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Birth to 1 year

What to Check

  • White patches on tongue or cheeks
  • Swollen or red gums
  • Early teeth (natal/neonatal teeth)
  • Difficulty feeding or excessive drooling

Which Specialist to See

  • Pediatric Dentist

How to Check

  • Gently lift the lips and inspect gums daily during cleaning
  • Look under the tongue and inside cheeks for patches or lesions
  • Monitor baby's feeding behavior and comfort

When to Visit

  • First dental visit within 6 months of first tooth or by 1 year of age, whichever is earlier

1 year to 3 Years

What to Check

  • First tooth eruption (usually bottom front)
  • Teething signs: irritability, drooling, biting
  • Brown/white spots near gumline (early decay)
  • Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

Which Specialist to See

  • Pediatric Dentist

How to Check

  • Use clean hands to gently run a finger along gumline
  • Lift lips to check the surface of teeth, especially the front and molars
  • Observe for consistent mouth habits like finger sucking

When to Visit

  • Every 6 months for routine checkups; earlier if discoloration, trauma, or feeding difficulty appears

3 Years to 7 Years

What to Check

  • Complete set of 20 baby teeth
  • Early crowding, deep bite, open bite
  • Tongue thrust, mouth breathing, speech clarity
  • Cavities, especially on molars

Which Specialist to See

  • Pediatric Dentist, Pediatric Orthodontist (if needed)

How to Check

  • Ask the child to smile and say “ahh” while you inspect alignment
  • Use a child-safe dental mirror at home if possible
  • Observe speech patterns or nasal breathing

When to Visit

  • Every 6 months; earlier if bite issues or pain during chewing/speaking

7 Years to 12 Years

What to Check

  • Eruption of permanent molars and front teeth
  • Mixed dentition stage and alignment issues
  • Hygiene issues with crowded teeth
  • Signs of early bite problems

Which Specialist to See

  • Pediatric Dentist, Orthodontist

How to Check

  • Lift lips and check for new molars and permanent teeth
  • Monitor for crowding or abnormal eruption sequence
  • Ask child about pain when chewing or brushing
  • Use disclosing tablets to evaluate brushing quality

When to Visit

  • Dental visits every 6 months; orthodontic evaluation around age 7 or earlier if bite problems are visible

12 Years to 17 Years

What to Check

  • Full eruption of permanent teeth and wisdom teeth development
  • Gum health and early signs of gingivitis
  • Braces maintenance if applicable
  • Night grinding, jaw pain, or TMJ issues

Which Specialist to See

  • Dentist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon (for wisdom teeth)

How to Check

  • Inspect gumlines for puffiness, redness or bleeding
  • Use mirror to check alignment and occlusion
  • Ask about jaw pain or clicking sounds
  • Note signs of bruxism (wear on teeth)

When to Visit

  • Routine checkups every 6 months; earlier if symptoms or pain occur

30+ Years

What to Check

  • Gum bleeding, recession, or loose teeth
  • Sensitivity to hot/cold
  • Worn teeth or missing teeth
  • Oral lesions or white/red patches (cancer screening)

Which Specialist to See

  • General Dentist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist, Oral Medicine Specialist (if lesions found)

How to Check

  • Check gums regularly for swelling, color change, or bleeding
  • Use a mirror to inspect tongue, cheeks, and floor of mouth
  • Assess chewing comfort and tooth stability

When to Visit

  • Every 6 months or more frequently if periodontal issues present; immediate visit if oral lesions, ulcers, or sharp pain appear

12 Years to 17 Years

What to Check

  • Eruption or impaction of wisdom teeth
  • TMJ symptoms (clicking jaw, stiffness, pain)
  • Tooth discoloration, sensitivity, or wear
  • Gum recession or early periodontal signs

Which Specialist to See

  • General Dentist, Oral Surgeon, TMJ Specialist

How to Check

  • Look for gumline exposure or notches near the neck of teeth
  • Check for sensitivity while brushing or eating cold items
  • Note any discomfort or clicking in the jaw

When to Visit

  • Routine visits every 6 months; immediate visit if pain, TMJ symptoms, or swelling occurs