Between school drop-offs, sports schedules, and grocery runs, dental visits might not be the first thing on your mind—but your child’s smile is growing just as fast as they are.
From that first big kid tooth to graduation day, each stage of your child’s development comes with important dental milestones you don’t want to miss.
At Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead with gentle guidance, preventive care, and age-appropriate treatment plans that grow with your child.
Whether they’re in kindergarten or prepping for prom, here’s what you need to know:
Ages 5–7: Starting School, Baby Teeth Make Way!
Kindergarten to first grade marks a major transition: kids start losing their baby teeth, and their first permanent molars (also called “six-year molars”) begin to come in.
This stage is a perfect time for a dental checkup to make sure everything’s erupting in the right order and there’s room for what’s next.
Regular cleanings are also crucial—those permanent molars are cavity-prone, and once they’re in, they’re here for life. Your dentist may recommend dental sealants for extra protection against decay.
If your child is nervous about losing teeth, let us help! Our team creates a positive, supportive atmosphere and can answer questions to ease fears.
Ages 7–9: The Foundation Years for a Lifelong Smile
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids get their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Even if they won’t need braces for a few years, this visit helps spot jaw growth issues, crowding, or bite problems early—when they may be easier (and less costly) to correct.
At this age, we’re also monitoring thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue posture, as these habits can affect how the jaw and facial bones develop.
Smith Family offers both preventive care and orthodontic assessments, making it easy to address early concerns before they interfere with future growth.
Ages 9–11: What Happens if a Baby Tooth Won’t Budge?
This stage is all about change. Kids this age often have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and it’s important to monitor spacing, crowding, and the direction those new teeth are growing.
This is a common age to start limited orthodontic appliances like spacers or expanders—tools that guide proper development and may shorten or simplify future braces treatment. We’ll also keep an eye out for delayed tooth loss or any signs of infection around stubborn baby teeth.
Quick Reminder: If your child plays sports, this is the age when a custom mouthguard becomes especially important. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect new permanent teeth.
Ages 11–13: Braces Are Common—But They’re Not One-Size-Fits-All
Middle school is prime time for braces or clear aligners. By now, most (or all) permanent teeth are in, and we can begin straightening and correcting bite issues in a more predictable way. At Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’ll walk you through all the options and help you find a treatment that fits your child’s needs and your family’s budget.
We also focus on hygiene reinforcement during this phase—braces require extra effort when brushing and flossing, and tweens can use the support. Our team takes time to educate without lecturing and provides hands-on tips to build confidence.
Worried About Food Restrictions or Soreness? We help families plan around busy schedules, sports seasons, and picky eaters to make orthodontic care manageable.
Ages 13–15: What to Do If They Lose Their Retainer (Again)
If your child finishes ortho in this window, great! Now comes the responsibility of retainers, nightguards, and long-term maintenance. Teens may start seeing us independently for their appointments—so we work hard to build trust and keep them involved in their own care.
This is also the age where we reinforce how oral health is connected to appearance, confidence, and even athletic performance. For teens still in treatment, we’ll continue guiding hygiene and adjusting treatment as they grow.
Teeth Whitening Questions? Professional whitening is safe and effective, but we’ll help you decide when it’s appropriate based on your teen’s age, enamel, and goals.
Ages 16–18: One Last Look Before They Leave the Nest
The final stretch before adulthood brings two key conversations: wisdom teeth and cosmetic confidence. During checkups, we monitor your teen’s wisdom teeth with x-rays to spot crowding or impaction early.
Summer before senior year is often the ideal time to plan removal, since it won’t interrupt school or sports.
It’s also a time when many teens want their smile to look its best. We offer quick, low-stress cosmetic options like:
- In-office or take-home teeth whitening
- Composite bonding for chips or reshaping
- Retainer replacements or refinements
Reminder: Pre-college is a great time for a full dental review. That way, they leave for college with no surprises—and a confident, healthy smile.
Pediatric to Adult: All in One Trusted Office
Your child’s smile will go through a lot between their first day of kindergarten and their graduation walk. Our team is proud to be part of that journey—offering expert care, age-appropriate guidance, and flexible scheduling that fits your family’s life.
At Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide everything from early pediatric care to full orthodontics and cosmetic treatments, all under one roof. Whether your child needs a checkup, a sealant, or a consultation about braces, we’re here to support every milestone with compassion and clarity.
No Stress, No Surprises—Just Smiles
Don’t wait for back-to-school stress or mid-summer dental surprises. June is the perfect time to schedule checkups, address early orthodontic concerns, or give your teen a confidence boost before senior portraits and summer events.
📅 Book your family’s next visit with Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today. With locations in Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, Hampstead, Surf City, Wilmington, Goldsboro, and New Bern, NC—we’re right around the corner a