Why Haven't My Child's Baby Teeth Fallen Out Yet? - Dentistry

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Why haven't the primary teeth fallen out yet?


My daughter is currently 6 years and 5 months old and has only lost two of her lower front teeth.
Is it normal that the other teeth have not fallen out yet?

Andy, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/05

Dr. Lin Qingye reply Dentistry


Hello Mr.
Andy: The replacement of primary teeth with permanent teeth follows a specific order and timeline.
Generally, it is normal for children to start losing their teeth around the ages of 5 to 6.
However, due to the current prevalence of overnutrition and excessive consumption of sweets among children, primary teeth may fall out too early, leading to either premature eruption or delayed emergence of permanent teeth.
It is worth noting that two primary teeth have fallen out.
Have the new permanent incisors erupted properly? Is the first molar also in the process of erupting? If time permits, I recommend taking your child to a dental clinic for a dental check-up and growth assessment, or you may visit our clinic where we will be happy to assist you.
TEL: (06) 6351131-2208 Dr.
Lin 20050410

Reply Date: 2006/04/05

More Info


It's completely understandable to be concerned about your child's dental development, especially when it comes to the timing of baby teeth falling out. Generally, children begin to lose their baby teeth around the age of 6, but there is a wide range of normal when it comes to the timing of this process.
Typically, the first teeth to fall out are the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors, and then the lateral incisors. By the age of 7, most children will have lost several of their baby teeth, but some may lose them earlier or later than others. The timing can vary significantly from child to child, and factors such as genetics, overall health, and even the order in which teeth erupted can influence when baby teeth are lost.

In your case, since your daughter is 6 years and 5 months old and has only lost two lower incisors, this is still within the realm of normal. Some children may not lose their first tooth until they are closer to 7 or even 8 years old. If her teeth are healthy and there are no signs of dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, there is likely no cause for concern.

However, if you notice that her teeth are not loosening at all, or if there are any other concerns, such as pain or discomfort, it may be a good idea to consult with a pediatric dentist. They can assess her dental health and ensure that everything is developing as it should.
It's also worth noting that the process of losing baby teeth and having adult teeth come in can take several years. Most children will have lost all of their baby teeth by the time they are around 12 or 13 years old. The adult teeth that replace them will also take time to fully emerge and settle into their proper positions.

In terms of dental hygiene, it's essential to maintain a good oral care routine, even with baby teeth. Encourage your daughter to brush her teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly. This will help prevent cavities and other dental issues that could affect her baby teeth and the adult teeth that will eventually come in.

In summary, while it may seem like your daughter is taking longer than average to lose her baby teeth, this can be perfectly normal. As long as her dental health is good and there are no other concerning symptoms, you can continue to monitor her progress. If you have any lingering concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a dental professional for peace of mind.

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