If you’re raising a little one in Sedona, AZ, this complete kids dentistry timeline will help you know exactly what to expect, what to watch for, and how to keep your child’s smile healthy from the very beginning.

0–6 Months: The Toothless (but Important!) Stage

Even before the first tooth erupts, your baby’s oral health matters.

Parents should:

• Gently clean gums with a soft, damp cloth daily

• Never put baby to bed with a bottle

• Avoid shared saliva (no blowing on food, no sharing spoons)

This early care helps prevent harmful bacteria from building up before teeth ever appear.

6–12 Months: The First Tooth Appears

This is the milestone every parent waits for — the first tooth!

What to expect:

• One or two bottom teeth usually show up first

• Gums may be swollen or sensitive

• Teething toys, cool washcloths, and gentle gum massage help

Kids Dentistry Tip for Sedona, AZ:

➡️ Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday (or within 6 months of the first tooth).Early visits to a kids dentist in Sedona, AZ help catch issues early and get your child comfortable with dental checkups.

1–2 Years: Tiny Teeth Add Up

By age 2, most toddlers have 8–16 baby teeth.

Parents should:

• Brush twice a day with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste

• Begin teaching brushing as part of the daily routine

• Limit juice and sugary snacks

Watch for:

• Brown or white spots on teeth

• Spacing issues

• Tongue or lip habits affecting alignment

This is also when toddlers start climbing, running, and — yes — falling. A pediatric dentist can help manage chipped or bumped teeth.

2–3 Years: Full Baby Smile

By age 3, most kids have all 20 baby teeth.

What changes now?

• Kids want to “do it themselves!”But parents should still brush after them to ensure a proper clean.

Dental visit frequency:

✔️ Every 6 months for professional cleanings and exams.These visits help Sedona families stay ahead of cavities — which are common at this age.

3–4 Years: Preschool Habits Form

This is the perfect age to build healthy brushing habits.

Focus on:

• Brushing for 2 full minutes

• Using a soft-bristle kids toothbrush

• Practicing gentle flossing between back molars

Kids Dentistry Insight:

Children around this age love routine charts and stickers — great tools to establish lifelong oral care consistency.

4–5 Years: Big Kid Independence

Preschoolers become much more coordinated, making them better helpers during brushing.

Parents should:

• Continue to supervise brushing

• Encourage kids to spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing

• Choose tooth-friendly snacks: cheese, apples, yogurt, carrots

Key dental milestone:

➡️ A pediatric dentist in Sedona, AZ may recommend sealants for the molars around this age to protect against cavities.

5–6 Years: Losing Baby Teeth & Entering First Grade

The tooth fairy years begin!Around age 5 or 6, the lower front baby teeth start to fall out as permanent teeth emerge.

What to expect:

• Wiggly teeth

• Slight gum soreness

• Excitement (or nervousness!) about losing teeth

Kids Dentistry Tips for Sedona, AZ Families:

• Keep brushing twice a day — even wiggly teeth need cleaning

• Teach proper brushing around the new big teeth

• Monitor for crowding or crossbites

• Continue regular dental visits every 6 months

This is also when dentists start looking closely at bite development and may suggest early orthodontic evaluations.

A Healthy Smile Starts Early

From baby gums to big kid teeth, every stage of your child’s dental development matters. Consistent care, good habits, and regular checkups with a trusted kids dentist in Sedona, AZ can make a lifetime of difference.

At Sedona Molar Kids, the goal is to make every child feel safe, happy, and confident during dental visits — and to help parents feel empowered with the knowledge they need for every age and every tooth.