Dental Growth and Development

Mineral Wells, Texas

Did you know that there are multiple health conditions that could potentially be prevented by caring for our children's dental growth and development? Did you know that it's possible, even as an adult, to begin correcting issues that began in the earlier stages of your oral growth and development? Dickerson Family Dental is here to offer you and your children the best care for your oral health. That is why we care about not only the problems now, but also preventing problems from developing later.

Introducing Dental Growth and Development

The continual increase in size and emergence of teeth is usually what is referred to as dental growth. Dental development, on the other hand, covers a broader spectrum. Development would encapsulate the entire process of teeth formation, eruption, and maturation. Often, these stages are broken down into 5 or 6 stages. Here we will go with 5 stages.

Infancy (0 - 12 months). Though not visible, teeth buds have already developed from the initial weeks of fetal development, and at around 6 months, the initial eruption of primary teeth may begin.
Teething (1 - 3 years). During this time frame, we should see a full set of primary teeth emerge.
Preschool (3 - 5 years). Here, children may begin to lose their primary teeth as permanent teeth begin to emerge. Typically closer to 6 years old.
Early Childhood (6 - 12 years). At this point, children should, over time, lose all of their primary teeth and all but the third molars emerge.
Adolescence (12-18 years). In this stage, it is possible that third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, could emerge.

Why Emphasize Dental Growth and Development?

Throughout the stages of dental development and as our teeth grow, it is possible for issues to begin forming that could potentially lead to later health problems, and not just oral health problems.

In fact, during the time that children are using pacifiers or sucking on their thumbs, their mouths and teeth are developing, and these habits can affect how their mouth develops and grows. It could lead to mouth breathing, dry mouth, and other things.

Primary teeth make room for permanent teeth, but if they don't fall out when necessary, they could cause the permanent teeth to emerge incorrectly or crowd the teeth, causing misalignment.

Also, it is possible that if the mouth does not develop correctly, it could lead to higher risks for problems like sleep apnea.

These are only some of the reasons why we put an emphasis on oral growth and development. If you would like to learn more, Dr. Dickerson would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply schedule a consultation at your convenience.