Early dental care is about more than just clean teeth — it’s about monitoring development, catching issues early, and creating positive dental experiences from the start. Each phase of your child’s growth comes with different oral health needs, making visits to the right specialists essential. By prioritizing these key developmental milestones, you can help prevent future complications, ensure proper dental development, and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Your child’s journey to a healthy smile starts early. By the time their first tooth appears (typically at around 6 months old), it’s time to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist specializes in caring for young children’s teeth, ensuring that little teeth remain bright and healthy from the very beginning. This early appointment is crucial for screening for issues with tooth and jaw development, checking for any early signs of decay, and receiving guidance on teething, diet, and proper brushing techniques.
At about age seven, your child should visit an orthodontist for an evaluation of their bite, teeth alignment, and jaw growth. An orthodontist specializes in preventing and correcting any abnormalities with teeth or jaw alignment. At this age, many orthodontic issues–such as misaligned bites, overcrowding, or early tooth loss–can be identified and addressed with early intervention if necessary. While braces or orthodontic treatment may not be needed immediately, an early assessment enables the creation of a forward plan, potentially preventing more severe issues down the road. 
The teenage years are a pivotal time for monitoring wisdom teeth. At around age 15, a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can determine whether your child’s wisdom teeth need removal or if they should continue to be monitored. Impacted or improperly positioned wisdom teeth, for example, can lead to pain, infection, and alignment issues if left unchecked. Even if your child is not experiencing discomfort, an early evaluation ensures that any necessary treatment is planned before complications arise
A strong oral health routine begins with your child’s first tooth. By scheduling these key appointments at ages 1, 7, and 15, you’re ensuring your child builds a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.
Don’t wait for problems to appear — take a proactive step toward your child’s best smile today. If your child is approaching one of these important age milestones, contact our office today.
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