Milk Teeth Not Falling But Permanent Teeth Coming
Milk teeth, also known as baby teeth, usually start coming in around the age of 6 months. They are temporary teeth that are replaced by permanent teeth in due time. However, in some cases, the milk teeth may not fall out even after the permanent teeth have started to come in. This can be a cause for concern for some parents, but it is a natural occurrence that is not always a cause for alarm.
Why Do Milk Teeth Not Fall Out?
There are several reasons why milk teeth may not fall out even when permanent teeth have started to come in. One of the most common reasons is that the permanent teeth are coming in behind the milk teeth instead of pushing them out. This is known as delayed eruption and is a natural occurrence that typically resolves itself over time.
Another reason why milk teeth may not fall out is that they have not been sufficiently loosened by the permanent teeth coming in. In this case, it may be necessary for the dentist to extract the milk teeth to make way for the permanent teeth.
What Are the Risks of Milk Teeth Not Falling Out?
While it is not always a cause for concern, there are some risks associated with milk teeth not falling out. One of the main risks is that the permanent teeth may come in crooked or misaligned due to limited space. This can lead to issues with biting and chewing and may require orthodontic treatment to correct.
Additionally, if the milk teeth are not extracted when necessary, they may become impacted or infected, which can cause pain and discomfort for the child.
What Can Parents Do?
If you are concerned about your child's milk teeth not falling out, the best course of action is to consult with a dentist. They can evaluate your child's teeth and determine if any action needs to be taken.
In some cases, the dentist may recommend extracting the milk teeth to make way for the permanent teeth. In other cases, they may recommend waiting and monitoring the situation to see if the milk teeth eventually fall out on their own.
Conclusion
Milk teeth not falling out when permanent teeth are coming in is a natural occurrence that is not always a cause for concern. However, there are some risks associated with this, such as misaligned permanent teeth and impacted or infected milk teeth. If you are concerned about your child's teeth, it is best to consult with a dentist to determine the best course of action.