What to Expect as They Grow
Every child’s smile tells a story, and behind each grin is a journey of growth and development that’s unique to them. As parents and caregivers, understanding key dental milestones can help you support your child’s oral health and ensure they build strong habits for life.
At Newmarket Family Dental Care, we love working with families to make every stage of dental development as smooth (and positive!) as possible. Here’s a general guide to what you might expect as your child grows.
Baby Teeth (6 months – 3 years)
Most babies start teething around six months of age, although this can vary widely. The lower front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the upper front teeth.
By around age 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.
What to watch for:
- Teething symptoms – Tender gums, drooling, or irritability are common. Gently massaging the gums or using a clean teething ring can help.
- Cleaning starts early – Even before teeth come through, you can clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. Once teeth erupt, a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water is all you need.
Tip: The New Zealand Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or when the first teeth come through—whichever comes first.
Preschool & Early Primary Years (3 – 6 years)
As baby teeth settle in, this is the stage where children really begin to develop their daily dental habits.
Key milestones:
- Learning to brush – Children will need help brushing and flossing properly until around age 7–8, when they’ve developed the coordination to do it independently.
- Fluoride toothpaste – At this age, most children can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise to ensure they spit, not swallow.
Did you know: The baby teeth help guide adult teeth into place and support speech and jaw development—so they’re just as important to care for.
Mixed Dentition Phase (6 – 12 years)
This stage is often referred to as the mixed dentition phase, when baby teeth begin to fall out and permanent teeth start to come in.
What’s happening:
- The first adult molars usually appear around age 6 (often without replacing a baby tooth).
- Front teeth are usually the first to be replaced, with the rest following over several years.
- Children will have a combination of baby and adult teeth during this time.
Tip: This is a good time to speak to your dentist about preventative treatments like fissure sealants to help protect newly erupted adult molars from decay.
Adolescence (12+ years)
By the early teen years, most children will have a full set of 28 permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth). Oral care responsibilities start to shift more onto the child during this time—but ongoing encouragement and regular check-ups remain important.
Considerations during this stage:
- Braces/orthodontics may be considered if alignment issues are present.
- Wisdom teeth may begin to develop under the gums, and their position will be monitored with dental X-rays.
- Teens may be at higher risk for decay if diet, brushing, or lifestyle habits become less consistent.
Encourage: Healthy daily habits, regular dental visits, and choosing water over sugary drinks go a long way in protecting teenage smiles.
Supporting Your Child’s Smile at Every Stage
At Newmarket Family Dental Care, we know how important it is to make dental visits comfortable and positive, especially for kids. From first check-ups to helping teens maintain healthy habits, we’re here to support your child’s oral health journey.
If you’re unsure about a dental milestone or just have questions about what’s next, we’re always happy to chat.
Every child’s dental journey is different, but regular care, good habits, and early guidance can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If your child is due for a check-up or you’d like to talk through any concerns, feel free to get in touch with the team at NFDC.