Dental Health Topics

Is Your Child Missing Some Permanent Teeth? What Happened?

Is Your Child Missing Some Permanent Teeth? What Happened?

Reasons a Child's Tooth Might Not Erupt on Time


So, let’s un-complicate it a bit and look at the two reasons you're most likely not seeing a permanent tooth replacing the primary tooth the tooth fairy now has in her possession. 

First off, your child could merely be experiencing what is referred to as delayed eruption. This can be caused by all sorts of things including a mouth that is already a bit crowded, dietary inadequacies, illness, or genetics.

So, if seems like you’ve spent months waiting for that tooth and are starting to get worried, schedule an appointment to see your dentist who can give you an idea as to what's happening in your child's mouth. Most likely the tooth will present itself when it’s ready. It just takes time.

The other reason you might not see a permanent tooth peeping through your child's gums just might be because it’s congenitally missing. All the more reason to consult with your dentist if you're concerned.


Should your child have a congenitally missing tooth and reach an age where surgery is an option, you may wish to consider a dental implant to serve as a replacement tooth for the one that does not appear.


The good news is, there are solutions for each concern, and knowing what you're dealing with is the best first step in the right direction, so do bug your dentist - they're always happy to help!