Pediatric Dentist in Lewisville | Baby Teeth – Should My Child’s Teeth Be Removed?

Pediatric Dentist in Lewisville | Baby Teeth – Should My Child’s Teeth Be Removed?

PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN LEWISVILLE, TX
Pediatric Dentist in Lewisville TX
Posted on January 24, 2020

Making sure your child’s mouth develops properly is important. Part of a growing mouth will mean your child’s baby teeth will come out. For many kids, baby teeth loosen and fall out on their own, but every child is different. When you bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation, we take into consideration your child’s baby teeth. Here are some things to remember about your child’s teeth.

Is My Child on Track?

Sometimes we see parents in our office who are concerned that their child’s baby teeth have not fallen out. Each child’s mouth is going to be different. Typically, between the ages of 6 and 8, your child will lose their first teeth. This usually continues through ages 10 to 13 when the last of their baby teeth come out. Many kids experience a break between ages 8 and 10, so don’t be alarmed if your child hasn’t lost any teeth for a while.

What This Means for Orthodontic Treatment

We start any examination with a basic inventory of your child’s teeth. We look at how many they have lost and what teeth still must come in. Your child might lose teeth at a slower pace, and this usually is not cause for any concern. However, as kids reach age 12 and beyond we might consider removing baby teeth when planning orthodontic treatment. If your child is getting their second molars and has yet to lose some of their baby teeth, we likely will consider removal.

Why They Need to be Removed

Crowding is an issue when a permanent tooth begins to grow next to a baby tooth. We usually recommend removal in this instance, but it is important to note that this does not solve the issue of crowding. Usually expansion is a solution for crowding.

In our office, we use x-rays and scans to track your child’s mouth. These are a valuable resource in helping figure out the best time to have teeth removed. We can see what is coming in and decide to remove a baby tooth if it will cause complications to the new permanent tooth.

Why They Shouldn’t be Removed

Sometimes, the best course of action is to wait it out. Your child’s baby teeth have an important function in holding the required space needed for permanent teeth to come in. With missing teeth, our doctor will decide if the space between needs to be closed. Keeping teeth in place is also good for keeping your gums healthy.

Our doctor will decide if removal is needed based on your child’s teeth. Your child should be receiving regular examinations. Their fast-changing mouths need to be looked at frequently to ensure their teeth will grow properly in the future.

For more questions about orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

Read Our Lewisville Pediatric Dental News

PEDIATRIC DENTIST in Lewisville, TX

Smart Dietary Choices for Your...

November 1st 2024

At Lewisville Kids Dentistry, we know that your child’s oral health is influenced by many factors. From DNA and dental hygiene habits to regular checkups and diet, each element plays a key role in ensuring a healthy smile. As your child grows, their eating habits evolve, and it’s important to make smart dietary choices that...
Read More

Building Your Baby’s Smile on...

October 15th 2024

Did you know that the oral hygiene practices your parents used when you were an infant can have lasting effects on your smile today? At Lewisville Kids Dentistry, we believe in laying a strong foundation for your child’s dental health from the very beginning. Here’s how you can instill healthy habits that will benefit your...
Read More

Hypodontia: Understanding Your Child’s Missing...

October 1st 2024

When children lose their baby teeth, it often feels like a milestone. But what happens when a permanent tooth doesn’t develop? This is where hypodontia comes into play—a condition that, while relatively common, can be concerning for both parents and children. At Lewisville Kids Dentistry, we believe that understanding hypodontia can help alleviate worries about...
Read More