Dental Health and Developmental Milestones
Oregon City, OR
 Dental health plays a crucial role in a child's development, confidence, and overall well being. As our children grow, their dental needs evolve, and they experience many developmental milestones. Understanding these milestones and how they relate to oral health can help parents and caregivers teach proper dental care from infancy to adolescence, and ensure a lifetime of oral health into adulthood. Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry is here to encourage good oral health for your children as they grow.
Infants (0-12 months)
The first year of life is marked by rapid growth and development. Most babies are born without visible teeth, and their first tooth usually appears between 4 to 7 months of age. By their first birthday, many infants have several teeth. We recommend bringing children in for their first visit with us after the eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday.
Dental Care For Infants
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Clean gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
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Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth emerges
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Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles to prevent tooth decay |
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Toddlers typically have all of their 20 primary teeth by the age of 3. It is crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits during this time frame.
Dental Milestones and Care
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Introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush
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Schedule the first dental visit by their first birthday
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Begin teaching proper brushing techniques |
Preschool Years (3-5 years)
During this stage, children develop more independence and can start taking an active role in their dental care. Some key developments for preschoolers are:| • |
Improved manual dexterity for better brushing
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Possible signs of tooth or bite misalignment, or other issues
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Potential loss of first baby teeth towards the end of this stage |
Dental Care For Preschoolers
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Supervise brushing and flossing
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Reinforce the importance of regular dental check-ups
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Monitor sugar intake and promote healthy eating habits |
School Age (6-12 years)
This period sees significant changes in the child's dentition as baby teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. Some of the major dental milestones in these years of development are:| • |
Loss of most primary teeth
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Eruption of permanent molars
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Possible need for orthodontic evaluation |
Dental Care For Children Ages 6-12
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Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques
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Consider dental sealants for cavity prevention
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Address any orthodontic concerns
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Encourage wearing mouthguards during sports activities |
Adolescence (13-18 years)
The teenage years bring the final set of permanent teeth and increased responsibility and autonomy for dental care.
Dental Developments
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Eruption of wisdom teeth
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Completion of orthodontic treatment (if applicable)
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Increased risk of periodontal disease due to hormonal changes |
Dental Care For Teenagers
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Emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene
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Address cosmetic concerns
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Monitor wisdom teeth development and potential issues
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Education about the oral health risks associated with smoking and alcohol use |
Pediatric Dental Visits
Throughout all of these stages, regular dental checkups are crucial. These visits allow our team to monitor development, detect any issues early, address those issues quickly, and to provide personalized advice for each individual child's oral health needs. Contact Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry today at (971) 459-2431 to schedule a dental appointment for your child. |
