Introduction
Even as subtle as we make them seem, dental troubles are a huge deal to most individuals; besides the fact that it might cause constant pain and worry, mental issues could also very quickly affect the mental health and wellbeing of its victims.
Dental problems should be prioritized because their effects could go very much beyond just the physical pain. Because of their dental issues, they can become shy in their homes, in social circles, and even in society.
These can be curbed with regular and more frequent appointments with the dentist. Some of the issues mentioned above, which will make a central crux of this article, remain the issue of baby teeth in adults.
What is a baby tooth?
Conventionally baby teeth are those sets of teeth every individual grows. They are also widely known as primary deciduous or temporary teeth. These are because they should be there temporarily and should at a later stage give way to another set of teeth.
Baby teeth, on average, begin to come out at around six to ten months from the baby’s birth, and by age three, all 20 sets of baby teeth are expected to be out.
And interestingly, these also give way to the permanent set because as the permanent tooth begins to grow behind the existing ones, they push out the baby teeth.
In some cases, some people’s baby teeth are not pushed out, and they stay until adulthood, which often causes most individuals a great source of worry as baby teeth won’t fall out.
Why do I still have my baby teeth?
Retained baby teeth which is another name for adult baby teeth are seen in individuals who still have their baby teeth as adults because their second molar has most likely stayed remained, and this can be attributed to the fact that it doesn’t have a permanent one growing behind it.
Many dental studies have proven if the second molar in an adult is retained until the age of 20, they are much less likely to cause any forms of dental complications, but in sharp contrast, the retention of first molars and the incisors tend to have complications. Therefore they might require much more treatment.
Leaving adult baby teeth untreated might be risky in that it might cause the following complications.
- Diastema: this complication leaves noticeable gaps in between your teeth
- Infraocclusion: this complication leaves your baby teeth in a fixed position and also causes the teeth that are next to them to erupt
- Occlusal trauma: This complication causes your teeth not to line up whenever your mouth is closed correctly.
What to do if you have baby teeth as an adult
If you visit a competent dentist, they can recommend the best fix for your baby teeth issue, but below are some of the options your dentist might have you weigh.
- Surgery & Orthodontics
- Extraction
- Space closure
- Replacement
Conclusion
These are some of the options that might be recommended to you by your dentist, but the options are not limited to those mentioned above.
However, what becomes most important is that you work hand in hand with a competent dentist to solve your adult baby teeth issue and never by yourself.