our wellness pathway
The early years shape how kids eat, sleep, speak, and grow. Our integrated dental and therapy approach supports these milestones and helps catch concerns early—so your child has the best start possible.
Pediatric Oral, Structural, and Functional Wellness Pathway
(0-6 Years)
Early developmental milestones integrating dental, occupational therapy, and myofunctional expertise.
0-6 Months
Infant Feeding & Early Reflex Development
Dental Milestones
Oral reflexes (rooting, sucking, swallowing) active
Coordinated suck-swallow-breathe pattern develops
Breastfeeding/bottle feeding shapes oral-facial growth
Early tongue posture and lip seal begin forming
OT & Myofunctional Milestones
Evaluate primitive reflex integration (Moro, ATNR)
Assess head/neck posture, symmetry, and core tone
Screen for torticollis, body tension, and oral aversion
Support oral-facial muscle engagement during feeding
6-24 Months
Teething, Sensorimotor & Speech Development
Dental Milestones
Eruption of first primary teeth (usually lower incisors)
Transition to soft solids and spoon feeding
Eruption of molars; most primary teeth emerging
Development of speech sounds; brushing habits begin
Begin to form munching and biting patterns
Improved mastication with firmer textures
OT & Myofunctional Milestones
Assess jaw and tongue coordination, early chewing
Observe sensory tolerance to oral textures
Screen for oral hypersensitivity or low tone
Evaluate early speech articulation and oral-motor control
Assess tongue posture and swallowing patterns
Monitor trunk stability during feeding
2-5 Years
Full Primary Dentition & Orofacial Growth
Dental Milestones
All 20 primary teeth typically present
Evaluate spacing, bite, and arch development
Begin airway assessments: nasal airflow, mouth breathing
Eliminate non-nutritive habits (pacifier, thumb sucking)
Evaluate airway size, tonsils/adenoids, and sleep quality
Early oral appliances may be introduced for support
OT & Myofunctional Milestones
Full myofunctional screening: lip seal, tongue rest posture
Assess body posture, jaw alignment, and head-neck relationship
Address early speech issues and chewing patterns
Evaluate for open-mouth posture and tongue thrust
Initiate OMT (Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy) as needed
Pediatric Oral, Structural, and Functional Development Timeline
(6-12 Years)
School-age developmental milestones integrating dental, occupational therapy, and myofunctional expertise.
6-7 Years
Mixed Dentition & Growth Tracking
Dental Milestones
Eruption of 6-year molars and permanent incisors
Monitor occlusion, jaw development, and spacing
NIRI imaging to assess development
Emphasize sleep quality and nasal breathing
OT & Myofunctional Milestones
Reassess oral habits and chewing patterns
Observe facial symmetry and jaw strength
Address tongue-tie impacts on speech and breathing
Screen for postural asymmetries
7-9 Years
Orthodontic Intervention & Functional Alignment
Dental Milestones
Assess need for interceptive orthodontics
Evaluate for palatal expansion
Track oral posture and speech development
Monitor airway development
OT & Myofunctional Milestones
Continue OMT therapy for proper tongue posture
Monitor speech articulation and chewing endurance
Evaluate posture related to jaw growth
Coordinate body movement with oral-motor function
10-12 Years
Transition to Full Permanent Dentition
Dental Milestones
All permanent teeth erupt (except 3rd molars)
Primary teeth exfoliate; final bite assessment
Orthodontic referrals if needed
Monitor wisdom tooth development
OT & Myofunctional Milestones
Finalize swallow pattern and tongue strength
Reassess posture and body symmetry
Ensure stable nasal breathing and proper airway
Collaborate with orthodontist for myofunctional stability
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