Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for October 2024

My child’s tooth is not erupting, what should I do in Glen Iris?

When Teeth Fail to Erupt: Causes and What to Do

When teeth fail to erupt, it is important first to determine whether the missing teeth are primary teeth (commonly called “baby teeth”) or permanent teeth (sometimes called “adult teeth”). Age plays a key role in identifying which type of teeth are affected.

Understanding Baby Teeth

Baby teeth usually erupt between 4 and 6 months of age. By around age three, all 20 primary teeth are typically present in a toddler’s mouth. The first to appear are usually the lower front teeth (incisors), followed by the upper ones.

When baby teeth are missing, it may appear as delayed eruption or large spaces between existing teeth. Because baby teeth start forming while the child is still in the womb, missing primary teeth are quite rare.

Possible Causes of Missing Baby Teeth

  • Complications during pregnancy

  • Premature birth

  • Genetic or developmental factors

If your child’s baby teeth are failing to appear on time, Dr. Kaufman can examine their mouth to determine whether teeth are developing correctly and identify any underlying issues.

When Permanent Teeth Don’t Erupt

Permanent teeth usually begin replacing baby teeth around the age of six. The first to be replaced are often the lower front teeth—the same ones that erupted first.

If permanent teeth fail to emerge, the most common reasons include:

  • Obstructions in the eruption path, such as a retained primary tooth or an extra tooth (odontoma)

  • Missing teeth (agenesis), where the tooth simply hasn’t developed

When an obstruction blocks the eruption path, the issue can often be corrected by removing the obstruction, allowing the permanent tooth to erupt naturally. If the teeth are missing entirely, further investigation is needed to understand the cause and to explore possible restorative or orthodontic treatment options.

Dr. Kaufman can assess whether the tooth is present beneath the gum line using diagnostic imaging and discuss suitable solutions—such as guided eruption, space maintenance, or tooth replacement options—to ensure a healthy smile and balanced bite.

Book a Consultation

If there are visible gaps in your child’s teeth or if you are concerned about delayed tooth eruption, please make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman for a detailed dental evaluation. Early assessment can help identify the cause and ensure proper dental development for your child.

My child has “shark teeth”, what should I do?

Shark Teeth in Children: Why It Happens and What to Do

As parents, we all want our children to grow up with healthy, straight, and beautiful smiles. However, sometimes when permanent teeth begin to erupt, the baby teeth do not fall out as expected. This can create two visible rows of teeth, a condition commonly known as “shark teeth.”

When permanent teeth replace baby teeth naturally, the root of the baby tooth dissolves as the adult tooth erupts underneath. This process loosens the baby tooth, allowing it to fall out easily. However, if the root does not dissolve properly, the baby tooth remains in place, forcing the permanent tooth to erupt behind it or in an incorrect position.

This situation often affects the front lower teeth but can occur in other areas as well and usually requires prompt dental attention.

Why Baby Teeth Sometimes Don’t Fall Out

There are several reasons why a baby tooth might not fall out on time:

  • The permanent tooth has deviated from the correct eruption path

  • The root of the baby tooth has not dissolved fully

  • The baby tooth is fused to the bone or misaligned

  • Genetic or spacing issues affecting tooth development

When the permanent tooth grows into the wrong position, it can sometimes become trapped between other teeth, ma

king the misalignment permanent if untreated.

Treatment for Shark Teeth

In many cases, the best solution is to remove the baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to slowly move into its correct place. Early intervention helps prevent crowding, misalignment, and later orthodontic complications.

If you notice your child developing “shark teeth,” it’s important not to wait for them to resolve on their own. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaufman as soon as possible for an evaluation and advice on next steps. Early treatment ensures that your child’s permanent teeth erupt into proper alignment and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

You can book an appointment here. Dr. Kaufman will examine your child’s teeth and explain the best treatment options to ensure their smile develops naturally and beautifully.