Losing primary teeth is an essential part of a person’s life, particularly as they transition to adulthood. But did you know that this does not happen to everyone? In about three to seven percent of adults, their baby teeth are retained and don’t fall out. This situation, however, comes with some severe consequences.

In this article, you will know about over-retained primary teeth and what you can do about them.

What Are Over-Retained Primary Teeth?

When a person is born, about 20 baby teeth get ready to develop. From six months old until adulthood, these teeth transition into a complete set of 32 adult teeth. This development does not happen to everyone, and this is usually due to two things.

First, the baby tooth does not loosen and remains tightened in the gums. Second, the permanent teeth fail to erupt even when there is space for them in the mouth.

Why Do Adults Retain Their Primary Teeth?

Here are five leading causes that lead adults to retain their baby teeth, also known as hypodontia.

Genetics

One thing that a person can’t control is their genetics. Some people just have predisposed characteristics of holding on to their primary teeth for years. There is no specific reason why this happens. An adult who has over-retained primary teeth is highly likely to pass on this trait to their children.

Infection

Poor oral hygiene results in multiple oral health problems, and that includes retaining baby teeth. The problem with this is that the failure of baby teeth to fall out may lead to the permanent tooth being resorbed into the jaw.

Trauma

If a person encounters a trauma on the mouth or the face, this problem might lead to retaining the primary teeth. When the nerves and roots of the teeth experience trauma while development is in progress, the formation of the permanent tooth might be slowed down, halted, or stopped entirely.

Ankylosis

Ankylosis is a rare health condition that occurs when a baby tooth fuses into a child’s bone and begins to submerge into the tissue in the gums. Though there is very little chance for this to occur, this will lead to other oral health issues that can affect daily activities and result in difficulty in chewing, cavities, and periodontal disease.

No Permanent Teeth 

One of the most common reasons for over-retaining your baby teeth is the lack of permanent teeth getting ready to take their place. Usually, a primary tooth gets that extra push to loosen and fall out when a permanent tooth starts its development. Without another tooth trying to burst and erupt, baby teeth may last well into a person’s adult life.

Are Retained Primary Teeth Safe?

Unfortunately, this oral health concern comes with its dangers. First of all, they come with the risk of cavities. As baby teeth are more brittle and fragile than permanent teeth, they are more prone to cavities.

Consequently, you may suffer from an abscessed tooth, an infection of the teeth and gums, and periodontal disease. Your bite structure might also change and may mess up the development of your wisdom teeth.

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Oral Health

Proper dental care starting from childhood is critical if you want permanent teeth development to come with no problems. Working with a pediatric dentist in Edmonton for this problem is the key to avoid issues like over-retained teeth for the children in your family.

If you’re an adult who wants to get rid of your over-retained baby teeth, all you have to do is to consult with a trusted dental expert, and you can go over possible treatment options for you. Book an appointment today with Edmonton Smiles and get high-quality services from an affordable dentist in Edmonton.

Posted in Dental News