeing that first tiny tooth come in. 

With each marked milestone, you’re comforted that your child is developing as they should. But as you celebrate, it’s crucial to understand each stage of dental development to ensure everything is on track.

How you care for your child’s oral health will affect how they smile, chew, and speak, as well as the alignment of their adult teeth. Proper care can help prevent potential problems, such as cavities or misalignment, before they become more complicated.

Regular visits with Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, at his private dental practice in Butte, Montana, will guarantee your child’s smile stays healthy and strong through every stage. 

Here, he details the different stages of dental development and provides tips on how to keep your little one’s teeth strong and healthy.

0-7 months

Babies are born with all their baby teeth waiting to pop out from beneath their gums. You may notice your baby drooling more and wanting to chew on things. 

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though it’s not uncommon for some to come in as early as 3 months or as late as a year. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear.

Teething can be uncomfortable for your little one, so giving them something safe to chew on, like a teething ring, can help. You can also gently rub their gums with a clean finger to ease discomfort. 

Start cleaning your baby’s gums early, even before the teeth appear. A soft, damp cloth can do the trick.

7 months to 2 years

By your child’s first birthday, more teeth start to pop through. By age 2 to 3, most children have all 20 of their baby teeth. As mentioned, teething can make your child fussy and may even cause a slight fever, but this is expected and passes in no time.

Brush your baby’s teeth twice daily using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a little fluoride toothpaste. Schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first birthday. During the visit, Dr. Wilcox advises you on how to keep those baby teeth strong.

6-12 years

Around age 6, your child’s baby teeth start to fall out. The lower bottom teeth are usually the first to go, followed by the top front teeth. Their permanent teeth then begin to come in, and that continues until your child is around 12 years old.

Your child is old enough to start caring for their oral hygiene at this stage. Teach your child to brush and floss unassisted, but continue supervising them to guarantee they do a thorough job. Dr. Wilcox may recommend a sealant for new molars to help prevent cavities.

12 years and up

By age 12, most children have lost all their baby teeth and have a full set of 28 permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth, the third molars, usually come in between ages 17 and 25, but not everyone develops them. 

Keep up with regular dental checkups and make sure your child is maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

Each stage of your child’s dental development, from the first baby tooth to the complete set of adult teeth, requires attention and professional care. By keeping up with regular dental visits and encouraging good oral hygiene, you ensure your child grows up to have a strong and healthy smile. 

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilcox today to get dental care for your little one and protect their oral health.