From Teething to Teenagers: A Real-World Guide to Your Child’s Growing Smile
From Teething to Teenagers: A Real-World Guide to Your Child’s Growing Smile
Witnessing your child’s growth is an astonishing journey filled with cherished memories, and their dental development is no exception! Teething marks a toddler’s first major milestone, while managing braces as a teen is a chapter all on its own. Each stage of dental development offers something refreshing.
Knowing what to expect out of their development helps significantly when creating healthy habits that result in strong teeth. Bay Oaks Pediatric Dentistry is happy to guide you alongside every major milestone your child achieves. Our personalized, age-appropriate services help families located in and around Houston.
Infancy (0–2 Years): The First Tiny Teeth
Most toddlers will begin teething after the six-month mark. There are some cases where teething begins earlier, resulting in drooling, tantrums, or toddlers gnawing at anything close to them. You can start caring for your babies’ mouths by:
After every feeding, wipe their gums with a clean damp cloth.
Soft toothbrushes should be used alongside a grain-of-rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Be sure to book your baby’s first dentist appointment once they turn one. It’s not only regarding the teeth; rather, it is to help discuss other issues such as thumb sucking, teething pains, and feeding behaviors.
Early Childhood (3–5 Years): Where Habits Begin
All twenty of the baby teeth should be present by around three years with some gaps. Good brushing and flossing should start at this age even though the adult still needs to assist them.
Positive habits to work on at this stage include:
- Encourage supplementing meals and snacks before bed with only water in bottles or sippy cups.
- Continue regular dental visits for gentle maintenance, fluoride treatments, and early detection of small issues.
These are predominantly focused on preventative dental care designed to enable children to feel relaxed and confident while supporting the development of healthy adult teeth.
Middle Childhood (6 to 12 years): Exciting Changes are Easier to Smile at
In the early stages of this age group, the child’s baby teeth should begin to shed while being replaced with permanent teeth, the first molars will appear at six. There’s an increase in brushing and flossing independently, however, these children will still require some guidance.
Assist your child’s development by:
- Periodically checking to see that they are brushing and flossing thoroughly.
- Consulting your dentist regarding sealants for the prevention of cavities in the primary molars fossae.
- Strengthening newly erupted teeth’s primary through fluoride therapies.
- Organizing an orthodontic check-up around seven years old. Early identification of bite discrepancies or crowding can make a substantial difference in the future.
Adolescence (Age 13 to 18): Braces, having a life, and acquiring responsibility
The majority of adolescents commonly have all their permanent teeth, and many have orthodontic appliances which include braces and retainers. Oftentimes, dental cleaning may take a back seat due to other activities in life.
What to overserve teens:
- Brushing teeth two times a day, thoroughly flossing, especially with braces, and using mouthwash containing fluoride.
- Sugary snacks like candy, soda, and sports drinks, which can in turn foster decay, should be avoided.
- A helmet is essential for some sports, and even activities that pose a risk for injury should avoid wearing a helmet.
- Comprehending subsequent effects of smoking or vaping: Will impact health AND the smile.
- Attending regularly scheduled dentist visits for cleaning, fitting, and monitoring the progress of orthodontic treatment, and checking on wisdom teeth.
Although independence is on the rise among teens, your encouragement, along with your dentist’s knowledge, is still instrumental in maintaining the health of their smiles.
Check List for Parents
- Set up the child’s first dental appointment at age 1.
- Ensure they brush and floss on a daily basis.
- Keep the checkups every 6 months without fail.
- Inquire about sealants and fluoride.
- By the time they are 7, schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
Looking After That Smile
At every level of the child’s dental development, there lies an opportunity to guide, safeguard, and motivate them. At Bay Oaks Pediatric Dentistry, we aim for each visit to be a walk in the park—smoother for kids and easier for parents.
Are you ready for the next step?
With us, your child’s appointment can be scheduled today. It will be our pleasure to assist you in ensuring your child’s smile remains bright over the years.
