Why Hasn’t My Kid Lost a Tooth?

If your child hasn’t lost their first tooth yet, you might be wondering if something is wrong.  Many parents ask, “Why hasn’t my kid lost a tooth?” It can be especially worrying when their peers start flashing gap-toothed smiles while your little one’s baby teeth seem firmly in place. Rest assured, in most cases, this is completely normal.

When Do Kids Usually Lose Their First Tooth?

Most children start losing their baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) around the age of five or six. While this is the average range, there’s a wide variation of what’s considered normal. Some kids may lose their first tooth as early as four, while others might not lose theirs until they’re seven or even older.

There’s no need to worry if your child hasn’t hit this milestone yet—every child develops on their own timeline.

Why Do Some Kids Lose Teeth Later?

There are several reasons why some children take longer to lose their first tooth:

1. Genetics Play a Role

If you or your partner were late bloomers when it came to losing teeth, your child might follow a similar timeline. Developmental milestones are often hereditary.

2. When Baby Teeth Came In

Children who started getting their baby teeth later than average might also lose them later. Typically, the first teeth to come in (bottom front teeth) are the first to fall out.

3. Diet and Oral Health

A healthy, balanced diet and good oral hygiene can contribute to the overall health of your child’s teeth, though timing is still mostly controlled by genetics and biology.

4. Underlying Factors (Rare Cases)

Only in rare circumstances do medical conditions, such as delayed tooth eruption or issues with the permanent teeth forming under the gums, cause concern. If your child hasn’t lost a tooth by age eight or you notice anything unusual (like overcrowding or swelling), consult your dentist.

When to Visit a Dentist or Orthodontist

While it’s usually not necessary to worry, scheduling regular dental check-ups is crucial to ensure your child’s teeth and gums are developing properly. Pediatric dentists are trained to spot potential issues early and can provide reassurance or guidance if something is affecting your child’s tooth loss timeline.

If your child hasn’t started to lose teeth by age seven or eight, or if their baby teeth appear loose but don’t fall out after several months, it’s worth discussing with a dentist.

Enjoy the Milestone When It Happens

Losing a first tooth is a special milestone—for both kids and parents. Whether it happens early on or later than expected, it’s a moment worth celebrating. From the excitement of a visit from the Tooth Fairy to proudly sporting that first gap-toothed grin, your child’s experience will be just as memorable when the time is right.

The best thing you can do as a parent is to be patient, provide reassurance, and maintain a routine of regular dental care. Every child is unique, and losing baby teeth is just one of the many exciting chapters in their growth story.

Have concerns or questions about your child’s dental health? Contact your pediatric dentist for professional advice and peace of mind.