Children’s Dental Health Month: Why Age 7 Is a Big Milestone for Your Child’s Smile

February is Children’s Dental Health Month — a time to celebrate healthy habits and increase awareness about the steps parents can take to protect their children’s smiles. One of the most important (and often overlooked) milestones in a child’s oral health journey is an orthodontic screening at age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

Why Does the AAO Recommend an Orthodontic Evaluation at Age 7?

By age 7, children are typically in the mixed dentition stage and have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This unique stage allows orthodontists to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing — sometimes spotting subtle concerns that may not be obvious yet.

An early orthodontic screening does not always mean treatment is needed right away. In many cases, it simply gives parents peace of mind and allows us to monitor childrens' dental growth and development over time. When issues are identified early, however, it can make a meaningful difference in a child’s long-term dental health to target and address them early with Phase I Early Orthodontic Treatment.

What Can an Early Orthodontic Screening Detect?

At an age 7 evaluation, orthodontists look for signs such as:

• Crowding or spacing concerns
• Bite issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites
• Jaw growth imbalances
• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Habits such as thumb sucking that may affect development

How Early Orthodontic Treatment Supports Overall Dental Health

Early (or Interceptive) orthodontic treatment - also known as Phase I Orthodontic Treatment -focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth. This can:

• Reduce the risk of tooth impaction or severe crowding later on
• Improve bite function, making chewing and speaking easier
• Lower the likelihood of tooth wear or enamel damage over time
• Support better oral hygiene by making teeth easier to clean teeth
• Help with cessation of habits that can lead to dental challenges if prolonged

By addressing issues at the right time, early orthodontic care can help prevent more complex problems later on.

Early Treatment Doesn’t Always Mean Braces

One common misconception is that an age 7 screening automatically leads to braces. In reality, many children simply benefit from observation until the timing is right. When early treatment is recommended, it’s often shorter in duration and tailored specifically to a child’s dental stage and malocclusion at hand.

The goal is not to rush treatment — but to treat smartly and proactively.

Partnering With Families for Healthy Smiles

Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect reminder that a healthy smile is a team effort. By combining good daily habits, regular dental visits, and timely orthodontic evaluations, parents can help set their children up for confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

If your child is approaching age 7 — or has already passed it — now is a wonderful time to schedule a complimentary initial orthodontic screening and consultation with our team! A simple check today can make a big difference tomorrow. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly to learn if an early treatment orthodontic screening may be indicated for your child or a family member.

Here’s to growing smiles, healthy habits, and a lifetime of confident grins. Happy Children’s Dental Health Month from Orchard of Smiles Orthodontics!