As parents, we know how exciting it is to watch our children lose their baby teeth! It’s a milestone that often means the “big kid” stage is officially underway. But what happens when your child loses a baby tooth… and nothing comes in to replace it?
We often hear from parents who are concerned because their child’s permanent teeth aren’t coming in as expected. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry, in many cases it’s completely normal. That said, there are times when delayed tooth eruption can signal a deeper issue, and it’s worth knowing what to watch for.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 6 or 7, and by age 12 to 13, they should have most of their 28 permanent teeth (wisdom teeth come later, if at all).
However, timing varies from child to child. Some kids lose teeth and get replacements quickly, while others might have months-long gaps. Genetics, growth patterns, and even gender can affect tooth development (girls often develop teeth earlier than boys).
So, if your child is 7 or 8 and still has several baby teeth ,or lost a baby tooth and the new one is taking its sweet time , it’s not automatically a red flag.
If your child has significant delays in tooth eruption or certain baby teeth have been missing for well over six months with no sign of a permanent tooth, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation. Common causes include:
1. Impacted Teeth
A permanent tooth may be blocked or “stuck” beneath the gums, often due to crowding or abnormal positioning.
2. Missing (Congenitally Absent) Teeth
In some cases, a child is simply born without a certain permanent tooth. This is more common than you might think and can be detected with X-rays.
3. Lack of Space
If the jaw is too small or crowded, permanent teeth may not have room to erupt, which can cause delays or cause them to come in crooked.
4. Over-Retained Baby Teeth
Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out when they should. This can block permanent teeth from emerging and may require gentle intervention.
5. Extra Teeth (Supernumerary Teeth)
Occasionally, extra teeth form and block the path of permanent ones. These usually need to be removed to allow proper eruption.
If you’re noticing delayed eruption or unusual patterns in your child’s smile, we’re here to help. At Truman Orthodontics, we offer free consultations and use low-radiation digital X-rays to:
1. Identify impacted or missing teeth
2. Check for overcrowding or jaw development issues
3. Create a custom plan based on your child’s unique needs
In many cases, early intervention can save your child from more complex treatment down the road. Our goal is to ensure your child’s permanent teeth come in properly and on time, when possible.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. Even if everything looks fine on the outside, there may be underlying issues developing under the surface, and we can help spot them early.
Schedule your FREE consultation today!
Posted By Teigan Category: General Post Date: February 12, 2026