Why Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out When They Should and What to Do If This Happens
Primary teeth, baby teeth, and milk teeth are all names for the first set of teeth we grow as children. Primary teeth play an important role in your child’s dental development, shaping speech, holding space for permanent teeth, and helping them chew.
Does this sound familiar? You’ve noticed children around your child’s age have lost more teeth than they have. Despite their age, your child’s teeth seem to be hanging on for dear life. So, when is it cause for concern?
The Age When Kids Start Losing Baby Teeth
Kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6, and this can go on until age 12 or 13. Teeth also generally fall out in a predictable order. You can check out this guide to see which teeth should fall out when. In addition, keep an eye on your child’s front four teeth, as they typically fall out first and should be gone by age 8 on average.
Reasons Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out On Time
- No adult tooth waiting– When the adult tooth that should push out the baby tooth hasn’t formed yet or isn’t ready, late tooth eruption can occur. This can be due to genetics.
- Stuck roots– When the roots of the baby teeth don’t dissolve, the teeth stay in place.
- Crowding– When teeth are crowded, there isn’t enough space for adult teeth to come in, leading to baby teeth that are stuck in place. In these cases, the permanent tooth may come in behind the baby tooth. In addition, if a permanent tooth isn’t growing in straight, it won’t be able to apply enough pressure to make the baby tooth fall out. Crooked or crowded teeth are more likely to have this problem.
- Ankylosis– This term describes when a tooth is fused to the bone. When this occurs, the tooth won’t fall out.
- Late bloomers– Some children develop a bit behind what’s average. This slower developmental pace is not necessarily something to be worried about, especially if it runs in your family. Our pediatric dentists are most concerned about the order that your child’s teeth fall out, rather than the exact age.
Effects of Retained Baby Teeth
- Teeth become crowded
- Teeth become misaligned
- Higher cavity risk
- Higher gum disease risk
- Risk of infection
- Discomfort, swelling, and trouble chewing
What To Do If You Notice Your Child’s Teeth Aren’t Falling Out On Time
If your child has not started losing baby teeth by age 7, visit your pediatric dentist. Adult teeth can become crowded or misaligned when baby teeth don’t fall out on time. In addition, permanent teeth that come in behind or in front of a baby tooth should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist. X-rays can determine if permanent teeth are waiting in position below the over-retained baby teeth. Your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist for intervention if needed.
Treatment for Retained Baby Teeth
Extraction- Retained baby teeth can be extracted by a pediatric dentist, which is quite commonplace. However, if permanent teeth are growing in near the baby tooth, this may not be an option
Orthodontic intervention- Braces or space maintainers can help make space for permanent teeth to grow in properly.
When Should I Visit the Dentist About Over-Retained Baby Teeth?
Pain or discomfort- When retained teeth cause pain or discomfort, this can affect their daily life and ability to eat and speak comfortably. Pediatric dental intervention is necessary.
Infection- Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pus around the tooth that won’t fall out. Immediate dental attention is needed.
“Shark teeth”- When permanent teeth erupt behind baby teeth, they can give the mouth a “shark tooth” look. Shark teeth affect alignment, and a pediatric dentist can help correct this.
Not loosening- A baby tooth that should be loose but is instead totally firm and doesn’t show signs of loosening needs to be addressed by a dentist, especially if the permanent tooth is trying to erupt.
Significant delays– If your child is over the age of 8 and hasn’t lost any teeth, it’s time to visit the dentist
Early Intervention Makes a Big Difference
The sooner retained baby teeth are addressed, the better the orthodontic outcomes. More complex orthodontic treatments may be avoided if the problem is caught early enough. If you notice signs of tooth decay, swollen gums, or infection, it’s important to consult with a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Lower the Risk of Oral Health Problems
By intervening as soon as you notice a problem or delay, you protect your child’s oral health and minimize the chance of complications or infections.
The Pediatric Dental Approach to Retained Baby Teeth
Since every child’s oral development and situation is unique, we assess retained teeth with a case-by-case evaluation. Finding the specific reason for retained teeth allows us to decide the best course of action. X-rays are instrumental in determining the position and development of permanent teeth, as well as whether they are missing.
The Role of Pediatric Dentists in Ensuring Healthy Dental Development
While delays can be normal when it comes to losing baby teeth, consult your pediatric dentist about your child’s unique circumstances. A dental checkup allows the dentist to see firsthand what’s going on and take X-rays to see where permanent teeth are sitting. They can also refer you to an orthodontist when appropriate. Did you know that an orthodontic evaluation is recommended by age 7? This is the perfect time to consult with a professional about your child’s retained teeth.
If you’re concerned about baby teeth being retained for too long, give us a call. We can schedule a pediatric dental checkup in Dallas, TX, to ensure things are progressing as they should and to help them along if not. Early intervention is important to make sure permanent teeth come in properly. At Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas, we guide you through developmental milestones in your child’s dental journey.
FAQs About Retained Baby Teeth
Why hasn’t my child’s tooth fallen out yet?
There are a number of reasons why a tooth may not have fallen out, including a lack of an adult tooth, stuck roots, crowding, ankylosis, and differences in the speed of development.
Should I pull a baby tooth that’s not coming out on time at home?
If the tooth is wiggly, it may be appropriate to try and speed things along. However, never try to pull a tooth that’s not loose, as this can cause pain and damage the permanent tooth. When in doubt, consult your pediatric dentist.
Do baby teeth even matter?
Yes! Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help guide them into place, they help with properly forming sounds and words, and they are important for chewing and eating.
By what age should they lose their first tooth?
In most cases, the first tooth will be lost by age 7, but late bloomers may not start losing teeth until age 8. If your child has missed this milestone, consult your pediatric dentist in Dallas.
