Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage for youths swiftly passing into adulthood. Every adult can relate to losing baby teeth, which are also known as primary teeth, milk teeth, or deciduous teeth. We’ve been conditioned to think losing baby teeth is never cause for alarm, but there are a few situations in which losing baby teeth can be detrimental to long-term dental health. 

The vast majority of people are familiar with the basics of baby teeth. Baby teeth function as weaker but still effective biting tools until a person’s permanent teeth erupt and push the baby teeth out. This is usually a normal and safe process, but there are a few other ways that people can lose baby teeth.

Baby teeth are generally more susceptible to tooth decay than permanent teeth. For this reason, it is more common to see children with tooth decay, especially if they enjoy consuming many sweets and sugary beverages. If your child loses a baby tooth due to tooth decay, a permanent tooth may drift into the empty space too early. If this happens, it may lead to significant misalignments and crookedness when the rest of their permanent teeth grow out. 

For this reason, it is crucial to teach your child proper dental hygiene habits such as brushing teeth twice a day, avoiding overconsumption of sugary foods, and visiting the dentist. Find a good dentist you can trust to make your child’s dental experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Make sure your child knows the importance of these visits so that they do not develop an irrational fear of the dentist. 

Another way this potential misalignment may happen is by knocking out a tooth with enough force. If your child plays any type of contact sport, there is a chance that accidents may happen. This is why it is important to wear a mouthguard or gum shield during youth sporting activities. Make sure your child has a comfortable but fitting mouthguard for sports.

If your child loses a tooth too early, you may be able to get a space maintainer from your dentist or orthodontist. This orthodontic device will ensure your child’s permanent teeth erupt into the right positions. Also, be sure to ask your dentist about other treatment options. If your child lost a tooth because of a sports accident, they may need extra treatment for other damaged tissues.