Is It Normal for 7-1/2 Year Old to Have Only Lost 1 Tooth So Far

All kids develop differently and that may be perfectly normal for your son. Both of my boys are losing their baby teeth a little slower than other kids their age. However, I think it would be a good idea to at least call the dentist back and get a professional opinion. They can probably tell you if you should try again for x-rays. This doesn't sound like your son's situation, but my younger son lost a baby tooth, but the permanent tooth never came in. Apparently they can get stuck behind tissue sometimes. Our dentist had to make an incision in his gums to allow the permanent tooth to come in. Good luck.

I too am not sure if this is normal. But my son is 6 1/2 & has not lost any baby teeth. He doesn't even have any that are wiggly at all. He just seen the dentist 2 months ago, I forgot to ask but he didn't say anything either. I did notice the other kids in his class have missing baby teeth. I think the dentist would have said something if it was an issue. But I would just ask you r dentist at his next checkup/cleaning.
My son was also born early- 4 weeks. Good Luck!

I've been on the teeth subject alot lately too. I've researched it a bit especially with hereditary.

My daughter is 6.5 and hasn't lost a tooth yet. She's about the only one in her first grade class who hasn't and is very jealous. There are some kids in her class who have a whole mouth full of permanent teeth.

Our dentist told us kids lose their first tooth between age4-6 anything earlier or later is not the norm.

Anyways I've been told it has alot to do with when they got their teeth as babies, hereditary etc... My daughter was a preemie but I haven't found any evidence that, that is a reason. However my daughter didn't get any teeth til she was 10mos old so she was late, I didn't get mine til then and either did my dad. So my dad lost his teeth late, as did I and I assume that's what is going on with my daughter. I was also told if it really bothered us to have the dentist do a full xray to see if her permanent teeth are even in yet.

My grandma tells me how my dad had to have most of his baby teeth pulled and I remember getting alot pulled myself before we could start braces.

I hear ya though I'm getting impatient almost.

Hi S.,
My now 13 year old didn't lose any of his teeth until he was 8 and everything has been slow but fine (all of my kids were late to get teeth - my oldest had none till her first birthday!!) Our dentist's only concern was the fact that both bottom teeth were through before either of the baby teeth fell out, but they straightened out just fine!! Just like walking, talking and potty-training every child has their own time-line...
Sue from MN
Homeschooling Mom of 4

My son is also 7 1/2, and he's lost only two. We did have the dentist do x-rays, and all his permanent teeth are there, as I'm sure your son's are, too.

My son was a preemie -- 6 weeks early -- and it's interesting how many people who have responded have said the same thing. Of course, my older child was 10 weeks early, got a first tooth at 1 mo. corrected age, and started losing teeth in K, so you never know.

I just think your son is normal, too!!

My daughter turned 7 in October and has just lost her first baby tooth (bottom one). Her two front bottom teeth have come through though so she's been working on getting the baby ones out (homework from the dentist). They didn't seem too concerned that she hadn't lost any yet when she saw them in October but did want her to try to loosen up those two bottom teeth that weren't out yet. Like everything else, each kid is different and alot don't follow the "norm".

I would personally save the money. He lost two teeth and you know the other baby teeth will follow at their own pace. No need to rush things. I do think 7-8 is average for top and bottom tooth lost in my opinion. I don't see why any issues would occur if he kept them another year or two. Yes, other kids his age are loosing them or have permanent teeth coming in, but it doesn't seem that is in store for your child. I'd call your dentist and let them know of your concerns. I'm sure things are fine.

S.,

I am reading all the responses to my 6 1/2 year old daughter who turns 7 in March, has never lost a tooth and is convinced that she will have her baby teeth forever. :)

She just saw the dentist last week who said it is perfectly normal not to lose any baby teeth until 7-8. I lost my first tooth at 7 and kept losing until I was 9 1/2 at least.

If it was me, I wouldn't bother with a dentist. Even if the x-rays show that the permanent teeth are a little late to come in, what can they do about it? Nothing. They will tell you to wait it out. If the permanent teeth are pushing the baby teeth aside and all the teeth are crooked, you may have to have him wear braces or an appliance later on. But again, they won't do anything about that until all the permanent teeth are in.

Even though your son was 3 1/2 weeks early, he is still considered full term. Even if he was a premie, he would have outgrown any delays by now. That only applies the first year or two.

If he is worried about it, I would read him all the responses so he knows he is in the same boat as plenty of other kids and assure him they will come out.

Best of luck,
S.