The Mystery of Missing Adult Teeth: What Parents Need to Know

Watching your child grow and become their own little person is an exciting, albeit sometimes puzzling, experience. One such situation that can leave parents scratching their heads is when baby teeth fall out, but their adult teeth don't emerge from the gums right away.

Should parents worry when this happens? Is it normal? Let brush-baby guide you through what you need to know and when to seek help.

Understanding the Timing of Teeth Eruption

Usually, little ones start to lose their baby teeth around the age of six. You can expect their baby teeth to start gradually falling out and making way for their permanent adult teeth. However, it isn’t uncommon for there to be some variability in this timeline.

Why Adult Teeth May Not Show Immediately

There are a few different reasons why adult teeth might not appear immediately after your little one’s baby teeth have fallen out:

• Natural Delays: Sometimes, there is simply a natural delay. Be mindful that every child is different, and their bodies do develop at their own pace. A delay of a few months is usually nothing to worry about.

• Teeth Positioning: In some cases, the adult teeth may be growing in at a bit of an angle or be positioned in a way that delays their emergence through the gums.

• Impacted Teeth: In rare instances, adult teeth can become impacted, meaning they are stuck in the gum and unable to emerge. This can be due to a variety of factors such as lack of space, over-retained baby teeth, or other dental anomalies.

When to Seek Professional Advice

Here are some signs that indicate you should get in touch with your child's dentist:

• No signs of emerging adult teeth within six months of losing baby teeth. Pain, swelling, or discomfort in the gums.

• Visible signs of crowding or misalignment: Concerns about gaps or spacing in the dental arch. A visit to the dentist can give you peace of mind and help to make sure that any potential problems are dealt with quickly. Your little one’s dentist can take x-rays to make sure the adult teeth are there, identify their position, and recommend appropriate treatments for them if necessary.

The Role of Good Oral Hygiene

While waiting for your little one’s adult teeth to make their appearance, making sure that their oral hygiene is in tip top condition is as crucial as ever. Ensuring that your child continues to practise proper dental care can help to prevent complications and support their healthy tooth development.

Here are some of our top brush-baby tips:

• Use Age-Appropriate Kids Toothbrushes: For younger children, between the ages of 18 months-4 years, a toddler toothbrush is ideal. Here at brush-baby we offer a variety of different options, including kids toothbrushes and childrens electric toothbrushes, which are designed to make brushing fun and effective.

• Choose the Right Kids Toothpaste: Choosing the best kids toothpaste for your little one can make a big difference. Look for options that are safe for your child's age group.

• Encourage Regular Brushing: Teach your little one to brush twice daily with their age appropriate children’s toothbrush.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding why your little one’s adult teeth might not be emerging immediately after their baby teeth fall out can help ease your worries. While natural delays are common, it's important to keep a close eye on things and seek professional advice if needed.

Meanwhile, maintaining good oral hygiene practices with the right kids toothbrushes, kids toothpastes and other dental products for children can support your child's oral health.

Take a look at our online store to find our wide range of children’s dental products, from baby gum wipes and teething toys to toothbrushes for braces, we’ve got your little one’s dental health covered!