An adult tooth growing behind a baby tooth is a very common occurrence. Most baby teeth will eventually fall out on their own without any intervention (extraction). Once your child has most of their adult front teeth (on average 8-9 years of age), we will assess if they need to be evaluated by the orthodontist as this is usually a sign of tooth crowding.

Children usually lose their first teeth between the ages of 5 to 7. When an adult tooth erupts (grows in) directly underneath a baby tooth, it resorbs (dissolves) the root of the baby tooth causing it to loosen and fall out. It commonly occurs in the lower and upper front teeth but can happen anywhere in the mouth.

Once the baby tooth is out, the adult tooth will naturally move forward into the  correct position. Children with extensive crowding may not have room for the adult teeth to completely move forward and may need an orthodontic consultation in the future.