At Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier, we know that everything that happens with your teeth can be a mystery! Whether you’re a first-time mom, or a kiddo yourself, take a moment to learn about the stages of dental development!

Kids Dental Milestones

A GUMMY SMILE

Believe it or not, the very first stage of teeth development happens in the womb! Did you know that at merely five weeks gestation, a baby begins to grow teeth? By the time baby enters the world, there are roughly 20 primary, or baby, teeth safely nestled into the gums! The best way to care for your child’s gummy smile is to gently wipe their gums with a soft cloth.

TEETHING

We’ve all heard the term “teething” before. This is simply the stage of a baby’s growth where the teeth begin to break the barrier of the gums. In the dental world, we call this “eruption.” The first tooth eruption happens in children anywhere from about 3 months to even 1 year old! When your child hits the one year mark, it’s time for your first dental visit with one of our pediatric dentists. Check out our tips on how to make that first dental visit, a comfortable and easy experience for your child!

Most babies bottom two front teeth are the first to make their appearance in the world, with the two upper front teeth, and all the rest, close behind! The typical child has their full set of baby teeth by the age of three, and this is when we encourage. When your kiddo gets their first tooth, it’s time to start brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and at about 2 years old, it’s time to start flossing!

BIG KID STUFF

Around the age of four, it’s time to put on the big kid pants and do it yourself! That’s right, you heard me! At four years old, kids can begin to gain independence in their teeth routine. This is the perfect age to teach your kiddos the best way to brush and floss their teeth! It’s important to reiterate to the child just how important oral hygiene is, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Check out our most recent blog on how to make brushing time fun!

CAN YOU PULL MY TOOTH?

At 6 years old, you might notice some wiggly and wobbly teeth! You know what that means…the tooth fairy will be making a visit! While we all have great tooth-loss stories, sometimes that first baby tooth loss can be scary for kids. Whether it be the blood or the new sensation, warning your child of what is coming their way is a good idea, and having a smoothie on hand is never a bad idea!

ALL GROWN UP

With big kid responsibility, also comes big kid teeth! Around 6-7 years old molars typically make the first grand entrance, with other teeth hot on their trail. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that each child be evaluated for orthodontic treatment around 7 years old. The preteen and teen years are generally all about maintaining good oral hygiene habits, and orthodontic treatment if needed. By 21 years old, most people have all of their permanent adult teeth, and a beautiful smile.

 

For any questions, or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our office at (318) 742-9333