Understanding how your child’s teeth grow and change might not sound all that exciting, but it’s actually really important. Every stage of dental development affects how your child eats, speaks, and smiles with confidence.
And when you know what to expect, you can be better prepared and spot potential problems early.
In this post, we’ll walk through the major stages of dental development, starting with those first tiny teeth and continuing through the teen years when wisdom teeth appear.
You’ll learn when to expect certain milestones and what to do at each stage to help support your child’s oral health.
Keep in mind, these are general guidelines. Every child is different, and not everyone follows the same timeline. If your child hits these milestones a little early or a little late, that’s usually completely normal.
Infant Stage (0–12 Months): The First Tiny Teeth
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months. Some start as early as 3 months, while others don’t see one until after their first birthday. The bottom front teeth usually come in first, and it can be a tricky time for both you and your baby.
You’ll probably notice more drooling, fussiness, and a strong urge to chew on anything they can grab. Some babies might run a low fever or have swollen gums.
To help with the discomfort, give them a clean, cool washcloth to chew on or a teething toy that’s been chilled in the fridge. We’ve also shared some helpful tips to soothe your baby during teething in our blog.
Once that first tooth comes in, brush it with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, using a soft baby toothbrush. As soon as you notice two teeth that touch each other, start flossing gently between them.
And don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugar sits on their teeth overnight and can cause serious decay, often called baby bottle tooth decay. If they need something to fall asleep with, give them water instead.
We also recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit by their first birthday. It might sound early, but it helps us catch any early signs of issues and helps your child get used to the dentist’s office. It’s more about helping your child feel comfortable than doing much dental work.
Toddler Stage (1–3 Years): Full Set of Baby Teeth
By the time your child hits their third birthday, they should have all 20 of their primary teeth. These teeth come in gradually over those toddler years. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your child’s thumb-sucking or pacifier habits around age three, since that’s when it can start to become a concern.
Most kids drop these habits on their own between ages two and four, which is totally fine. If it continues past four or five, especially once permanent teeth start coming in, it can affect how the teeth and jaw develop. If that happens, we can talk through some simple ways to help your child stop.
Read more: 4 Tips on Weaning Your Little One from Thumb- and Finger-sucking
Preschool & Early School Age (4–6 Years): Developing Healthy Habits
This is the perfect time to build good oral care habits with your child. They should be brushing twice a day, morning and night, and you should still be helping or at least watching to make sure it’s done right. Most kids this age think they’re brushing well enough, but they usually miss a few spots. Let them start on their own, then do a quick check and help finish up.
Around age five or six, those front baby teeth start to loosen up. Some kids get excited about it, while others feel a little nervous. Both are totally normal. Let them know it’s just part of growing up and that their new teeth are stronger and meant to stay for good.
What they eat matters a lot right now too. Kids this age tend to snack more, go to birthday parties, and get treats at school. They don’t need to skip sweets completely, but try to limit how often they have sugary foods or drinks between meals. If they’re going to have something sweet, it’s better to have it with a meal instead of snacking on it all day.
Middle Childhood (6–12 Years): Losing Baby Teeth & Growing Permanent Ones
This stage is called the “mixed dentition” phase, when your child has both baby teeth and permanent teeth at the same time. You might notice some color differences, since permanent teeth often look a little more yellow than baby teeth.
Most kids lose their front baby teeth first, usually around ages six to seven. The back baby teeth don’t fall out until ages nine to twelve. Around six or seven, the first permanent molars, often called the “six-year molars,” come in behind the baby teeth. These don’t replace any baby teeth; they simply appear at the back of the mouth as the first adult molars. If you want a full breakdown of when each baby tooth typically erupts or falls out, check out our blog on primary teeth eruption.
This is also a good time to talk with your child’s dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments. Sealants are a thin protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent cavities. They’re quick, painless, and very effective. Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel on all the teeth and make them more resistant to decay.
Read more: Dental Sealants: How They Can Benefit Your Child’s Oral Health
Between ages seven and nine, we often recommend an orthodontic evaluation to check for early signs of crowding, spacing, or bite issues. Addressing these problems early can make future treatment simpler and more effective.
Teenage Years (13–18 Years): Final Growth & Wisdom Teeth
By the early teen years, most of the permanent teeth are in place. If your teen needs braces or other orthodontic treatment, this is usually when it happens.
Teens usually have a lot going on and taking care of their teeth isn’t always at the top of their list. It’s recommended that parents monitor their teens to make sure they maintain good oral habits and keep up with regular dental checkups.
If they play sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. If they have braces, they need to watch what they eat and be extra thorough when cleaning their teeth.
Read more: Does My Kid Need a Mouthguard?
Teen diets often include things like energy drinks, soda, and constant snacking, which can wear down enamel and cause decay. Encourage them to drink a lot of water and choose healthier snacks whenever possible.
Wisdom teeth usually start coming in during the late teen years, usually between 17 and 21. Not everyone needs them removed, but many people do because there’s just not enough room in the mouth for them. If they’re coming in crooked, impacted, or causing crowding, we’ll probably recommend extraction. Regular dental checkups and X-rays help track how these teeth are developing so you can plan ahead.
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health for Your Child
Looking back at all these stages, it’s clear how much your child’s mouth changes from infancy through the teen years. No matter the stage, the most important thing is sticking with good habits: brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and keeping up with regular checkups. Don’t wait until something hurts to schedule a visit. Preventive care is always easier and less stressful than fixing problems later after they develop.
Over time, these regular visits do more than just prevent issues. They also help your child build trust and feel comfortable with dental care. Establishing a dental home early helps shape how they view dental care throughout their life.
When kids see the same dental team regularly, they know what to expect, feel at ease, and start seeing dental visits as a normal part of life instead of something scary.
Communication with your child’s dentist is also important. If you notice something that seems off or your child complains about pain, give us a call. Our pediatric dental office has been trusted as a dental home by many families in Acadiana, and we would love to help your child build healthy oral habits from childhood through their teen years. We care for children of all ages.
Call us to learn more about our services or request an appointment online. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.