J A W D E V E L O P M E N T M Y S T E R Y
Between the ages of 6 and 12, more is happening in your child ' s mouth than at any other time in their life. Understanding what ' s normal, and what to watch for, could save years of complex treatment down the track.
This isn ' t about alarming anyone. Most children sail through this stage without any serious issues, and for those who do have concerns, catching them early almost always means simpler, faster, and less expensive treatment. This article is about giving you the information to recognise what ' s happening in your child ' s mouth— and when to act on it.
N O R M A L J A W D E V E L O P M E N T M I L E S T O N E S
The jaw doesn ' t develop in a straight line, and its growth is closely tied to which teeth are present, how the face is growing, and what habits your child has.
The key thing to remember: Jaw growth is fundamentally different from height and weight growth. You can ' t tell by looking at your child whether their jaw is developing correctly— it requires a dental assessment, and often x-rays, to see what ' s happening beneath the gumline.
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