Children’s Dental Milestones Every Parent Should Know from Marks Family Dentistry
As parents, we all know how fast childhood goes and how many questions come with it. One of the most common things we hear from families is, “Is this normal?” when it comes to their child’s teeth. The good news is: most of the time, it is! Knowing a few key dental milestones can make caring for your child’s smile feel a lot more manageable.
Most babies get their first tooth around six months, though anywhere from four to twelve months is completely normal. Using a washcloth or soft brush during bath time— even before teeth come in—can help your child become accustomed to brushing. Once that first tooth appears, it’s time to start gently brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps protect new teeth and gets little ones used to a daily routine early on.
By around age three, most children have all 20 of their baby teeth. At this stage, we begin watching how teeth are spaced, how the bite is developing, and whether habits like thumb-sucking may impact jaw growth.
One milestone that often surprises parents is the first dental visit. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a child’s first visit around age one. We encourage parents to start bringing their child along to their own appointments so they can observe and feel comfortable in the dental environment. Around age three, we typically begin seeing children more regularly for routine care.
Around ages four to six, the fun and exciting “wiggly-tooth” phase begins as permanent teeth start to come in. This is also when we may talk about sealants on adult molars to help prevent cavities, as well as evaluate the possible need and timing for orthodontics to guide healthy growth and development from the start.
Your child’s smile supports their confidence, health, and overall well-being. To help make preventive care easier for families—especially those without traditional dental insurance—we now offer a pediatric membership plan designed to support routine visits and long-term oral health. If you ever have questions, or just want reassurance that everything looks right, we’re always here to support your family through every stage of growing smiles.
