From Baby Teeth to Braces: Dental Milestones Every Parent Should Know

As your child grows, their smile grows with them—literally! From those first baby teeth to a full set of braces, there are several key dental milestones parents should be prepared for. At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your child’s oral health.

Here’s your go-to timeline of what to expect, when to visit the dentist, and how to keep your child’s teeth healthy at every stage.

👶 1. Baby Teeth: The First Tooth Eruption (Around 6 Months)

Your baby’s first tooth is a big deal! It typically appears around 6 months, starting with the lower front teeth.

What to Expect:

• Drooling, fussiness, and gum sensitivity
• A full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3
• Teething tips and guidance from your pediatric dentist

Dental Tip:
It’s time for your baby’s first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Learn more about early visits.

🪥 2. Establishing a Healthy Routine (Ages 1–3)

Once teeth start coming in, your child is ready for regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and routine checkups every 6 months.

What We Offer:

• Gentle dental cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Help managing thumb sucking and pacifier habits

Bonus: Our Spanish-speaking staff makes every family feel welcome!

😁 3. Losing Baby Teeth (Ages 5–7)

Get ready for the tooth fairy! Most kids begin to lose baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower front ones.

Why It Matters:

• Baby teeth guide permanent teeth into position
• Losing them too early (due to cavities or trauma) may require space maintainers

Quick Read: When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?

🧒 4. Watch for Cavities & Growth Issues (Ages 6–9)

During the mixed dentition stage (baby & adult teeth), your child’s smile changes fast. This is when we start identifying:

• Tooth decay
• Bite alignment concerns
• Orthodontic red flags

Our offices offer everything from cavity treatment to pediatric root canals and crowns if needed.

🦷 5. First Orthodontic Evaluation (Age 7)

Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic checkup by age 7? This helps spot bite issues like:

• Overbites & underbites
• Crossbites
• Crowding or spacing
• Early loss of baby teeth

Explore our orthodontic services, including:

• Invisalign for kids & teens
• Metal braces
• FOREVERSMILE retainer program

😬 6. Braces or Invisalign (Ages 10–14)

This is the most common age for braces or clear aligners—once most of the permanent teeth are in.

Orthodontic care is about more than just straight teeth. It also:

• Improves bite and jaw alignment
• Enhances self-confidence
• Makes teeth easier to clean (less risk of future decay)

Curious? Read: How Much Do Braces Cost?

👩‍⚕️ Complete Care from Babyhood to the Teen Years

At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we serve families through every phase of oral development, offering:

• Multiple locations for convenience in Kerrville, San Antonio (Culebra, Rittiman), Lytle, and Laredo
• PPO insurance & Medicaid welcome
• Spanish-speaking team members
• Flexible hours—including Saturdays at some locations
• A warm, compassionate team of board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists

🎯 Local Love: Caring for Smiles in Kerrville & Beyond

We proudly support families in:
Kerrville, Comfort, Medina, Bandera, Mountain Home, Fredericksburg, and surrounding rural areas.

Looking for dental care close to home? Visit our Kerrville office or choose the location nearest you.

💡 Related Blog Reads You’ll Love

• Embracing Early Dental Visits
• Importance of Regular Pediatric Dental Exams
• Average Age for Braces
• Dental Care During Orthodontic Treatment

📅 Schedule Your Child’s Next Visit

Tots to Teens makes it simple to get started—from that first tiny tooth to a beautiful, braces-free smile.

📍 Find Your Nearest Location
📞 Call your preferred office or contact us online
📧 info@totstoteenspediatricdentistry.com

Let us help your child build a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles!