Watching a child grow up is a true joy in many different ways. Since dental care is a crucial element of your child’s overall wellness, it’s important to help them manage each stage of their oral progress in a healthy, proactive way. Here’s a closer look at three dental milestones for kids and when you should talk with their dentist.

Big Dental Moments in Childhood

1. Initial Teething

Most children start to teethe between 6 and 10 months, although it’s possible for kids to start as soon as 3 months. Your little one should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the age of 1, whichever comes first. Seeing a dentist as teething begins helps your child become acclimated to the dental office while also ensuring their first teeth are erupting properly.

2. Shedding Baby Teeth

Around the age of 6, kids start losing their baby teeth. When this process doesn’t occur properly, they may need to be extracted, so refer to your dentist if your little one doesn’t lose their teeth before the permanent ones start erupting. In some instances, children can have both at the same time, creating pain and crowding.

3. Permanent Tooth Eruption

By the time your child starts receiving their adult teeth, they should be visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings about once every six months. These routine visits help ensure issues with the permanent teeth are handled before they lead to bigger problems. For instance, if your child’s permanent teeth erupt crooked, they may be referred to an orthodontist.