As your child grows, their baby teeth fall out to make room for permanent teeth. It is a milestone in their growth and an exciting time in your life as a parent. Making routine checkups with the dentist a priority can help maintain your child's oral health amidst all these changes. The following guide can help you understand more about this process and how you can help your young one navigate these changes. 

When Should It Happen?

Children start getting their primary teeth as early as six months of age. By around two or three years old, they already have this full set of baby teeth. This process plays a vital role in your child's oral development as it helps them chew their food and prepares their jaw for the growth of their permanent teeth. 

Children start losing their primary teeth when they're about five or six years old. By 13, most of them have a set of permanent teeth, except for the wisdom teeth and third molars. These usually erupt between 17–21 years of age. Since some children don't have room for wisdom teeth to erupt, it is essential to work closely with your family dentist to monitor these cases.  

How to Care for Them

Your child's permanent teeth are the final set and must last forever. Therefore, it is crucial to teach your children proper oral hygiene at an early age. Help them foster good dental habits by teaching them how to brush their teeth and floss properly. Diet also plays a vital role in oral health, so help them learn to avoid junk food and sugary snacks or enjoy them in moderation. 

Scheduling visits with your family dentist at least twice a year helps ensure that their teeth grow correctly. Your dentist may recommend sealants for further protection during the early stages of their oral development.  

Help your child's permanent teeth be their healthiest with routine checkups from Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C., Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, or Waukon Dental in Wisconsin. These family dentistry professionals are committed to providing individualized treatment plans for your entire family. Whether you need oral exams, cleanings, fillings, extraction, or implants, you can trust these experienced dentists and their teams. Visit them online for a complete list of services.