Parenthood is full of milestones. First smile. First steps. First word. And somewhere in there, first tooth. It’s exciting. It’s messy. And if you’re like most parents, it’s also a little confusing. When should that first tooth appear? When should it fall out? And when do you even start thinking about braces?

At Horizon Family Dental Care in Baltimore, we’ve guided countless families through every stage of their child’s dental milestones. Here’s a simple timeline to help you know what to expect.

The Baby Teeth Years (Ages 0 to 3)

Most babies get their first tooth around six months of age. But “around” is doing a lot of work here. Some babies get teeth at three months. Others don’t get one until their first birthday. Both are normal.

No matter when it happens, front bottom teeth usually come in first. The top front teeth follow soon after. By age three, most children have all 20 baby teeth.

What you can do: Start cleaning your baby’s gums before teeth even appear. A soft, damp cloth works great. Once teeth come in, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on a baby toothbrush. And schedule that first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth.

The Wiggly Years (Ages 5 to 7)

This is when the magic happens. Baby teeth start getting loose, and permanent teeth start coming in.

The bottom front teeth usually go first. Then the top front teeth. Over the next few years, the rest of the baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent ones.

What you can do: Encourage gentle wiggling but don’t force it. Keep up with brushing, even around loose teeth. And don’t panic if the permanent tooth comes in behind the baby tooth before it falls out. That’s common and usually resolves on its own.

If your child loses a tooth before age four or hasn’t lost any by age eight, give us a call. Those are worth checking out.

The Mixed Dentition Years (Ages 6 to 12)

This is the awkward phase. Your child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. They might look a little goofy for a while. That’s completely normal.

During these years, the permanent molars come in. These are the big teeth at the back of the mouth. They don’t replace any baby teeth; they just appear. The first ones usually show up around age six. The second set arrives around age twelve.

What you can do: Help your child brush those back teeth thoroughly. They’re easy to miss. And start talking about flossing if you haven’t already.

The Orthodontic Check (Around Age 7)

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

Why so early? By seven, the first permanent molars and front teeth have come in. That gives us enough information to spot potential problems. We can see if the jaw is too small, if teeth are coming in crooked, or if there are bite issues developing.

Early evaluation doesn’t mean early braces. Most children don’t need treatment right away. But if we catch something early, we can often guide growth and development to prevent bigger problems later. Sometimes that means a simple appliance. Sometimes it just means monitoring.

What you can do: Bring your child in for that evaluation. It’s quick and painless. And it gives you peace of mind.

The Braces Years (Ages 9 to 14)

If your child needs braces, this is usually when it happens. Most orthodontic treatment starts between ages 9 and 14, when the permanent teeth are mostly in and the jaw is still growing.

Some children need braces. Some don’t. Some need them earlier. Some need them later. Every child is different.

What you can do: Talk to us about your child’s specific needs. We can help you understand what’s recommended and why.

We’re Here for Every Stage

Your child’s smile changes so much over the years. And we’re here for all of it, from that first tiny tooth to the day those braces come off.

Call our Baltimore office today to schedule your child’s next appointment. We’ll make sure every milestone is a happy one.