Your Child's Tooth Loss: When to Seek Dental Advice

Child's dental eruption issues?

Hello doctor, my son is currently in the 3rd grade and is over 9 years old.
His lower canine tooth has been missing for an unknown period, and I haven't kept track of it.
However, no new tooth has come in.
I researched that the typical sequence for the eruption of lower teeth should be the canine, followed by the first premolar and then the second premolar.
Yesterday, he mentioned that his lower first premolar is wiggling.
I would like to ask if this is normal.
If the canine has not erupted yet and the premolar falls out, will the canine take up the space needed for the future growth of the premolar? Should I take him to see a doctor? Thank you.

Danxin de Baba, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/07

Dr. Zhu Guanyu reply Dentistry

Dear Sir,
Hello.
Due to individual differences, the timing and sequence of tooth eruption in children may not always be completely consistent, and there can sometimes be a gap of 1 to 2 teeth.
Even when teeth erupt in the typical order, there may be issues related to growth space, which must be carefully examined and assessed by a physician to determine.
I recommend that you seek further diagnosis and treatment at our pediatric dentistry department or another facility.
Thank you for your letter.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Kuan-Yu Chu
Director of Dentistry
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2017/07/07

More Info

When it comes to your child's dental health, particularly regarding tooth loss and the sequence of tooth eruption, it's essential to understand the normal patterns of dental development and when to seek professional advice.
In children, the sequence of tooth eruption typically follows a specific pattern. For the lower jaw (mandible), the canine teeth usually erupt after the first and second premolars (also known as small molars). The first premolars generally emerge around the age of 10-12 years, while the canines typically come in around 9-12 years. However, variations can occur, and some children may experience delays or irregularities in their dental development.

In your case, your son is 9 years old and has lost his lower canine tooth without a new one emerging. It's not uncommon for children to lose their baby teeth at different rates, and sometimes, the permanent teeth may take longer to erupt. The fact that he mentioned that his first premolar is now loose is a normal part of the transition from primary (baby) teeth to permanent teeth.
However, your concern about the timing of the eruption of the canine tooth in relation to the first premolar is valid. If the canine tooth does not erupt in a timely manner, it could potentially affect the space available for the premolars. If the canine erupts too late, it might occupy space that would otherwise be available for the premolars, leading to crowding or misalignment.

Here are some recommendations for you:
1. Monitor the Situation: Keep an eye on the loose premolar and any changes in your son's mouth. If the canine tooth has not erupted within a reasonable timeframe (typically a few months after the loss of the baby tooth), it may be worth consulting a dentist.

2. Consult a Pediatric Dentist: If you notice that the canine tooth is significantly delayed in erupting or if there are concerns about the alignment of the teeth, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. They can perform an examination and possibly take X-rays to assess the situation better.
3. Dental X-rays: X-rays can provide valuable information about the position of the permanent teeth beneath the gums. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues, such as impaction or misalignment, that may be affecting the eruption of the canine tooth.

4. Dental Hygiene: Encourage good dental hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, to maintain oral health during this transitional phase. This is crucial as the mouth is more susceptible to cavities during the eruption of new teeth.

5. Discuss with Your Child: Talk to your son about his dental health. Encourage him to share any discomfort or concerns he may have regarding his teeth. This can help you gauge whether he needs to see a dentist sooner rather than later.

In summary, while it is not unusual for children to experience variations in tooth eruption, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. If you have concerns about the timing of the eruption of his canine tooth or the loose premolar, seeking advice from a pediatric dentist would be a prudent step. They can provide guidance tailored to your child's specific dental development and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

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