The Tooth Fairy’s first visit is a treasured milestone that represents a child’s growth, and many parents eagerly await it. The toothless smile and the classic wiggle are all part of the plan. However, what happens if a baby tooth becomes embedded in its roots and refuses to come out? This situation, where a baby tooth stays longer than anticipated, is more common than most people realize and can raise a lot of concerns for parents.
The primary (baby or milk) teeth and the adult teeth are the two sets of teeth we acquire during our lifetimes. Around the age of six to seven months, the first infant tooth erupts into the oral cavity, marking the start of the trip. They often have all 20 milk teeth by the time they are about three years old. Beyond their aesthetic value, these temporary teeth have a more important function. They are crucial for speech development, chewing, and—above all—acting as temporary replacements for the permanent teeth that will eventually erupt.
The positioning of your child’s permanent teeth is greatly influenced by milk teeth. Teeth can occasionally be too damaged to be restored. In other cases, they are over-retained and prevent the correct eruption of permanent teeth. In certain situations, an orthodontic treatment plan may include planned baby tooth extraction (ถอนฟันน้ำนม, term in the Thai) or space management to avoid crowding in the future.
The effect of “Shark Teeth”: This is among the most prevalent signs. A permanent tooth will erupt in front of or behind the baby tooth, forming a double row. This is a strong indication that the baby tooth is obstructing the permanent tooth’s normal path and frequently occurs with the lower front teeth.
No wiggle room: The tooth is still totally hard, and the youngster is long over the age at which it is expected to fall out. It is concerning if one baby tooth is not loose at all, but nearby teeth have shed, and their permanent substitutes are being installed.
Pain or discomfort: It is time to take your child to the dentist if they report experiencing pain when speaking, chewing, or brushing. Persistent soreness, particularly around a particular tooth, may indicate a cavity, gum disease, or bite problems that require medical care.
Baby teeth at birth (natal teeth): Rarely, infants are born with teeth. These can occasionally result in tongue ulcers or make breastfeeding difficult. Depending on the situation, your dentist might advise keeping an eye on them or getting rid of them to prevent issues.
Indications of infection: Check the gums surrounding the baby tooth for pus, redness, or swelling. In addition to causing pain, an infected baby tooth can harm the growing permanent tooth beneath it.
Crowding or misalignment: An orthodontist may occasionally advise the deliberate excision of certain baby teeth in order to make the necessary room for permanent teeth in a crowded mouth. This is a proactive step toward improving alignment.
Nature’s ideal space-maintainers are baby teeth. Problems may arise if they are gone too soon. However, they can be equally troublesome if they remain too long. For this reason, expert advice is crucial. Consulting a pediatric dentist is the best option when unsure. Clarity and peace of mind can be obtained with a straightforward examination.
