A child’s smile grows and changes rapidly in the first two decades of life. Knowing what to expect at each stage of dental development helps parents support healthy habits and catch concerns early. From the first baby tooth to teenage orthodontics, understanding dental milestones can make a big difference in lifelong oral health.
At Palmetto Kids General Dentistry and Orthodontics, we believe that every child deserves to grow up with a confident, healthy smile. Here’s a look into what happens in your child’s mouth from birth through the teen years, and how you can help at every step.
Infant Stage: Birth to 12 Months
Oral health begins long before a child can hold a toothbrush. During the first year of life, important dental foundations are already being formed. Most babies will get their first tooth around six months old, typically the lower front teeth.
Even before teeth appear, parents can begin daily oral care by gently wiping the baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Once a tooth erupts, it’s time to switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. These early routines help prevent tooth decay and build comfort with daily care.
The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. This visit allows the dentist to check early development, answer feeding questions, and catch any concerns such as tongue- or lip-tie. It also gives parents peace of mind and helps babies become familiar with the dental setting from the very beginning.
To support healthy habits from day one, Palmetto Kids Dentistry offers free dental checkups for children under age two. Starting early makes it easier to build lifelong comfort with dental care and ensures your child’s smile gets off to a strong, healthy start.
Schedule your baby’s free first visit with us today. Call 843.284.6497
Toddler Years: Ages 1 to 3
By age three, most toddlers have all 20 of their primary teeth. During this time, brushing twice a day becomes a daily habit. Children will still rely on a parent for help, as they do not yet have the coordination to brush thoroughly on their own.
Regular dental visits every six months help track growth and spot any concerns early. This is also a time when parents may start hearing about tongue-tie or lip-tie, which can impact speech and eating. These conditions are often simple to treat with laser dentistry right in the dentist’s office.
At this stage, the focus is on creating a positive experience that builds confidence. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child throughout the visit, often holding them in their lap during the exam. Creating fun and calm early impressions helps set the stage for future visits.
Early School Years: Ages 6 to 8
As children grow into their preschool years, they begin to take a more active role in their daily routines including brushing their teeth. While most kids this age enjoy the independence, they still need help to brush and floss effectively. Parents should guide brushing twice a day and begin flossing once teeth are touching side by side.
Preschool Age: Ages 3 to 5
This stage is also when children start to feel more comfortable with regular dental visits. Routine checkups every six months help build familiarity and confidence, making each appointment easier than the last. The dentist will monitor the health of baby teeth, check for signs of decay, and may introduce the idea of preventive care like dental sealants. These protective coatings are often applied to molars to help prevent cavities before they start.
Preschoolers respond best to positive experiences, so keeping visits light, fun, and supportive is key. At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we encourage kids to pick a show to watch during their visit, bring a favorite stuffed animal, or sit with a parent if that makes them feel more at ease. These small comforts help create lasting trust and set the tone for stress-free visits in the years to come.
A major milestone happens around age six when children begin to lose baby teeth and grow their first permanent molars. These new molars come in behind the baby teeth without replacing any of them and are especially vulnerable to decay. Sealants and fluoride treatments become more important during this time.
This is also when kids start brushing and flossing with more independence. Parents should continue to monitor for thoroughness. Orthodontic screenings are recommended by age seven to check for crowding, crossbites, or other jaw issues. Early orthodontic evaluations can make later treatment easier and more effective.
Wondering if your child needs orthodontic screening? Our in-office orthodontist can help. Call 843.284.6497 for an evaluation.
Tween Stage: Ages 9 to 12
As more permanent teeth come in, children go through what is called a mixed dentition phase. They may have a mix of baby and adult teeth for several years. This phase can affect bite alignment and spacing. Many children begin orthodontic treatment during this time if needed.
Increased physical activity during these years also means a higher risk of dental injuries. Kids who play sports should wear custom-fitted mouthguards to protect their teeth. At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we create comfortable, personalized guards to help prevent accidents on the field or court. As your kiddo starts his or her next sports season, ask about a custom mouth guard at your next appointment.
Teen Years: Ages 13 to 18
By early adolescence, most teens have their full set of permanent teeth, with the exception of the wisdom teeth. This is a common time for braces or clear aligners, as orthodontic issues become more noticeable and necessary to address. By the end of this stage, most orthodontic work is complete and teens are maintaining their new smiles.
Teenagers face new dental challenges as diet, hygiene habits, and busy schedules shift. Snacking, soda, and skipped brushing routines can lead to decay and gum problems. It’s also important to talk openly about the risks of vaping, smoking, or oral piercings, as these choices affect oral health.
Teens should continue visiting the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. Dr. Kimberly will also monitor incoming wisdom teeth for impaction or crowding during routine exams and with the help of X-rays.
What Parents Should Watch For
Throughout childhood, there are signs that may indicate a developing dental issue. Persistent bad breath, frequent toothaches, teeth grinding during sleep, or delayed eruption of teeth may point to underlying problems. Difficulty chewing, speech delays, or jaw alignment issues, such as the lower jaw shifting to one side, are also worth noting. While these signs can sometimes be part of normal development, they can also signal a need for evaluation.
If any of these concerns come up, the best first step is to schedule a dental appointment for a closer look. Some issues, like cavities or early gum problems, may require simple treatments such as fillings, fluoride therapy, or improved home care routines. Others, like grinding (bruxism), may benefit from monitoring or the use of a night guard. Developmental concerns like delayed tooth eruption or jaw misalignment can often be addressed early with guidance from a pediatric dentist or an orthodontic consultation. In cases involving speech or feeding difficulties tied to tongue- or lip-tie, laser treatment may be recommended.
Catching and addressing these issues early helps prevent more complex problems later. We work with families to identify the cause, explain next steps clearly, and make sure your child feels comfortable and supported through any treatment process.
Growing Healthy Smiles, One Milestone at a Time
Every child develops at their own pace, but understanding general dental milestones helps families stay on track. We guide parents through each phase with care, patience, and a lot of smiles. Whether it’s a first tooth, first cleaning, or first set of braces, we are here to make every step a positive one.
