Teething to Teen: A Parent’s Roadmap to Healthy Teeth
Watching your child grow is a joyful journey — and their smile is a big part of it! Knowing the key dental milestones helps parents feel confident about their child’s oral development and recognize any potential concerns early on.
Tooth buds begin forming during pregnancy around the 6th to 8th week of gestation for the baby teeth, and the permanent tooth buds start developing around the 20th week of gestation.
Teeth that are present at birth are known as natal teeth, while those that erupt within the first 30 days after birth are referred to as neonatal teeth.
Teething is the natural process where an infant’s teeth begin to erupt through the gums. It usually starts around 6 months of age, but it can vary from baby to baby.
Here’s a simple, stage-by-stage guide to your child’s dental journey — from babyhood to the teenage years:
0–6 Months: Building the Foundation
Even before teeth appear, oral care begins. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to keep their mouth healthy.
Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle — it can lead to early tooth decay, known as “baby bottle tooth decay.”
6–12 Months: The First Tooth Arrives
Around 6 months, most babies get their first tooth — usually the lower front ones.
This is the ideal time to book their first dental appointment, either by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
Tip: Early dental visits ease fear and allow your dentist to offer guidance on teething, brushing techniques, and fluoride use.
1–3 Years: Caring for Baby Teeth
By age 3, most children will have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small, rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Brush twice daily with your assistance — it builds routine and ensures a thorough clean.
Topical fluoride gel application is a concentrated form of fluoride applied by dental professionals to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Recommended Age Range for fluoride gel application starts at 3 years of age. It can be safely continued through adolescence (up to 16–18 years), especially for those at higher risk of cavities
Milestone: Start flossing as soon as any two teeth begin to touch!
4–6 Years: Learning Independence
Kids at this age can start brushing on their own, but parental supervision is still key.
Use songs, fun timers, or apps to help them brush for the 2 minutes.
Keep an eye on their diet — reduce sugary snacks and juices, and avoid sticky treats.
Watch for habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, as these can impact the alignment of teeth and jaw development.
6–12 Years: The Tooth Fairy Years
Big changes start here! Around age 6, first permanent molars come in — even before baby teeth begin to fall out.
This is the stage of wiggly teeth and magical visits from the tooth fairy.
Talk to your dentist about dental sealants — they help protect new molars from cavities.
Keep reinforcing strong brushing and flossing habits.
Milestone: Schedule an orthodontic evaluation by age 9 to catch any early alignment concerns.
13–18 Years: Teenage Smiles
Wisdom teeth may begin to form, and many teens start orthodontic treatment like braces or retainers.
Good hygiene becomes even more important, especially with appliances in place.
Encourage regular checkups, a balanced diet, and the use of mouthguards for sports.
Milestone: This is a great time to educate teens about the risks of smoking, vaping, and oral piercings.
BY,
DR.RENJU T GEORGE,
INDIA.
