What To Do When Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out

Losing baby teeth is an exciting milestone for kids—and parents. The “tooth fairy” visits, the gaps that make for adorable smiles, and the anticipation of permanent teeth are all part of childhood. But what happens if baby teeth don’t fall out when expected?

At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry in Southborough, MA, we often see children whose baby teeth linger longer than normal. While it’s not always cause for alarm, it can sometimes signal a dental issue that needs attention.

When Do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?

Most children begin losing their first baby tooth around age 6, and the process continues until about age 12. Baby teeth usually fall out in the same order they erupted, starting with the lower front teeth and ending with the molars.

If your child hasn’t lost any teeth by age 7 or still has baby teeth by their teenage years, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a pediatric dentist in Southborough, MA.

Why Baby Teeth Sometimes Don’t Fall Out
There are several reasons why a baby tooth may stay in place longer than expected:

• Delayed eruption of permanent teeth: The adult tooth beneath may not be pushing up strongly enough.
• Impacted permanent teeth: The tooth could be blocked by bone, another tooth, or improper positioning.
• Fusion (ankylosis): The baby tooth root may be fused to the jawbone, preventing it from loosening.
• Extra teeth (supernumerary teeth): Sometimes extra teeth develop, which disrupt the normal process.
• Trauma or infection: A past injury or untreated cavity could interfere with tooth loss.

Potential Problems of Retained Baby Teeth
If baby teeth don’t fall out, they can cause:

• Misalignment of permanent teeth.
• Crowding and bite issues.
• Increased risk of cavities or gum problems.
• Speech or chewing difficulties.

For families seeking the top pediatric dentist in Southborough, addressing these issues early can help prevent orthodontic treatment later on.

What Parents Should Do

If you notice your child’s baby teeth sticking around longer than expected, here’s what you can do:

1. Schedule a dental exam: A quick visit to Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry will allow us to take X-rays and check the development of permanent teeth.
2. Monitor for wiggling: If the baby tooth is loose, encourage gentle wiggling at home.
3. Watch for double teeth: Sometimes permanent teeth erupt behind baby teeth, creating a “shark teeth” look. This usually resolves naturally, but occasionally the baby tooth needs help coming out.
4. Don’t try home extractions: Pulling teeth prematurely can damage the gums or affect permanent tooth development.

Treatment Options

If intervention is needed, treatment may include:

• Observation: Sometimes, patience is all that’s required.
• Extraction: If the baby tooth is firmly in place and blocking a permanent tooth, a gentle extraction may be recommended.
• Orthodontic evaluation: If crowding or bite problems are involved, we may refer your child to an orthodontist for further planning.

As an emergency pediatric dentist near Southborough, MA, our team can also provide same-day care if retained teeth cause pain, swelling, or infection.

How to Prevent Complications

Routine dental visits every six months help us monitor your child’s dental development. X-rays allow us to see whether permanent teeth are forming correctly and whether baby teeth are on schedule to fall out. By keeping a close eye on your child’s oral health, we can step in early if intervention is needed—saving families time, stress, and money later on.

Conclusion

While it may feel worrisome when baby teeth don’t fall out, in most cases it’s a manageable situation. With the right guidance from a top pediatric dentist near Southborough, your child’s smile can stay on track for a healthy future.

At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in helping children feel comfortable, safe, and confident about their dental care. If you have questions about your child’s dental development, or if you’re searching for an emergency pediatric dentist in Southborough, MA, our team is here for you.

Contact Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.