Tooth loss is a natural part of being a child between the ages of 6 and 12. Starting with the upper and lower central incisors at around the age of six, children's teeth begin to fall out. Their adult replacements should then soon begin to erupt. But if a child loses a tooth too early, this could lead to dental issues later in life.
Early Tooth Loss Causes Misalignment of Teeth
To lose a tooth a few weeks early isn't an issue. But to lose a tooth months, or even years, early will likely lead to spacing issues when the permanent teeth begin to erupt later.
If a baby tooth falls out due to an accident or severe tooth decay toot early, the adjacent baby teeth might then shift into the open space. This is an important issue because the adult or permanent teeth will then have little room to erupt. As such, they may erupt in the wrong location or come in crooked.
The only way to correct crooked teeth is with orthodontic care, which is costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, you can prevent future problems by taking the necessary precautions.
Take Your Child to the Dentist for a Dental X-ray
Children develop at different rates. Some children might lose their teeth from the age of five, while others might start late, at the age of seven, for instance. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell just how long a child might have before their permanent tooth comes in. As such, if you aren't sure, take your child to your dentist.
Your dentist will perform an x-ray to ascertain how well developed the permanent tooth is and what its condition is. If the x-ray shows that the tooth is mature and well developed, then you won't need to do anything else. The tooth should erupt with no issues. But if your child is still very young, for instance, between the ages of three to five, and the tooth is still growing, your dentist will intervene.
Choose a Removeable or Fixed Space Maintainer
When a tooth falls out too early, to save the space and prevent crowding, your dentist can place a space maintainer into the gap. This will remain until the permanent tooth is ready to come through. Checkups with your dentist can help you determine when that will be.
At this point, you need to decide if your child is responsible enough for a removable space maintainer or not. A fixed space maintainer is usually best for younger children as it guarantees that the gap will remain until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Just one lost baby tooth can cause a whole smile to become crooked if it falls out too early. Don't take chances with your child's smile. Get them to a dentist if you believe their tooth has come out too early.
For more information on solutions for your child's smile, talk to a children's dentist today.
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