From the time your baby’s first teeth emerge, you’ll be focused on their dental health. As your child grows and learns to care for their teeth, they will hit several milestones. With the help of your dentist, kids can thrive through these changes and enjoy a lifetime of oral health. The following are some of the main stages of your child’s dental development. 

Significant Dental Milestones for Children

First Tooth

Most babies will have at least one tooth by the time they turn a year old, but this is different for every child. This is why most dentists want to see children around their first birthday. Since baby teeth help your child speak and eat, it’s essential to care for them from the start. And by experiencing the dental office early in life, your child will get used to these visits and feel comfortable later on. 

Learning to Brush

As your child starts to develop a full set of baby teeth, they can learn basic brushing skills. The toddler years are a great time to buy your child a toothbrush and develop a daily dental hygiene ritual. A child in this age range can be susceptible to cavities and bite issues, since they may be sucking their thumbs and putting toys in their mouth. Be sure to take your toddler to the dentist to prevent any further oral health complications. 

Losing a Tooth

Most children lose their first tooth between the ages of five and seven, but every child develops differently. As the Tooth Fairy visits your house, your child will start growing adult teeth. You might notice that their bite starts to change. Children can also start to experience spacing or crowding in their teeth, so your dentist may recommend seeing an orthodontist for an assessment. 

Braces

To correct any complications with their bite or spacing, your child may need braces. While their braces are on, it will be extra important to carefully clean their teeth to prevent cavities. The orthodontist will likely give them special tools to do so. They should also avoid hard and chewy foods to prevent damage to their braces. 

Wisdom Teeth

When your teenager gets closer to adulthood, their wisdom teeth will likely start to develop. Since it’s common for people to not have space for their wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend having them removed. While this procedure can cause some discomfort, your child may want to get it out of the way during their late teenage years.

The team at William B. Collier Jr., DMD will help your child achieve dental health through every milestone. Based in Enterprise, AL, Dr. Collier has been providing exemplary family dental services for over 35 years. Whether you or your child is due for a dental cleaning or interested in cosmetic procedures, this compassionate dentist will curate a set of treatments to fit your needs. Their office also accepts nearly every insurance type and offers affordable rates on procedures that are not covered. To view a full list of his services, visit him online. You can also call (334) 347-5026 to make an appointment today.