What Parents Should Know About Late Tooth Loss

As parents, we eagerly watch for those first baby teeth to arrive and later celebrate each wiggly tooth that falls out. Many parents look forward to their turn to play “tooth fairy”. But, what happens if those baby teeth seem to hang on longer than expected?

As a pediatric dentist, delayed tooth loss is something we see quite often. Here’s what could be going on.

Typical Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth

Most children start losing their baby teeth around age 6, beginning with the lower front teeth. The process continues until about age 12, when the last baby molars are replaced by permanent teeth.

Although this is the “typical” timeline, it’s critical to understand that every child is unique, and variation of timing is perfectly normal.

Common Reasons for Delayed Tooth Loss

Here are some common reasons why a baby tooth might stick around:

• Slowly developing permanent teeth: Sometimes the permanent tooth beneath the gum is simply taking longer than expected to form or erupt.

• Missing permanent teeth: In rare cases, a permanent tooth never develops, leaving

  the baby tooth without a replacement.

• Crowding or misalignment: If there isn’t enough space in the mouth, permanent teeth

  may struggle to push baby teeth out.

• Trauma or infection history: A past injury or infection can affect how and when teeth

  erupt.

Understanding the reason for delayed loss is key to deciding on the right care plan.

Why It Matters

While a single late baby tooth may not seem like a big deal, it can affect bite alignment, spacing, and the eruption of neighboring teeth.

If a baby tooth remains too long, it might block or misdirect the permanent tooth, leading to crowding or the need for orthodontic treatment later.

Most children will lose their baby teeth between the ages of 6-12.

When to Visit the Dentist

Regular checkups every six months are the best way to monitor tooth development. Dentists use X-rays and a clinical exam to see whether permanent teeth are forming and erupting properly.

Call your pediatric dentist if you notice:

• A baby tooth that remains long after the typical age range

• Adult teeth erupting behind or around a baby tooth

• Pain, swelling, or signs of infection

Late tooth loss is often just part of a child’s unique growth pattern, but there are times when it does deserve attention. Timely evaluation ensures that permanent teeth have the space and support they need for a healthy, well-aligned smile.

If you have concerns about a tooth that won’t budge, your pediatric dental team can help you decide whether to simply watch and wait. When in doubt, it’s good to ask and take action to keep your child’s oral development on track.