Helping Kids Reach Every S-milestone
At Transform Orthodontic Care, we’re proud to support the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA’s) 2025 Dental Health Week theme: “Reach Every S-milestone.” This campaign highlights the importance of guiding children through key stages in dental development, from their first baby tooth to their teenage years and beyond.
But what exactly are these S-milestones, and how does orthodontic care play a role?
What Are “S-milestones”?
The ADA’s campaign refers to the many stages of a child’s oral development (S-milestones) that lay the foundation for lifelong dental health. These milestones are not only about healthy teeth, they’re about giving your child the tools to smile, speak, eat, and grow with confidence.
The table below lists the Dental S-milestone for children to adolescents and the corresponding oral health guide.
| Stages | Dental Milestone | Oral Health Guide | Dental & Orthodontic Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eruption of Primary (Baby) Teeth | |||
| Birth to first tooth | Baby teeth eruption: Teething around 6 months old and the first tooth eruption. | - Clean gums with a soft damp cloth - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet | First dental visit before child turns 1 or when they get their first tooth (whichever comes first) |
| First tooth to 18 Months | - Brush twice daily - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet | ||
| 18 months to 6 years old | In general, your child should have a full set of baby teeth by the age of 3. A full set of baby teeth consists of 20 teeth - 10 upper and 10 lower jaw teeth. | - Brush twice daily supported by parents/guardians - Use kids’ fluoride toothpaste - Floss between teeth that touch - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet | Have regular dental visits Look out for oral habits (like thumb sucking or tongue thrust, open mouth breathing) which can impact teeth and jaw development, especially if it continues beyond the age of 5. |
| Transition to Secondary (Adult) Teeth | |||
| From 6 years old | Shedding baby teeth typically begins around age 6, with the process continuing into early teenage years (12-13). Eruption of adult teeth: Adult teeth gradually replace the baby teeth, following a general sequence (front teeth first). There are more adult teeth than baby teeth (28 excluding wisdom teeth). | - Brush twice daily supported by parents/guardians - Use adult fluoride toothpaste - Floss between teeth that touch - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet - If under orthodontic treatment also avoid hard sticky food | Have regular dental visits - Consideration of Dental sealant on teeth as a preventative measure Have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. - Early intervention orthodontic treatment if required (Phase 1 Treatment) and - Growth monitoring Lookout for oral habits (like thumb sucking or tongue thrust, open mouth breathing) which can impact teeth and jaw development, especially if it continues beyond the age of 5 |
| From 8 years old | Mixed Dentition - baby and adult teeth: During this period, children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, requiring careful oral hygiene and monitoring | - Support children to brush twice daily, and floss (or use an interdental brush) on their own - Use adult fluoride toothpaste - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet - If under orthodontic treatment also avoid hard sticky food | Have regular dental visits - Consideration of Dental sealant on teeth as a preventative measure Have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. - Early intervention orthodontic treatment if required (Phase 1 treatment) - Teeth, bite and jaw growth monitoring |
| Full Adult (teeth) Dentition | |||
| Age 12-18 : Adolescent | Adult teeth: Adult teeth settling in. This period is a time of rapid growth for teenagers | - Brush twice daily ( 2 minutes each time) and longer if under orthodontic treatment - Use adult fluoride toothpaste - Floss (or use an interdental brush) at least once a day - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet - If under orthodontic treatment also avoid hard sticky food | Phase 2 orthodontic treatment if required is normally in this stage. Visiting your general dentist is even more important when undergoing orthodontic treatment, with the recommendation of dental cleans being performed every 6 months. |
| Wisdom Teeth | |||
| Between ages of 17-21 | Eruption of wisdom teeth: As your child finishes their teenage years, there’s a chance that their wisdom teeth might come through after all their adult teeth have settled in | - Brush twice daily - Use adult fluoride toothpaste - Floss (or use an interdental brush) at least once a day - Maintain a nutritious, low-sugar diet - Discomfort might be felt with wisdom teeth development and eruption, especially if they are impacted | There’s a possibility that their wisdom teeth need to be removed by the general dentist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, as they tend to grow at irregular angles and can harm other teeth. |
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number for an Orthodontic Check
While many people associate orthodontic treatment with the teenage years, an initial orthodontic evaluation between the ages of 7 and 10 can be key to identifying and addressing potential issues early, before they become more complex or harder to treat. At this stage, the jaw is still developing and teeth are more responsive to gentle guidance making early intervention easier and more effective.
Identifying potential issues early can help avoid more complicated (and costly) treatment down the track. Some problems can even be prevented altogether, helping your child grow up with a confident, healthy smile. It also gives you time to plan ahead for any future treatment that may be needed.
That’s why both the Australian Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Early Interceptive Orthodontic treatment
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth. This can indicate potential space issues for adult teeth.
- Crowded, blocked-out, or misaligned adult teeth. Even if only a few adult teeth have erupted, early assessment can help guide proper development.
- Difficulty chewing or biting. Misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw can affect function and nutrition.
- Mouth breathing: Can be a sign of airway issues that may also impact jaw development.
- Thumb or finger sucking beyond age 5: Can influence jaw and tooth alignment.
- Protruding front teeth. This increases the risk of teeth injury and may affect self-esteem.
- Bite issues. These include underbites, crossbites, deep bites, or open bites, and can impact jaw development, cause uneven tooth wear, affect chewing and speech, and potentially lead to discomfort or long-term joint problems
Early orthodontic checks allow for timely intervention when necessary, and peace of mind to confirm everything is developing as it should.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Early intervention, sometimes referred to as Phase 1 treatment, is not always about getting braces/aligners straight away. It may involve:
- Habit-correcting appliances (for thumb sucking or tongue thrust)
- Jaw expanders to create space for adult teeth
- Functional appliances to guide jaw growth
- Monitoring for emerging issues like impacted or missing teeth.
These approaches help reduce the need for more invasive treatments later and support healthy jaw development, better function, and even improved speech and self-esteem. They also:
- Allow for more treatment options to correct issues
- Give parents and/or care givers time to decide whether to take out or modify health insurance
- Address potential social and self-esteem issues related to dental appearance
- Build confidence through a healthy smile and facial structure.
Phases in Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Orthodontic care for kids is typically delivered in two stages. Phase 1, as detailed above, focuses on early intervention that helps to guide jaw development and create space for incoming adult teeth, which can help reduce more complex issues later on. Phase 2 usually begins in the teenage years and involves using braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth after all permanent teeth have erupted.
Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between ages 17–21. In many cases, they grow at angles that can affect the alignment of other teeth, requiring assessment by your dentist or oral surgeon. Early identification during late adolescence helps manage potential issues proactively.
How You Can Help Your Child Reach Their S-milestones
- Regular dental visits — Establish a positive relationship with the dental team and the tooth fairy.
- Schedule an early orthodontic assessment — especially if your child is 7 or older and hasn’t had one yet. It’s never too late to start.
- Look out for early signs such as crowded teeth, misaligned jaws, or difficulty chewing.
- Promote healthy oral habits like twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
- Support a tooth-friendly diet by limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and encouraging balanced meals to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Protect their smile during sports by ensuring they wear a properly fitted mouthguard to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
How Transform Orthodontic Care Helps Your Child Reach Their S-milestones
Led by Dr Daniel De Angelis, with over 25 years of experience, Transform Orthodontic Care provides:
✓ Early Assessments: Recommended by age 7 to identify crowding, bite issues, or jaw development concerns, and oral habits that can negatively affect the teeth and bite and jaw development.
✓ Growth Monitoring: We observe your child’s dental development over time and intervene only when necessary, utilizing the child’s growth pattern to avoid more invasive treatment in the future like surgery.
✓ Tailored Treatments: Custom solutions for erupting teeth, jaw guidance, interceptive treatment for oral habits (like thumb sucking or tongue thrust, open mouth breathing), and bite correction.
✓ Ongoing Support: Coordinated care with your general dentist to support every stage of growth.
Let’s Celebrate Dental Health Week Together!
Dental Health Week (4–10 August 2025) is a great time to reflect on your child’s smile journey.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook as we share videos, dental tips, and practical advice to support families in reaching every S-milestone.
Ready to book your child’s first orthodontic assessment?
We’re offering free consultations (valued at $175) across our three locations, St Peters, Modbury, and West Lakes, if you call by 10 August 2025 and quote DHW25 to our friendly staff.
Please note no dental referral is required.
And if you’ve been wondering whether your child needs an orthodontic check, this is your sign!
Because every child deserves a smile that shines confidently through every milestone.
