Watch Your Child's Dental Development
Your child's teeth, stage by stage: what to watch for
Spotting small concerns before they grow starts with knowing what is typical at each stage of your child's development and what is worth raising at a checkup. This video walks parents through the whole timeline, from tooth formation, which can begin as early as the second month of pregnancy, into the late teens.
A permanent tooth has trouble erupting properly once neighboring teeth have drifted into its space, and that drift can follow when a primary tooth is lost too early or out of sequence. The video shows baby teeth emerging and why they matter: each one holds the place for the adult tooth waiting behind it. In those situations, a small dental appliance called a space maintainer is often our recommendation.
Timing matters here, because the palate contains a growth plate that typically closes around age 14–16. For that reason, the video looks at how thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and other oral habits can influence the way the jaw grows. It also explains why, when the upper palate is too narrow, an early palatal expander may be recommended.
Regular pediatric visits let Modern Essence Dentistry follow your child's development stage by stage. We will tell you what is on track and what, if anything, is worth a closer look.
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