Can Children Lose Baby Teeth Too Early?

Baby teeth will eventually fall out, so many parents assume that they aren’t as important to care for. However, baby teeth set the stage for a lifetime of good dental hygiene habits. If lost too soon, there are a few problems that can occur.

Losing Baby Teeth Too Early

If your child begins to lose teeth before the age of 4, it’s vital to make an appointment for him or her here at Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry. Natural tooth loss should begin around the age of 6 and conclude around age 13.

If baby teeth are lost too early, crowding problems can occur for the adult teeth developing underneath. Bone development and jaw muscles can also be negatively impacted, leading to possible jaw misalignment and bite problems.

Causes of Early Tooth Loss

Some common causes of early tooth loss include:

• Traumatic facial injury
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease

You can mitigate the risk of these factors by making sure to floss and brush your child’s teeth every day and make sure they wear a sports guard when engaging in sports or karate.

To learn more about healthy tooth loss patterns, or if your child needs a dental cleaning and a checkup, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry located in Greensboro, NC.