Baby Teeth Won’t Fall Out: 5 Smart Steps to Take
Baby teeth won’t fall out? Discover 5 smart steps parents can take when a child’s baby tooth won’t budge — plus how orthodontics can help support healthy smiles.- Bee Cave Orthodontics – Austin, Texas
Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage in childhood. But what happens when those tiny teeth hold on for a little too long? If your child’s baby teeth aren’t falling out on schedule, it’s completely normal to feel concerned.
The good news? You’re not alone — and there are simple, proactive steps you can take to support your child’s dental development. Here’s everything you need to know if those wiggly teeth aren’t wiggling enough.
1. Understand What’s “Normal” for Baby Teeth Falling Out
Most children start losing baby teeth between ages 6 and 7, beginning with the lower front teeth. The process typically continues until about age 12 or 13, when the last baby molars are replaced by permanent teeth.
But every child is different. Some kids start earlier, others later — and that can still be completely normal. However, if a baby tooth is holding on well beyond its expected timeline (especially if the adult tooth is already visible behind it), it may be time to check in with your orthodontist or pediatric dentist.
2. Watch for “Shark Teeth” — and Know When to Worry
If you notice your child has a permanent tooth growing in behind or in front of a baby tooth, but the baby tooth isn’t moving, this is commonly called a “shark tooth” situation.
It sounds scarier than it is! In many cases, the baby tooth will fall out on its own within a few weeks. But if the permanent tooth continues to grow in and the baby tooth stays firmly in place, this could cause crowding, misalignment, or bite issues.
🔍 Pro tip: If the baby tooth doesn’t loosen after a few weeks of the permanent tooth erupting, schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
3. Know the Causes Behind Stubborn Baby Teeth
Several reasons can explain why baby teeth aren’t falling out:
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Lack of root resorption — Normally, the root of the baby tooth dissolves as the adult tooth pushes up. If this doesn’t happen, the baby tooth won’t loosen.
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Misaligned permanent teeth — If the adult tooth isn’t positioned right beneath the baby tooth, it might not trigger the shedding process.
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Extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) or missing permanent teeth can both disrupt the timeline.
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Genetics — Sometimes late tooth loss simply runs in the family.
An orthodontic exam with digital X-rays can easily determine the cause.
4. How Orthodontics Can Help with Stubborn Baby Teeth
Orthodontists play a crucial role in managing delayed baby teeth loss. Here’s how:
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Monitoring jaw development and tooth eruption patterns to catch problems early.
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Recommending gentle extractions if needed to allow permanent teeth to come in correctly.
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Planning for space management — If a baby tooth holds on too long, it can block other teeth or create crowding. Space maintainers or early orthodontic treatment may be recommended.
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Using Invisalign First or other tools to guide proper alignment as permanent teeth arrive.
The goal is always to make sure your child’s smile develops in the healthiest, most natural way possible — with minimal intervention when appropriate.
5. Stay Proactive: When to See an Orthodontist
If your child is:
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8 years old or older and still has baby front teeth,
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Developing “shark teeth” that persist,
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Showing signs of crowding or misaligned teeth,
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Or if you simply want peace of mind about their dental development…
…it’s the perfect time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
🦷 At our office, we specialize in creating a comfortable, fun, and supportive environment for kids — including those with special needs — to ensure every smile grows bright and healthy.
You’ve Got This! Schedule Free Consultation Now!
Baby teeth that won’t fall out can feel like a big deal, but with the right guidance, it’s just a small bump in the road. Early orthodontic evaluation can make a huge difference — helping prevent bigger problems, keeping smiles on track, and giving parents peace of mind.
If you’re wondering whether your child’s dental development is on the right path, we’re here to help.
👉Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. D now and get personalized guidance from Austin’s trusted pediatric orthodontist.
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