Between the infant and teenage years, children's mouths are in an almost continuous process of change. Learn what to expect during your child's oral development between the ages of 4 and 6.
By the age of 3, most children have developed all of their primary teeth. By age 4, children’s jaws and facial bones begin to develop and grow, creating spaces between the primary teeth.
This growth process makes room for the larger, permanent teeth to eventually erupt. Then, starting at around the age of 6 until about 12, your child’s permanent teeth will come in.
Remember, primary teeth are equally as important in the development process as permanent teeth. The fact that they eventually fall out does not change the fact that they need to be carefully cared for and cleaned.
This is because primary teeth allow children to speak and chew properly, they make space in the gums for future permanent teeth to grow in, and guide them into the correct place.
When your children are between 4 and 6, it's a good ideas to begin teaching them to brush and floss their own teeth.
Most children’s manual dexterity has developed to the extent that they can hold a toothbrush and dental floss correctly at this age, and they are mentally capable of understanding teeth cleaning instructions, and also why it’s important to keep their teeth clean.
This is the perfect age to help children establish good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. They’ll still need help, guidance and supervision, though, to make sure they’re thorough and clean each and every tooth.