Is My Child’s Smile Developing Normally? Signs Of Misalignment.

Is Your Child’s Smile Developing Normally? What Parents Should Know

Early visits to a pediatric dentist and orthodontist can positively shape your child’s oral health for life. As baby teeth and jawlines develop, problems that go unnoticed early can lead to long-term issues affecting speech, facial development, chewing, and even nutrition.

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Nocatee, Dr. Lindsay Maples and our pediatric and orthodontic team help parents understand what’s normal—and when early intervention may be helpful. So how do you know if your child’s smile is developing on track? It starts with understanding key dental milestones.

Early Dental Milestones (Ages 0–3)

Your baby’s primary teeth begin forming beneath the gums during pregnancy. Most babies get their first tooth around six months, but anywhere between three months and one year is considered normal.

By age three, children typically have a full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.

At this stage, the biggest concerns are:

• Cavities and early tooth decay

• Gum health

• Oral hygiene habits

That’s why the CDC recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. Early pediatric dental care helps prevent decay and creates positive dental experiences from the start.

Transition to Permanent Teeth (Ages 6–12)

Between ages 6 and 12, children begin losing baby teeth to make room for their 32 permanent teeth. One major milestone occurs around age six, when the first permanent molars erupt—often without a baby tooth falling out first. While some variation is normal, losing teeth too early or too late can signal:

• Crowding

• Missing teeth

• Alignment or eruption issues

This is also why children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, orthodontists can identify growth concerns early and guide jaw development if needed. At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, making it easy to monitor development at every stage.

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Every child develops on their own timeline—but some signs warrant closer attention.

• Premature or Delayed Tooth Loss

  • Losing baby teeth too early (from decay or injury) can cause crowding later. Delayed tooth loss may signal impacted permanent teeth or developmental concerns.

• Bite or Alignment Issues

  • Underbites, overbites, and open bites can affect chewing, speech, and jaw growth if left untreated. Early orthodontic evaluations help prevent more complex treatment later.

• Weak Enamel or Cavities

  • White spots, discoloration, or frequent cavities may indicate weak enamel, increasing the risk of pain, infection, and eating difficulties.

• Thumb-Sucking or Prolonged Pacifier Use

  • Habits that continue beyond age four can impact jaw development and tooth alignment, sometimes requiring orthodontic correction.

• Speech Difficulties

  • Persistent lisps or trouble pronouncing certain sounds can be linked to jaw or tooth positioning and should be evaluated alongside dental development.

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Ponte Vedra and Nocatee

If you have questions about your child’s dental milestones—or concerns about how their smile is developing—you don’t have to guess.

At Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Lindsay Maples and our experienced orthodontic team provide comprehensive, child-centered care for every stage of growth. Contact our Nocatee office today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s smile is developing in a healthy, confident direction.