Every child’s smile goes through several important stages. Being aware of what’s typical helps parents identify concerns early and consult with a children’s dentist when needed.
Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, though some start earlier or later. Typically, by age 3, a child will have 20 primary (baby) teeth.
Typical baby teeth eruption order:
It’s normal for eruption patterns to vary slightly. However, if no teeth have appeared by 18 months, consult a children’s dental professional for an evaluation.
Between the ages of 6 and 12, children begin losing baby teeth and developing permanent ones. This period is called the mixed dentition stage. The first adult molars (often called “6-year molars”) are usually the first to appear, followed by the replacement of front teeth and molars.
Permanent teeth growth timeline:
Monitoring this transition ensures teeth come in at the right time and align properly. Early orthodontic consultations may be recommended by your Las Vegas children’s dental clinic to prevent long-term problems.
Keeping an eye on your child’s dental milestones helps you:
- Identify delayed eruption or early loss of teeth
- Spot misaligned or overcrowded teeth early
- Maintain consistent brushing and flossing routines
- Prevent decay and gum issues before they become serious
When paired with routine visits to a children’s dental clinic, at-home tracking forms the foundation for lifelong oral health.
Recognizing the signs of healthy children’s dental growth helps you stay ahead of potential issues and promotes a healthy, confident smile for years to come.
One of the clearest indicators of healthy dental growth is the order and spacing of teeth. Baby teeth and permanent teeth both follow a typical sequence when erupting. While slight variations are normal, major deviations may suggest crowding or delayed development.
Healthy spacing is especially important in baby teeth—it makes room for permanent teeth to come in properly later. If teeth seem too crowded or are coming in out of order, a visit to your Las Vegas children’s dental provider can help determine if early orthodontic intervention is needed.
Watch for:
Teething can be uncomfortable, but some symptoms are perfectly normal. As teeth erupt through the gums, your child may experience:
However, excessive fever, diarrhea, rashes, or severe swelling are not typical teething symptoms. If these appear, it's best to contact your pediatrician or a kid’s dentist to rule out infections or unrelated conditions.
Also, if teething seems excessively delayed or your child seems to be in prolonged pain with no visible teeth, it may be time for a professional evaluation.
Healthy jaw alignment plays a major role in speech, eating, and long-term oral health. As your child grows, their bite (the way the upper and lower teeth meet) should gradually develop into a balanced, functional position.
Signs of good jaw and bite development include:
- Teeth meeting evenly when the mouth is closed
- No consistent open-mouth breathing during sleep
- No clicking or popping sounds from the jaw
On the other hand, overbites, underbites, or crossbites may signal alignment concerns. If your child’s bite seems uneven, it’s a great idea to schedule an early orthodontic consultation through a Las Vegas children’s dental clinic to discuss options like space maintainers or braces.
Here are some helpful tools you can use at home to stay on top of your child’s dental growth:
Dental eruption charts are excellent visual tools to help parents track when specific teeth should appear. You can find printable versions online or use interactive digital ones that let you mark teeth as they emerge.
These charts:
Keep the chart on the fridge or in your child’s bathroom for easy access and consistent tracking.
While not a tracking tool in the traditional sense, teething rings and cooling gels play an important role during the early stages of dental growth. They offer comfort and help you identify which part of the mouth is actively teething based on where your child chews.
Look for:
Tracking which areas your child is using can also signal which teeth are on their way in.
LED dental mirrors can give you a better view inside your child’s mouth, especially for molars and hard-to-see spots. These tools are designed with built-in lighting, making at-home inspections easier and more accurate.
With regular checks, you can:
Pair these checks with regular visits to your Las Vegas children’s dental clinic for professional confirmation and care.
Yes—there’s an app for that! Several smartphone apps are designed to help parents log teething milestones and track both baby and permanent teeth. These apps often include reminders for brushing, dental visits, and flossing, making oral care part of your daily routine.
Popular features:
- Digital eruption charts
- Custom alerts for dental checkups
- Image logging and growth timeline comparison
This is a great way to stay organized, especially for busy Las Vegas parents juggling work, school, and extracurriculars.
A simple notebook or a printed dental care journal can help you record:
- The dates when teeth erupt or fall out
- Any discomfort or symptoms experienced
- Oral hygiene routines and daily habits
Over time, this log becomes a valuable reference during appointments with your children’sdentist, helping to identify patterns or issues that might need attention.
One of the easiest ways to examine your child’s dental condition is by doing a “lift-the-lip” check. Gently lift your child’s upper and lower lips to inspect their teeth and gums.
What to look for:
- Healthy gums: Pink and firm, not red, swollen, or bleeding
- Clean teeth: No signs of plaque or buildup near the gumline
- White spots: These can be early indicators of tooth decay
Performing this simple check once a week can help you catch problems early and discuss them with your children’sdentist.
Early intervention is key when it comes to cavities or dental issues. Keep an eye out for:
- Brown or black spots on the teeth
- White chalky patches near the gumline
- Tooth sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods
- Loose teeth outside the expected age range for baby tooth loss
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a visit with a Las Vegas children’s dental clinic for a professional evaluation.
Your child’s oral hygiene routine should evolve as they grow. Start brushing even before teeth erupt by gently wiping the gums with a soft cloth. Once teeth appear, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
At every stage:
Make brushing fun by using timers, reward charts, or letting kids choose their toothbrushes. Many children’s dental offices offer educational resources for building better brushing habits at home.
“Bottle rot” refers to early childhood tooth decay caused by prolonged exposure to sugary drinks—especially when children are put to bed with a bottle. To prevent this:
Additionally, prolonged pacifier use beyond age 2–3 can affect jaw development and alignment. If you're concerned about your child’s habits, a quick consultation with a Las Vegas children’s dental specialist can help you create a weaning strategy that supports healthy growth.
Here’s how these professionals help your child maintain a healthy mouth and a confident smile:
At your child’s regular dental appointments, children’s dentists use advanced digital imaging tools to monitor tooth development, alignment, and jaw growth. These tools provide a clear, detailed picture that allows for:
- Early detection of cavities or structural issues
- Tracking of erupting permanent teeth
- Monitoring spacing and alignment over time
Digital X-rays are fast, safe, and essential for catching concerns that aren’t visible during a routine visual exam. Your Las Vegas children’s dental provider will typically take these images once a year or as needed based on your child’s development.
One of the biggest benefits of visiting a children’s dentist is the customized guidance provided to parents. No two children grow the same, and dental needs vary at every age.
Your child’s dentist can offer:
- Tips for managing teething pain
- Brushing and flossing techniques for each stage
- Nutritional advice to support dental health
- Early referrals for orthodontic care, if needed
Children dentists also provide essential preventive treatments designed to protect your child’s teeth from decay and damage as they grow.
Two of the most common preventive services include:
- Dental sealants: A protective coating applied to the grooves of molars to prevent cavities.
- Fluoride treatments: Strengthen tooth enamel and help reverse early signs of tooth decay.
Not sure if your child’s dental development is on track? Use our tips at home and consult with a children’a dentist for personalized support!