Question
When a child’s milk tooth hasn’t fallen out yet, the upper teeth have already erupted from the gums. Now that the milk tooth has fallen out, will the newly grown teeth automatically grow into the correct position? If not, what should I do?
Answer
Based on your description, I understand your concern. An 8-year-old child has a milk tooth that hasn’t fallen out yet, causing the permanent teeth to erupt in a misaligned position. This is because the root of the milk tooth hasn’t undergone physiological absorption, preventing the permanent teeth from erupting into their correct positions. It is recommended to remove the milk tooth promptly and encourage the child to eat more vegetables and fruits as well as hard foods to promote the eruption of permanent teeth into their normal positions. If the permanent teeth still haven’t erupted into their normal position, an orthodontic appliance can be used for correction, or the teeth can be moved into their correct positions through traction.