As a parent, ensuring your child’s mouth develops properly is essential for their overall health. One of the stages of a growing mouth is the natural shedding of baby teeth. For many children, baby teeth loosen and fall out on their own, but every child’s development is unique. At Olney Pediatric Dentistry, we take careful consideration of your child’s dental growth, including the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Here’s what you need to know about baby teeth and whether they should be removed.

Is My Child on Track for Losing Baby Teeth?

It’s common for parents to worry if their child’s baby teeth haven’t fallen out by the expected time. However, every child develops at their own pace. Typically, children begin losing their first teeth between the ages of 6 and 8. This process continues through the ages of 10 to 13, when the last baby teeth are shed.

• Ages 6-8: The first baby teeth usually begin to loosen and fall out.
• Ages 8-10: It’s normal for there to be a break in tooth loss during this period.
• Ages 10-13: The last of the baby teeth usually come out during these years.

If your child hasn’t lost a tooth during this time, don’t worry, it’s often just part of their individual development.

What Does This Mean for Orthodontic Treatment?

During your child’s orthodontic evaluation, we start by checking the number of teeth your child has lost and what still needs to come in. While some children lose teeth more slowly than others, this is generally not a concern. However, as your child approaches age 12, we may start to consider removing baby teeth as part of orthodontic treatment.

• Age 12 and beyond: If your child’s second molars are coming in but some baby teeth remain, we might recommend removal to make space for the new teeth.

Why Baby Teeth May Need to Be Removed

If a permanent tooth begins to grow next to a baby tooth, this can lead to crowding, which might require the removal of the baby tooth. While removal can help alleviate crowding, it’s important to note that this doesn’t always resolve the issue entirely. Often, expansion may be necessary to create enough space for all the permanent teeth.

At Olney Pediatric Dentistry, we use X-rays and scans to monitor your child’s dental development. These tools help us determine the right time to remove baby teeth, ensuring that their permanent teeth have enough space to grow properly.

Why Baby Teeth Shouldn’t Be Removed Prematurely

Sometimes, it’s best to wait before removing a baby tooth. Baby teeth play a crucial role in holding space for the permanent teeth to come in. Premature removal can cause problems with spacing or gum health. Our team will carefully assess your child’s dental needs and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Regular dental examinations are essential during these developmental years to ensure that your child’s teeth grow in the best possible way.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Olney Pediatric Dentist

If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or the need for baby teeth removal, contact Olney Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping your child maintain healthy, well-aligned teeth throughout their growth.