Overview and Timeline of the Stages of Dental Development in Children.
Dental development in children constitutes a multifaceted process, involving the growth of adult teeth and the replacement of baby teeth
Overview and Timeline of the Stages of Dental Development in Children.
Contents
1. The early stages (0-6 months): 1
3. Early childhood (2-6 years): 2
4. Mixed dentition (6-12 years): 2
5. Late childhood and adolescence (12-19 years): 3
6. Wisdom Teeth Eruption (17-25 years): 4
7. Misconceptions of Teething: 4
Dental development in children constitutes a multifaceted process, involving the growth of adult teeth and the replacement of baby teeth. From birth to 19 years of age, a child's dental journey progresses through the following phases:
1. The early stages (0-6 months):
1.1. The commencement of tooth bud formation within the gums marks the first stage in the intricate and ongoing process of tooth development, which begins before birth. Baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth, are already being generated within the child's body during the initial stages of development. These teeth play a crucial role in a child's ability to eat, speak, and establish strong permanent teeth as they will ultimately emerge through the gums.
1.2. Although babies have no visible teeth during infancy, which usually lasts for the first six months of life, tooth development continues beneath the gum line. Consequently, even though parents cannot observe any teeth, their child is already laying the foundation for primary teeth.
1.3. Parents can keep track of their infant's dental progression by watching out for the following:
1.3.1. Teething symptoms: Infants may exhibit symptoms such as irritability, drooling, and swollen gums as their teeth begin to emerge. To ease their child's discomfort, parents can offer teething toys to chew on, gently massage the gums with a clean finger, or administer over-the-counter pain relievers like infant acetaminophen.
1.3.2. Oral hygiene: Parents should start cleaning their baby's gums with a soft, moist cloth or gauze after feeding to eliminate any bacteria or residue, even before teeth are visible. This can help foster good oral hygiene habits in their child and prepare them for future brushing.
1.3.3. Regular checkups: Infants should have their first dental examination by their first birthday or within six months of the emergence of their first tooth, whichever occurs first. During this visit, the dentist can evaluate the child's oral health, offer advice on good oral hygiene, and keep track of dental development.
2. Teething (6-24 months):
2.1. Teething marks a significant developmental stage in a child's life as it initiates their dental journey. This phase typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months and involves the eruption of primary teeth, also known as deciduous or baby teeth, through the gums. During teething, parents may notice their child experiencing symptoms such as drooling, irritability, and biting or chewing on objects to relieve discomfort.
2.2. Primary teeth play an essential role in a child's ability to eat, speak, and develop healthy permanent teeth. The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors (front teeth), followed by the upper central incisors.
1) When a child is teething, parents can monitor their child's dental progression by looking for the following:
3.1.1. Tooth eruption: As teeth begin to emerge through the gums, parents should search for eruption signs such as small bumps or ridges on the gums. They should also keep an eye on the timing and order of teeth emergence, as accelerated or delayed eruption may indicate underlying issues.
3.1.2. Oral hygiene: Parents should begin brushing their child's teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth emerges. After feedings, they should keep wiping the gums and tongue with a soft, moist cloth or gauze.
2) Diet:
4.1.1. Infants who are teething may find it challenging to consume food or liquids. To prevent tooth decay, parents should provide soft, cool, and easy-to-chew foods like pureed fruits and vegetables.
3. Early childhood (2-6 years):
a) Early childhood is a crucial stage in a child's dental journey, as it is when all 20 primary teeth ordinarily erupt. This stage typically spans from 2 to 6 years old, and it is characterized by a succession of tooth emergence that follows a sequence: incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars.
b) Throughout this stage, primary teeth play a pivotal role in maintaining appropriate spacing for permanent teeth, facilitating speech and chewing, developing the jawbone and muscles, and establishing proper oral hygiene practices that will persist into adulthood.
c) Parents can keep an eye on their child's dental development during early childhood by looking for the following:
i) Tooth emergence: Parents should continue to monitor the timing and sequence of tooth eruption, as delayed or accelerated emergence may indicate underlying issues. They should also check for any signs of tooth decay, such as white or brown spots on the teeth, and report any concerns to their child's dentist.
ii) Oral hygiene: As more teeth emerge, parents should continue to brush their child's teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and floss between teeth as needed. They should also encourage their child to rinse their mouth with water after meals and snacks.
iii) Diet: During early childhood, children may encounter more sugary and acidic foods, such as candy and juice. Parents should restrict their child's consumption of these foods and encourage them to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
iv) Regular checkups: Children should have dental checkups every 6 months to a year, depending on their dentist's recommendations. During these visits, the dentist can assess the child's oral health, provide guidance on proper oral hygiene, and monitor dental development.
4. Mixed dentition (6-12 years):
a) The mixed dentition stage is a crucial period in a child's dental development, typically spanning from 6 to 12 years old. During this stage, the child's primary teeth begin to fall out as the permanent teeth emerge, resulting in a blend of both primary and permanent teeth.
b) Around age 6, the first permanent teeth, known as the "6-year molars" or first molars, emerge behind the primary second molars. As more permanent teeth develop, the primary teeth gradually loosen and fall out, making room for the permanent teeth. This process continues until all 32 permanent teeth have erupted, including the wisdom teeth, which typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
c) Parents can monitor their child's dental development during the mixed dentition stage by looking for the following:
i) Tooth emergence: Parents should monitor the timing and sequence of permanent tooth emergence, as well as the loss of primary teeth. If a primary tooth does not fall out on its own, the child may need to have it extracted to prevent issues with overcrowding or misalignment.
ii) Orthodontic evaluation: As the child's permanent teeth emerge, parents should consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation to determine if their child will need braces or other corrective treatments to address issues such as crooked teeth or bite problems.
iii) Oral hygiene: With a mix of both primary and permanent teeth, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash if recommended by the dentist.
iv) Diet: As permanent teeth emerge, parents should encourage their child to eat a well-balanced diet that is low in sugary and acidic foods that can damage teeth. In addition to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, parents can also offer their child dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are rich in calcium and other nutrients that are essential for strong teeth and bones.
v) Regular checkups: Children should continue to have regular dental checkups every 6 months to a year to monitor dental development and address any potential issues. During these visits, the dentist can assess the child's oral health, provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, and recommend any necessary treatments or procedures to ensure optimal dental health.
Braces: when and where?
i) Parents may need to consider braces for their child's teeth during the mixed dentition stage, typically spanning from 6 to 12 years old. This is because this stage is characterized by a mix of both primary and permanent teeth, which can sometimes result in misalignment or bite issues.
ii) During this stage, parents should monitor their child's dental development and look for signs that their child may need braces. Some common indicators that braces may be necessary include:
iii) Crowding or spacing issues: If the child's teeth are crowded or spaced too far apart, this can affect the alignment of their teeth and jaw.
iv) Bite problems: Bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can affect the child's ability to eat, speak, and develop healthy teeth and gums.
v) Early or delayed tooth loss: If the child loses teeth too early or too late, this can affect the alignment of their teeth and jaw.
vi) Difficulty chewing or speaking: If the child has difficulty chewing or speaking, this may be a sign of bite issues or misalignment.
vii) Self-esteem: If the child is self-conscious about their smile, braces may be recommended to help improve their confidence and self-esteem.
If parents notice any of these signs or have concerns about their child's dental development, they should consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation. During this evaluation, an orthodontist will assess the child's teeth, jaw, and bite to determine if braces or other corrective treatments are necessary.
5. Late childhood and adolescence (12-19 years):
a) Late childhood and adolescence is a crucial period in a child's dental development, typically spanning from 12 to 19 years old. By this stage, most children have lost all of their primary teeth, and their permanent teeth have erupted, with the exception of the wisdom teeth. The child now has 28 permanent teeth, not including the wisdom teeth, which typically erupt between ages 17 and 25, although this can vary significantly.
b) During this stage, parents can monitor their child's dental development by checking for the following:
i) Wisdom teeth: The wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, and their development can vary widely between individuals. Some children may not have any wisdom teeth, while others may experience impaction, overcrowding, or other issues. Parents should monitor their child's wisdom teeth development and speak with their dentist if they have any concerns.
ii) Oral hygiene: With all permanent teeth in place, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash if recommended by the dentist.
iii) Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Parents should encourage their child to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods and limit sugary and acidic foods that can damage teeth.
iv) Regular checkups: Regular dental checkups are crucial during adolescence to monitor dental development and address any potential issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or misalignment.
v) Orthodontic treatment: Adolescents may benefit from orthodontic treatment to address issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, or bite problems. Parents should consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation for their child to determine if treatment is necessary.
6. Wisdom Teeth Eruption (17-25 years):
As the long-awaited arrival of wisdom teeth approaches, a mystifying event for many young adults, parental monitoring of dental development becomes imperative. These enigmatic third molars typically surface between the ages of 17 and 25, but occasionally may appear earlier or later, or not at all.
As a progenitor, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your offspring's dental maturation during this phase. Be on the lookout for several potential quandaries:
(i) Primarily, the appearance of wisdom teeth itself. Stay alert for indications of discomfort, such as pain or inflammation in the back of the mouth, as well as difficulty opening the jaw.
(ii) Secondarily, obstruction. Some wisdom teeth may become blocked, meaning they cannot protrude fully from the gums. This can lead to an assortment of predicaments, including inflammation, infection, and even harm to neighboring teeth.
(iii) Tertiary, crowding. Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding or displacement of neighboring teeth, leading to bite complications, misalignment, and other difficulties. Observe your child's dental alignment and bite closely, and seek out the guidance of a dental expert if you observe any changes.
(iv) Routine checkups with a dental professional are crucial during this juncture, as they can assist in monitoring your offspring's wisdom teeth development and identifying any potential issues early on. And, in some cases, wisdom teeth may necessitate extraction to prevent complications or maintain optimal dental health. If you're apprehensive about your child's wisdom teeth or they're experiencing pain or other symptoms, don't hesitate to converse with their dental practitioner or oral surgeon.
(v) It's imperative to bear in mind that wisdom teeth development can vary greatly among individuals, and not everyone will develop wisdom teeth or encounter complications. However, staying current with regular dental checkups and practicing good oral hygiene habits is essential for preserving healthy teeth and gums throughout adulthood. So, remain vigilant and don't hesitate to contact your child's pediatrician or dentist if you have any concerns about their dental development or if they're experiencing any atypical symptoms.
7. Misconceptions of Teething:
Here are some common misconceptions about dental development in children:
I. "Baby teeth don't matter": While primary teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, they play a crucial role in maintaining the correct spacing for permanent teeth and facilitating speech and chewing. Neglecting primary teeth can lead to issues such as tooth decay, infection, and damage to permanent teeth.
II. "Tooth decay only affects baby teeth": Tooth decay can affect both primary and permanent teeth, and neglecting oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet can lead to cavities and other dental issues.
III. "Braces are only for cosmetic purposes": While braces can improve the appearance of the teeth and smile, they can also correct bite issues, misalignment, and other dental problems that can affect speech, chewing, and overall oral health.
IV. "Wisdom teeth always need to be removed": Not all individuals will develop wisdom teeth or experience complications, and the decision to remove wisdom teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon.
V. "Tooth development is the same for every child": Dental development timelines can vary widely between individuals, and some children may experience delayed or accelerated tooth eruption or other issues. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout childhood and into adulthood.
8. FAQ’s
I) At what age do children start losing their baby teeth?
a) Children typically start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6 or 7, with the process continuing through the age of 12 or 13.
II) What should parents do if their child's permanent teeth are not coming in?
a) If a child's permanent teeth are not coming in as expected, parents should consult with their child's dentist to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
III) What are some common problems that can occur during dental development?
a) Some common problems that can occur during dental development include crowding, misalignment, bite issues, and impacted or missing teeth.
IV) What are the benefits of braces for children?
a) Braces can help correct misalignment and bite issues, improve oral health, and enhance the appearance of the child's smile, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.
V) What is the best way to care for a child's teeth during dental development?
a) Parents should encourage good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and eating a healthy, balanced diet low in sugar and acidic foods. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout childhood and into adulthood.
9. References
Sites List the top 10 organically ranked online sites.
Mayo Clinic - Dental Health and Teeth https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
WebMD - Children's Dental Health https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-child
American Dental Association - Children's Oral Health https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids
Healthline - Children's Teeth https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-teeth
KidsHealth - Dental Health https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dental.html
Colgate - Children's Oral Health https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - Tooth Development https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-development
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Oral Health for Children https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
Oral-B - Children's Dental Care https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/childrens-dental-care
Everyday Health - Dental Health for Kids https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-for-kids.aspx
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
It is important to note that wisdom teeth development can vary widely between individuals, and not all individuals will develop wisdom teeth or experience complications. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout adulthood. Parents should also speak with their child's pediatrician or dentist if they have any concerns about their child's dental development or if their child is experiencing unusual symptoms such as pain or swelling in the mouth.
Join our mailing list and get your Free Coloring Book.
Please click on these links to get access to our books:
1. Author Central Marcella Gucci
2. Author central Blue Cherry Book Store