When to See a Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we want to be your top choice when you need pediatric dentistry for your children. We provide care and support for children of all ages. As your child ages, they will achieve several dental milestones. Dental health undergoes many changes during childhood, and bringing your child to Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry ensures that everything goes well and any oral healthcare needs are addressed. Here are the stages of child tooth development and some things to look for.

Stages of Child Tooth Development

Several things to look for as your child grows and develops teeth. Here are some things to expect and advice for visiting a pediatric dentist.

Infancy

The first twelve months of your child’s life see a lot of development, including their first teeth. Typically, teething begins during the first four to seven months. Lower incisors are commonly the first teeth to grow, followed by the upper incisors. Before teeth appear, you should keep your baby’s gums clean to remove any bacteria. Once your child has teeth, use a baby toothbrush and toothpaste to clean them gently. By the age of 12 months, your child should have between four and eight teeth. You should schedule your child’s first dental visit roughly six months after their first tooth emerges.

Toddlerhood

 This stage is defined as one to three years. At three years of age, your child should have a full mouth of 20 baby teeth. At this point, regular brushing should be done twice a day, with flossing introduced as teeth develop. Also, to prevent possible cavities, you should limit milk or juice when putting your child to sleep. Use water instead if you are giving them a bottle or cup. At this point, regular visits to your dentist in Ponte Vedra should be scheduled every six months.

Preschool

At ages three to five, your child will learn several essential skills, such as improved speech and more finely developed fine motor skills. Your child should start brushing their teeth at this age, and you should supervise to make sure they are doing it correctly and not making any mistakes. Most children master brushing by the age of six or so. A common cause of cavities and other dental issues in children is sugary snacks, so healthy snacks should be encouraged. Also, be aware of thumb-sucking. This is a common childhood habit, but it should stop at age four. If it persists beyond that age, it can cause teeth to become misaligned, so be sure to consult a pediatric dentist if needed.

Early School Years

At ages four to six, children start to lose their baby teeth and grow permanent teeth. At this age, you should encourage proper oral hygiene and responsibility in your child. Sealants can also be an option to protect teeth from cavities. Sugary foods such as candy should be limited.

Middle School

At ages nine to twelve, your child should have most of their permanent teeth. At seven, you should have a consultation with your dentist for any possible issues your child may have, such as a need for braces. Regular checkups and cleaning also help prevent cavities and other ailments. Finally, if your child has developed an interest in sports, a mouthguard can protect their teeth.

Adolescence

At ages thirteen to eighteen, your child moves into adulthood and has more advanced oral care needs. Wisdom teeth develop during this timeframe, but don’t always have to be removed. Your dentist can determine if removal is necessary. During adolescence, braces and other treatments will be managed if they are needed. Maintaining good oral habits, including checkups, brushing, and flossing, will keep your child’s teeth healthy. Finally, preventive care should be stressed to avoid any future issues.

When You Need A Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here when you need a Ponte Vedra dentist. We can help your child with all their dental needs as they grow from a baby to an adult. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.