Children lose their first baby teeth between ages 5 and 6. Baby teeth typically fall out in the order that they erupted, starting with the incisors, or front teeth, and ending with the rear molars at age 12 or 13. Some children retain their baby teeth longer than others, but usually retaining baby teeth doesn't mean your child has a problem.
The Tooth Isn't Ready to Fall Out
Your child may lose his teeth at a different rate than his friends or your other children, similar to the variation seen in all growth and development. The typical cause for a baby tooth to stay intact is that it isn't ready to come out. When a baby tooth becomes loose, it is because the roots of the tooth have dissolved slowly until they no longer are firmly anchored in the gum. If the root has not dissolved, the tooth won't fall out naturally.
The Permanent Teeth Aren't Ready
The process of losing baby teeth often is precipitated by a permanent tooth erupting near or under the baby tooth. The permanent tooth pushes out the baby tooth or loosens it enough that you or your child can pull it out. If the baby teeth are not coming out, it may be because the permanent teeth aren't near enough to the surface. Sometimes the permanent teeth erupt alongside the baby teeth, forming a double row of teeth. The baby teeth usually fall out within a week or two because the new permanent teeth put pressure on the baby teeth.
Abnormal Development
In rare cases, your child's retained baby teeth may be caused by abnormal tooth development or another dental problem. A baby tooth may be hooked to the jaw instead of rooted in the gum, which can cause the permanent tooth to become impacted, or stuck. This usually is very painful, and the dentist has to remove the baby tooth. In other cases, the permanent teeth might not be present under the baby teeth or might have developed abnormally.
When to Consult A Dentist
If your child has not lost any teeth by the time she is 7, contact your dentist. Your dentist will take X-rays to look for potential problems, such as abnormally developing permanent teeth or impacted teeth. In addition, if your child is experiencing severe pain in the area of a baby tooth, make an appointment with the dentist. The child may have an impacted permanent tooth or a problem with the baby tooth, such as a cavity or abscess.
