Baby teeth typically fall out when permanent teeth start to emerge and push them out. However, other factors can also cause baby teeth to fall out early.
The Natural Process of Losing Baby Teeth
The most common way baby teeth fall out is a natural process where the permanent teeth developing beneath them start to dissolve the roots of the baby teeth. As the permanent tooth erupts (comes in), it pushes the baby tooth out of the way.
Other Reasons for Losing Baby Teeth
While the eruption of permanent teeth is the primary reason, baby teeth can also fall out prematurely due to:
- Tooth decay: According to the provided reference, tooth decay can lead to early tooth loss.
- Accidents: Trauma to the mouth can cause a baby tooth to become loose and eventually fall out, as the reference states.
What Happens If a Baby Tooth Falls Out Too Early?
If a baby tooth is lost early due to decay or an accident, it can cause complications:
- Early Eruption: The permanent tooth might come in too early, as noted in the reference.
- Crowding: Teeth adjacent to the empty space can shift, leading to crowding issues, according to the reference.
Management of Early Tooth Loss
To prevent problems associated with early tooth loss, dentists may recommend:
- Space Maintainers: These devices help to hold the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, preventing other teeth from shifting.
