The eruption of teeth and the subsequent falling out is one of the significant landmarks of childhood. Most adults remember their first time under the needle, waiting for their teeth to erupt and wondering whether or not they would grow into adult teeth. There is some variability in the age of tooth emergence; it is generally accepted that it happens between the ages of 6 and 8. Once the erupting teeth appear, they will begin to push up against the gum line, causing it to recede and allowing adult teeth to emerge. It is more commonly called the ‘eruption stage’ of dentistry.
What are the main causes of tooth eruption and falling out?
Several factors can contribute to the early shedding of primary teeth. Some of the more common causes include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Infection
- Medical complication
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Mental stress
An uneven gutter between the teeth causes them to clash and damage each other, increasing the likelihood of dental caries (tooth decay). The constant damage also makes it more difficult for the gums to heal, leading to increased inflammation and tooth loss. It would help if you never underestimate the significance of proper dental hygiene in preventing tooth decay and overall oral health. In general, the earlier you can establish good dental hygiene, the better your chances of avoiding problems with your teeth later in life.
How are tooth eruption and falling out diagnosed?
Tooth emergence is usually not a problem as long as the child sees a dentist within six months of the first tooth coming in and gets the first filling before the permanent tooth erupts. However, if the child does not get treated, then this is when the problem can begin. When that first tooth comes in and starts pushing up against the gum line, it creates a bit of a red flag for the dentist, as it is probably the onset of a problem. To diagnose this issue, the dentist will typically perform a thorough oral examination, looking for signs of tooth decay, infection, or other ailments contributing to the early loss of teeth. X-rays may be taken to assess the overall health of the teeth and surrounding structures, like the gums and jawbone. Some of the more common signs of trouble include:
- Excessive tooth decay
- Gum inflammation
- Receding gums
- Misaligned teeth
- Underage teeth
- Spontaneous tooth movement
- Older teeth
- Jaw fractures
- Unexplained headaches
- Bad breath
If the examination reveals any of these issues, a dental surgeon will be consulted to determine the best course of treatment. Sometimes, this might involve performing a tooth extraction, in which one or more teeth are removed for the benefit and safety of the patient (this is generally an elective procedure). In most cases, this can be successfully treated; the patient can be kept on track to having a whole house of teeth.
What is the main complication associated with early tooth eruption?
Apart from the general discomfort associated with early tooth emergence, there is also the risk of developing an oral health condition known as ‘Erosion Of The Posterior Teeth.’ It occurs when the child bites down hard on anything more solid than food, which creates pressure on the growing teeth. The stress becomes unbearable when the diet switches to a more solid consistency, and the child bites down hard, eventually becoming intolerable. It causes the teeth to wear away at the gum line and apex (tip). In most cases, this can be treated successfully with rest and dental hygiene. Not treating the condition can lead to more serious complications like pain and infection. In the most severe cases, surgery might be required to replace the eroded teeth with implants or other prosthetic appliances. As you can see, this is complicated, so you must be aware of the risks associated with early tooth emergence and do everything you can to prevent it.
What are the main causes of late tooth eruption?
Once the primary teeth have emerged, they begin to establish good oral hygiene, which in turn benefits the overall health of the teeth. Many children develop a love for brushing and cleaning their teeth, which leads to healthy and bright smiles for years to come. However, the teeth will sometimes come late, into the teens or early 20s. It might be caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Injury
- Sickness
- Mental stress
- Thyroid problems
- Excessive drinking
- Poor nutrition
- Medication side effects
- Allergies
- Genetic predisposition
In most cases, the late emergence of the teeth is not a problem. If it is not treated correctly, it can cause discomfort and lead to more severe issues. One of the main complications associated with late tooth emergence is tooth crowding. The teeth overlap and interfere with each other’s function, causing them to decay and break down faster than usual. You should seek professional help when you see signs of late tooth emergence. It is essential if the teeth are interfering with the normal function of the jaw, like chewing and speaking.
How can poor oral hygiene be improved?
As mentioned above, poor dental hygiene can lead to various issues, including tooth decay and the shedding of primary teeth. To improve your oral hygiene and prevent unnecessary tooth loss, you should practice good dental hygiene and closely monitor your child’s development. The best way to improve your oral hygiene is to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning and take your child to school for cleanings once a week. In most cases, this can prevent or slow down the process of tooth decay and encourage your child to continue keeping their teeth for life.
If you think your child’s teeth are a genetic lottery and you are doing everything possible to promote dental health, then hope remains. With some intervention and guidance, you can improve your children’s oral hygiene and head them off on the right foot. One of the easiest ways to do this is by installing water-efficient toilets (which reduces the amount of water used while flushing). It alone can make a massive difference, as it was estimated in 2018 that people wash their toilets around 12 times yearly, leading to a collective loss of over 500 gallons of water daily.
How is tooth decay treated?
Decay on the teeth can be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene and maintaining good oral health. However, if there is already decay on the teeth, this must be treated. In most cases, this can be successfully treated with a filling. It might sometimes require a root canal procedure or an extraction. In the most severe cases, it might require the complete removal of the tooth for the benefit and safety of the patient (this is generally an elective procedure). The best way to treat decay in the teeth is to get it as soon as possible. Although it is not always possible to determine the exact cause of decay, it is always helpful to know the patient’s medical history and review their dental records to determine the root cause of the decline. Knowing the possible contributing factors can help you choose the best course of treatment, which can lead to improved oral health for the patient.
When should I worry about my child’s teeth, and what should I worry about?
If your child is showing signs of tooth decay or has already started losing their primary teeth, this is a cause for concern. While most cases of early tooth loss are not a problem, there are some situations where this can be serious. In most cases, this will be related to dental or medical issues causing the decay or infection. There is also the possibility that the patient could have a genetic predisposition to tooth decay and early loss of the teeth. In some cases, this could be further complicated by injuries or ill health that the patient is experiencing.
