Why Are My Child’s Baby Teeth Not Falling Out?
Role of Baby Teeth In Dental Development
It is an exciting phase when your child starts developing their first set of baby teeth. Their precious toothy smile is enough to melt away the entire day’s stress. But apart from being a part of their smile, baby teeth serve several purposes. These teeth allow your child to start chewing solid foods, introducing more variety to their diet.
In addition, baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth falls out too early, it can later cause crowding or overlapping of permanent teeth. On the other hand, if your child’s baby teeth do not fall out at the right time, it can block the path of permanent teeth, increasing the risk of orthodontics issues.
What Happens When Baby Teeth Do Not Fall Out?
Most children start losing their primary teeth by the age of 6. It is important to note that there is no fixed age for the loss of primary teeth. Some children lose their teeth as early as 5 or as late as 7, neither of which is a cause for concern. However, if your child is 8 years or older and any of their baby teeth have not fallen out, it can indicate an underlying problem.
Stubborn baby teeth can affect the normal development of permanent teeth. In some cases, the permanent teeth appear behind the primary ones and are often known as “shark teeth.”
This unusual pattern can affect the alignment of permanent teeth, increasing the risk of orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth or overcrowding.
Any Questions?
When To Visit A Pediatric Dentist?
If your child’s baby teeth are not falling out naturally and affecting their beautiful smile, it is best to consult a pediatric dentist. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Stiff baby tooth: A baby tooth that is still still even after the appearance of a permanent tooth behind it will need to be extracted.
- Crowding: Stubborn primary teeth may block the pathway of permanent ones. This can lead to overcrowding.
- Congenitally missing teeth: In some cases, a permanent tooth may not develop at all, which is why the baby tooth may stay in place. An X-ray can help determine the problem.
If the baby tooth is already loose, your dentist may recommend waiting for a short period. The last resort is tooth extraction, which promotes the normal development of permanent teeth.
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Final Words
If you are concerned about your child’s baby teeth not falling out, visit our expert pediatric dentist at LuxDen Kids today. We will help determine the best solutions for your child’s oral care needs! Call us at (347) 391-0744 to schedule an appointment.