Dental Milestones: Age 6-9
Getting the right dental care for children ages 6-9 is crucial to their development. Starting around the age of six, your little one’s first permanent molars start to emerge. As their adult teeth develop, their baby teeth begin to come loose. Usually, children will lose the front 8 teeth (4 top, 4 bottom) by the age of 8, and then take a break for a few years before losing the molars and canine teeth.
Learn more about how our caring team at Milestone Kids Dentistry in Lake Stevens, WA can help your child develop healthy habits for life.
How Often Should My Child See A Dental Professional?
Developing healthy and consistent dental habits is essential for the longevity of their smile. Generally, a child should start seeing their dentist for cleanings about twice a year. These visits are crucial during the period of 6-8 years. As a child’s adult teeth emerge during the years of 6-8 it is especially important that the child learns how to take care of their teeth.
We advise parents to follow the American Academy of Orthodontists’ recommendation to start seeing an orthodontist by age 7. At this early stage, the orthodontist will evaluate your child’s growth and development, checking for bite issues and other concerns that are easier to address while they’re still young. Although many children won’t need immediate treatment, these early evaluations provide an opportunity to develop a trusted relationship with an orthodontic team. When treatment is eventually needed, whether to fix bite problems or guide the alignment of teeth, it can be managed more effectively before the permanent dentition fully emerges.
Every child is different. For example, they may have dental conditions that cause difficulty with eating, chewing, or speaking. Your child’s first visit will allow us to determine the number of future appointments they will need.
Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy
By the time your child’s six-year molars begin to emerge, it’s important that they’re brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. This is a great time to focus on teaching them proper brushing technique—like how to angle the toothbrush to reach along the gumline and clean all the way to the back of the mouth where those new molars are coming in.
Most children won’t have developed the proper motor skills they need to brush. It can help to make brushing your teeth a family activity. Monitor their tooth brushing and assist them when necessary. It can do wonders to model your tooth brushing habits for the child. You may need to help your child get in the hard-to-reach areas of their mouth to get rid of plaque.
Keep in mind that newly emerging teeth can have a yellowed appearance in relation to baby teeth. As these teeth grow in, they will likely develop a more uniform color.
Don’t Forget To Floss
Dental Sealants
Children Dental Injuries
We Provide Unmatched Dental Care For Children Age 6-9
Teaching your little ones how to take care of their teeth is one of the most important gifts you can give them. Remember: getting the right dental care for children ages 6-9 can make all the difference in the world. At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we provide a fun and constructive place for your child to develop lifelong habits. We create a relaxing environment that helps children of all behavior levels enjoy a positive experience.