Losing baby teeth is an exciting milestone for kids (and parents, too!). It usually starts around age six and continues until about age 12. But what happens if your child's baby tooth seems to be hanging on for dear life while their friends are already flashing their gap-toothed smiles?

Dr Neha Korla, the dentist at ACE Dental Of Belton, will discuss why this might be happening and what you should know.

1. The Timing of Tooth Loss Varies

First things first: not all kids lose their baby teeth at the same age. While most children start around six, some may take a little longer. Genetics plays a big role here—if you or your partner lost your teeth later as kids, chances are your child might follow the same pattern.

2. Permanent Teeth May Be Slow to Erupt

Baby teeth fall out when the permanent teeth beneath them push up and loosen the roots. If the permanent tooth is taking its sweet time to come in, the baby tooth won't budge. This delay is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a developmental issue.

3. Crowding in the Mouth

Your child's baby tooth might be staying put because there's no room for the permanent tooth to come in. Crowding happens when the jaw is too small to fit all the teeth properly. If the new tooth can't find a way out, the baby tooth won't loosen as it should.

4. No Permanent Tooth Beneath

In some cases, the baby tooth doesn't fall out because there's no permanent tooth underneath it. This condition, called hypodontia, occurs when one or more adult teeth simply don't develop. It's not super common, but it's a possibility to keep in mind.

5. Medical Conditions or Nutritional Deficiencies

Occasionally, delayed tooth loss can be linked to other factors, like a medical condition or nutritional deficiency. For instance, conditions like hypothyroidism or Down syndrome can slow dental development. A lack of key nutrients, such as vitamin D, may also play a role.

6. When to See a Dentist

If your child hasn't lost any baby teeth by age seven, or if a baby tooth seems stubborn long after the adult tooth should have come in, it's time to visit the dentist. They might take an X-ray to see what's happening beneath the gums and ensure everything is on track.

7. What Can Be Done?

Depending on what the dentist finds, a few solutions may be suggested:

  • Monitoring: In most cases, they'll recommend waiting a bit longer. Nature has its own timeline!
  • Extraction: If the baby tooth is in the way or there's crowding, the dentist might remove it to make room for the permanent tooth.
  • Orthodontics: If spacing or alignment is an issue, braces or other orthodontic solutions might be discussed.

8. Stay Positive and Patient

It's easy to worry when your child's tooth milestones don't match those of their peers. But remember, every child develops at their own pace. With regular dental check-ups and a bit of patience, you'll ensure your child's smile is healthy and happy.

If you're still unsure, your dentist is your best partner in navigating your child's dental journey. After all, those baby teeth are just the beginning of a lifetime of smiles! You can also visit ACE Dental Of Belton or call +12549785924