Why Do Adult Teeth Come in Behind My Child’s Baby Teeth?

When your child loses their first tooth, you can expect their teeth to start falling out around age six, with their permanent teeth taking their place. But sometimes, their permanent teeth will erupt behind their baby teeth that haven’t fallen out. If this happens to your child, don’t worry! Our team at OC Kids Dental is here to help. In this article, we’ll explore why their adult teeth sometimes come in behind their baby teeth and what you can do to ensure their oral health is on track. 

Why Do Adult Teeth Come In Behind My Child’s Baby Teeth? 

There are a few reasons why adult teeth may erupt before the baby teeth fall out. It’s important to understand that when permanent teeth replace the baby teeth, the roots of the baby teeth dissolve naturally. Some reasons why their adult teeth may come in behind their baby teeth include the following: 

• The Root Hasn’t Dissolved: In most cases, the baby teeth’s roots haven’t fully dissolved yet, which can delay the eruption of the permanent teeth. In these cases, your pediatric dentist will either need to extract the baby tooth, or it will fall out naturally over time. 
• Permanent Teeth Haven’t Developed Yet: In other cases, the permanent teeth may start to develop but haven’t fully developed enough to allow the baby’s tooth roots to dissolve. 
• Overcrowding: If their mouth is crowded, then their mouth won’t have enough space for all their permanent teeth to emerge, causing them to come in behind the baby teeth. 
• Genetics: Some factors may involve their genetics, such as the size and shape of their mouth, which can cause their adult teeth to come in behind their baby teeth. 

If you notice that your child’s adult teeth are coming in behind their baby teeth, then there are a few things you can do to ensure that their oral health is right on track:

• Schedule a Dental Exam: Make sure to schedule a dental appointment for them as soon as possible. Scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist can help evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if any treatments are needed. 
• Monitor Your Child’s Teeth: Keeping an eye on your child’s teeth can help you keep track of any changes or issues. If you notice that your baby’s tooth isn’t falling out or that they’re experiencing pain or discomfort, make sure to contact your pediatric dentist. 
• Consider Intervention: Your pediatric dentist may recommend treatment options such as space maintainers or extractions to ensure that your child’s permanent teeth come in correctly. 

Visit OC Kids Dental Today For Your Child’s First Appointment!

While adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth are a common experience, it’s important to keep track of your child’s health and visit your pediatric dentist if you notice any changes in their health. At OC Kids Dental, our team of pediatric dentists is dedicated to helping your child experience excellent dental health. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Cima Atabaki in Aliso Viejo, CA, by calling (949) 362-9860. 

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