Brought to you by Dr. Glenn Wilson at Chattanooga Family Dental

From your very first tooth to the wisdom teeth that show up much later in life, your smile goes through a lot of changes. Understanding how your teeth grow, shift, and age can help you stay ahead of common dental issues—and protect that beautiful smile at every stage of life.

At Chattanooga Family Dental, Dr. Glenn Wilson and our team are here to help you take care of your teeth from the very first baby tooth to a strong, healthy adult smile.

Baby Teeth: The Starting Line for a Healthy Smile

Even before you see that first adorable baby tooth, your child’s teeth have already started developing—yep, in the womb! While baby teeth (also called primary teeth) are temporary, they serve a huge purpose:

• They help kids learn to chew and speak
• They hold space for permanent teeth
• They build the foundation for lifelong oral hygiene habits

Though these 20 little teeth eventually make way for adult ones, they’re still vulnerable to cavities, gum issues, and enamel wear. That’s why it’s so important to help your kids brush twice a day, floss, and visit your family dentist in Chattanooga regularly.

Training Wheels for Good Dental Habits

Think of baby teeth as the “training wheels” for your child’s lifelong dental health. Teaching them to brush and floss properly now sets the stage for a healthier future. Kids who get used to regular dental checkups are much more likely to keep up with them as adults.

Even if those baby teeth are going to fall out, caring for them prevents problems like infections or misalignment that can affect the permanent teeth coming in right behind them.

The Arrival of Permanent Teeth

As kids grow, those baby teeth start to wiggle and make room for adult teeth. This happens because the developing permanent teeth underneath begin to push against the roots of the baby teeth, slowly causing them to loosen and fall out.

Sometimes, things don’t go quite as planned. Baby teeth might not fall out on schedule, or adult teeth could erupt in the wrong place. That’s why regular checkups with Dr. Wilson are so important during these early years of the lifecycle of teeth—we can catch issues early and create a plan to fix them.

The Wisdom About Wisdom Teeth

Let’s talk about those infamous wisdom teeth. Once useful for chewing tough foods, these extra molars don’t have much space in today’s smaller jaws. For many teens and young adults, they can cause:

• Pain or swelling
• Tooth crowding
• Infections or decay
• Impaction (where the tooth doesn’t fully emerge)

Some people get lucky and never need them removed, but for most, it’s best to monitor them closely. At Chattanooga Family Dental, we use digital X-rays and expert evaluations to decide if—and when—your wisdom teeth need to come out.

Caring for Your Teeth as You Age

As we get older, our teeth (like the rest of us) need a little more TLC. Years of wear and tear, acidic foods, and the natural aging process in the lifecycle of teeth can lead to:

• Gum disease
• Tooth sensitivity
• Enamel erosion
• Discoloration or staining

That’s why we stress the importance of keeping up with these basics:

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day
• Floss at least once a day
• Keep regular dental checkups (even if your teeth “feel fine”)
• Don’t ignore any pain or bleeding—your teeth are trying to tell you something

Ready to Know What’s Happening With Your Teeth?

Whether you’re teething, tackling your teens, or just trying to keep that smile sharp through your 60s, we’re here to guide you through every phase of the lifecycle of teeth. Dr. Glenn Wilson and the team at Chattanooga Family Dental take pride in being your trusted family dentist in Chattanooga—a place where your whole household can feel cared for.

Have questions about how your teeth are aging? Or maybe you’re just due for a checkup? We’re happy to help.

Call us today to schedule your appointment or visit us online to book instantly. Your smile deserves it.

Chattanooga Family Dental

Led by Dr. Glenn Wilson. Proudly serving patients from Chattanooga, East Ridge, Hixson, Red Bank, and surrounding communities. Comprehensive care for every stage of life.

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