As children grow, their bodies and minds grow in incredible ways. While many parents focus on physical milestones such as reaching new heights, you should also monitor kids’ dental wellness. Ensuring stages of development take place when they should allows parents and dental care professionals to help children maintain healthy, vibrant smiles for life.

A Guide to Kids’ Dental Development Milestones

First Teeth

The first tooth may erupt as early as at 6 months of age, but baby teeth will continue to come in all the way through toddler years. As soon as your baby’s first teeth have erupted, begin supervised dental care. Now is also the time to schedule your child’s first visit with the dentist to familiarize them with the process.

Permanent Teeth

By the age of 6, your child may lose their first baby tooth. Front teeth tend to fall out earlier than molars. Permanent teeth may continue to erupt until a child is 10 to 12 years of age. All throughout childhood, children should maintain dental hygiene by brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist every 6 months. Protective treatments such as sealants and fluoride will further protect children’s teeth against decay.

Orthodontist Visit

By their preteen years, many children receive recommendations from their dentists to see an orthodontist, though it is possible to start even earlier. Bite issues and misalignments are often easier to deal with when a child is younger. After they’ve finished with braces or other orthodontic devices, young adults should continue to wear retainers to prevent teeth from shifting back into place.

Wisdom Teeth

By the late teens or early 20s, most individuals’ wisdom teeth have fully developed. Dental care professionals typically advise having them removed to prevent overcrowding, future infections, or other dental issues down the road. Your child’s dentist will determine whether wisdom teeth are impacted or erupted to recommend a course of treatment.

If you’re seeking a team of kids’ dental experts to oversee your child’s oral care wellness from their earliest years through their teens, look no further than Keiki Dental. Located in Ewa Beach, HI, their kid-friendly office provides a comforting environment where children can receive gentle, high-quality care. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 680-9411, or visit the website to learn more about their services.