Introduction
Shocked to discover that you still have a baby tooth when you are grown up? You’re not alone! It is not until adulthood that many realize that the tooth has never been replaced by its permanent partner.
So, is this normal? And, more to the point, what does it do to your long-term tooth health? Children usually start to shed their baby teeth at the age of six, and by the early teens, they have all lost them and gotten new permanent teeth. When a tooth does not fall before that point, then you should know why.
At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we focus on why baby teeth do not fall out and how to guide patients to the most appropriate treatment solutions, be it keeping them in place, extracting them, or replacing them. Individual treatment and more advanced interventions ensure that all smiles can move to the new location at a minimum age when the baby tooth is fully developed as an adult tooth.
Are Retained Baby Teeth Healthy – and Why Do They Occur?
Baby teeth held in place can be quite stable, although they are often not as strong and sturdy as permanent teeth. With time, they may become dysfunctional, discolored, and feel less strong than the adult teeth around them. This predisposes them to chewing and biting over the course of normal life.
The most frequent explanation for the baby tooth’s persistence is the absence of an adult tooth beneath it. The baby tooth might stay in place into adulthood if there isn’t a permanent tooth to push it out. In that case, you should refer to your dentist. With the appropriate assessment, you will be able to identify whether to monitor, extract, or replace the tooth to achieve long-term oral health.
Why Do We Have Baby Teeth?
The baby teeth are not practice teeth. They play a crucial role in the development of a child at a tender age, and in the general development of a child as the basis of subsequent oral health.
Chewing & Nutrition – With baby teeth, children can chew all types of food in proper ways, enabling the digestive system to work correctly and providing children with balanced nutrition to grow healthy.
Speech Development – These teeth have an important role in teaching children to build words and to pronounce words properly, which helps in clean speech development at an early age.
Jaw Growth & Alignment – Baby teeth provide room for permanent teeth and position them in the right direction to prevent crowding and malformation during the later stages of life.
Confidence & Daily Function – A healthy baby tooth set allows the child to smile, talk, and socialize, enhancing his or her confidence in day-to-day life.
Finally, comparing baby teeth with adult teeth, the greatest variation is the purpose: baby teeth are just temporary tools, destined to be replaced by the more powerful and permanent teeth, which will last the patient a lifetime.
When Do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?
Most children follow a natural timeline when it comes to losing their baby teeth, though exact timing can vary from child to child.
First Teeth – Baby teeth typically start falling out around age 6, often beginning with the front incisors.
Gradual Transition – Between ages 6 and 12, baby teeth are replaced steadily as adult teeth emerge.
Complete Replacement – By age 12, most children have lost all their baby teeth, with molars being the last to come in.
In short, children usually lose their baby teeth between the ages of 6–12, and by the early teen years, a complete set of permanent teeth is typically in place.
Why Would an Adult Still Have a Baby Tooth?
It may come as a surprise, but many adults retain one or more baby teeth well into adulthood. While this isn’t always a cause for concern, it usually points to unique dental conditions that affect how permanent teeth develop and erupt.
❌ Missing Adult Tooth – In some cases, a permanent tooth simply never forms (a condition called congenitally missing teeth), which leaves the baby tooth in place longer than expected.
⛔ Adult Tooth Not Erupting Properly – Sometimes the adult tooth exists but remains trapped beneath the gums (impacted) and fails to push out the baby tooth.
🦴 Baby Tooth Fused to Bone (Ankylosis) – On rare occasions, a baby tooth fuses directly to the jawbone. This prevents it from loosening and falling out naturally, making it stay in place even as the person grows older.
When adult teeth don’t erupt as expected, or if adult teeth come in behind baby teeth, spacing problems, bite misalignment, and cosmetic concerns can occur. Retained baby teeth may look smaller or create gaps in the smile. In such cases, dentists often recommend orthodontic treatment, extraction, or even restorative solutions like implants to maintain proper function and appearance.
While retaining a baby tooth into adulthood isn’t always harmful, it’s important to have it evaluated by a dentist to ensure it won’t lead to long-term alignment or health issues.
Do Baby Teeth Have Roots?
Yes, baby teeth do have roots. These roots help anchor them in place until it’s time for permanent teeth to take over. As adult teeth come in behind baby teeth, the roots naturally resorb, making the baby teeth loose enough to fall out.
However, if there’s no adult tooth underneath, the roots may not dissolve completely. That’s why some retained baby teeth can stay strong for years, while others weaken over time.
What Happens If a Baby Tooth Stays in Place?
Treatment Options for Adults with Baby Teeth
If you still have a baby tooth as an adult, your dentist may recommend one of the following:
- Observation – If the tooth is healthy, it may simply be monitored.
- Baby Tooth Extraction – If it’s weak, damaged, or causing bite issues.
- Replacement Options – Dental implant, bridge, or orthodontic treatment to restore function and appearance.
Each case is unique, so treatment depends on the condition of the baby tooth and the surrounding permanent teeth.
How Long Does It Take Permanent Teeth to Come In?
Permanent teeth usually start appearing around age 6 and continue through the teenage years. But what if there are delays?
- Typical Timeline: Most adult teeth come in by age 12–13, with wisdom teeth appearing later.
- Delays May Indicate: Missing permanent teeth, impacted teeth, or jaw space issues.
If you’re wondering how long it takes permanent teeth to come in and things don’t seem on track, it’s important to have a dental evaluation.
When to See a Dentist About Retained Baby Teeth
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to book a consultation:
- A baby tooth that feels loose or painful
- Bite misalignment or crowding
- Difficulty chewing or cosmetic concerns
A dentist will take X-rays to check if there’s a permanent tooth underneath and recommend the best course of action. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we provide tailored solutions to help protect your smile and restore proper alignment.
Conclusion
Having a baby tooth as an adult is more common than you might think. While some cases can be left alone, others may require treatment to avoid long-term issues.
Don’t wait for discomfort or misalignment to worsen; early evaluation is key.
Book your appointment with Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today and let us help you find the best solution for your smile.
