The first permanent molars erupt around age 6 — the highest-priority teeth to seal. Between 6 and 12, kids lose 20 baby teeth and gain 24 permanent ones. Sports, MIH, malocclusion and the first orthodontic questions all appear in this window.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first ortho check-up by age 7 — early enough to catch bite problems that benefit from interceptive treatment.
Milestones
- Age 6: first permanent molars — seal them
- Age 7: first orthodontic assessment
- Ages 6–12: shed 20 baby teeth
- Age 12: second molars & second sealants
Key risks at this stage
- Sports-related trauma
- MIH on new molars
- Malocclusion becoming visible
Parent tips that actually work
- Seal molars within 6 months of eruption
- Custom mouthguard for any contact sport
- Ortho check by age 7 — not age 12
- Kids need brushing supervision until age 8
Red flags — see a dentist
- • Snoring or open-mouth sleeping
- • Adult tooth stuck under a baby tooth for 3+ months
- • Chalky yellow patches on new molars