It happened during snack time. Three peas, one puff, and a brand-new tooth poking through. That tiny white bump that had mom snapping photos in excitement. Then came the questions: Do we need to brush it? Is it too soon for a dentist? Are we already behind?

You’re not alone. Many parents are surprised to learn just how early dental care should begin. Baby teeth may be small, but they play a big role in your child’s health, development, and future smile.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key dental milestones and when to schedule visits to keep your child’s oral health on track. From their first tooth to their braces (and everything in between).

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1. The First Tooth

Baby teeth may be temporary, but they’re a big deal. They help with eating, speaking, and holding space for adult teeth later on. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends:

• Scheduling the first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth
• Or no later than your child’s first birthday

Their first visit is more about education and prevention rather than treatment and it sets the tone for a lifetime of positive dental experiences.

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2. Teething Support

Teething usually starts around 6 months of age and can bring along fussiness, drooling, and a strong urge to chew. While teething is completely normal, it's still a good idea to:

• Check in with your pediatric dentist to make sure everything is developing as expected
• Get expert advice on how to ease discomfort safely
• Ask about teething-friendly oral hygiene tips

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3. Preventing Early Childhood Cavities

Tooth decay can begin earlier than most parents realize. Even toddlers can get cavities, especially from frequent bottle use of sugary snacks. Here’s what to know:

• Fluoride varnish can be safely applied once the first tooth appears
• Regular dental check-ups help spot early signs of decay
• Your dentist can offer tips for cleaning tiny teeth and avoiding common causes of cavities

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4. Starting Solid Foods

When your child begins eating solid foods, their mouth goes through big changes. New textures and sugars from foods can affect the teeth. At this stage, dental visits are helpful for:

• Monitoring the impact of new foods
• Teaching proper bruising techniques for toddlers
• Learning how diet affects oral health

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5. Permanent Teeth Start Coming In (Around Age 6)

Around age six, children begin losing baby teeth and gaining permanent ones. This is a crucial time for monitoring:

• Proper alignment of incoming adult teeth
• Spacing and bite development
• Signs of orthodontic issues early on

Catching problems early can make future treatment easier and shorter

6. Orthodontic Assessments (Ages 7-13)

As kids move into their preteen and teen years, orthodontic issues like crowding or bite misalignment become more obvious. This is a great time to:

• Evaluate if braces or invisalign may be needed
• Monitor the eruption of second molars
• Prevent small alignment issues from becoming bigger problems

Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for early intervention if needed

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7. Sports and Smile Protection

If your child or teen plays sports, especially contact sports, a mouthguard is a must. During dental visits, we can:

• Fit your child with a custom mouthguard
• Check for any signs of dental trauma
• Give tips for keeping their mouth safe on and off the field

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8. Wisdom Teeth Watch (Late Teens to Early 20s)

Wisdom teeth often begin forming during the teen years and erupt in early adulthood. Regular doctor visits help:

• Monitor how they’re developing
• Decide if they need to be removed
• Prevent issues like impaction, infection, or shifting of other teeth

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Final Thoughts

Knowing when to visit the dentist at every stage of your child’s development helps prevent problems before they start. From baby teeth to braces to wisdom teeth, your pediatric dental team is here every step of the way.

At All Kids Dental, we make dental visits easy, informative, and fun. We’re here to support your child’s smile through every milestone because good habits now lead to healthy smiles later.