7 Reasons Why Your Child’s Permanent Teeth Aren’t Coming In

When your child loses their tooth it’s an exciting moment! The tooth fairy comes and rewards them for this milestone in their young lives. Eventually, more teeth fall out and they are replaced with the growth of their permanent, adult teeth. But what happens when those permanent teeth don’t seem to be coming in? Should you begin to worry? There are many reasons why your child’s permanent teeth might not come in and here they are:

Lack of Space

The most common reason permanent teeth don’t emerge in children is because of lack of space. If the baby tooth, or milk tooth, that falls out is smaller than the permanent tooth emerging, there will be a problem with growth. Most children have spaces between their primary teeth. In children without spaces, permanent tooth growth might be a problem when the primary teeth fall out. In the case of lack of space, your orthodontist can remove the surrounding primary teeth to give your child’s mouth more room for permanent tooth growth.

Permanent Teeth Are Growing in the Wrong Direction

Another issue that permanent tooth development can face occurs when the tooth is facing the wrong way. If permanent teeth don’t follow the path of the primary teeth, an issue could occur with tooth development. This might result in the need for surgical removal to allow the teeth to position themselves properly. Once the teeth emerge, orthodontic treatment is generally required.

Genetics

Did your teeth come in late? If you had late tooth development as a child, there is an 80% chance your children will have the same problem. Talk to your spouse or even your parents about your tooth development as a child. Genetics can be the cause of late permanent tooth development.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a big part in the development of your teeth. Teeth require calcium to help push them through the gums. If you have a picky eater on your hands, talk to your pediatrician about how to ensure they are consuming a balanced diet.

Height and Weight

Childhood obesity has been linked to the development of teeth according to some studies. Children who are overweight tend to develop teeth faster. In addition, children who are taller than average also seem to have faster tooth development. If your child is short and thin, it might take their teeth more time to develop. In this case, there is nothing to worry about because they will come with time.

Impacted Teeth

Premature tooth loss or narrow jaw can lead to impacted teeth. This means when permanent teeth are ready to come in, they might be blocked from developing due to lack of space. The lack of space will cause the permanent teeth to stay where they are.

Supernumerary Teeth

Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that can develop in the arch of your mouth. They can cause many dental problems and irregularities. These teeth emerge in the space that is meant for your permanent teeth and can delay normal tooth development.

If you are worried about your child’s permanent tooth development, talk to a qualified orthodontist about your concerns. In some cases, delayed tooth development is caused by an issue that can be easily rectified.