Yes, 12 year olds can still have baby teeth.
Why 12-Year-Olds May Still Have Baby Teeth
It's common for children to lose all their primary (baby) teeth and have their permanent teeth by around the age of 12. However, this isn't always the case. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some primary teeth may remain in the mouth even at this age.
Late-Erupting Permanent Teeth
The timing of permanent teeth eruption varies from child to child. The ADA notes that:
- Upper bicuspids (premolars) might not emerge until a child is 10 or 11 years old.
- Canine teeth might not come in until between 11 and 12 years of age.
This means that if these permanent teeth are delayed in erupting, the corresponding baby teeth might still be present at age 12.
What Happens When Baby Teeth Don't Fall Out?
If a baby tooth remains in the mouth past its expected time, it is important to consult with a dentist. Possible reasons for this include:
- Lack of Permanent Tooth: Sometimes, the permanent tooth might be missing or impacted (stuck below the gumline), preventing the baby tooth from falling out naturally.
- Delayed Eruption: The permanent tooth may simply be late in its development and eruption.
- Misalignment: Sometimes the permanent tooth comes in at an angle preventing the baby tooth from falling out.
A dentist can help determine the reason and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, a dentist might need to extract a baby tooth if its permanent replacement is not erupting.
Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Baby Teeth | Also called primary teeth, normally start falling out around age 6 |
| Permanent Teeth | Also called adult teeth, replace the baby teeth |
| Late Eruption | Upper bicuspids (premolars) might erupt as late as 10-11 years of age and canines might erupt as late as 11-12 years of age |
| Dental Checkups | Important to identify problems and create treatment plans when permanent teeth are late to come in |
In conclusion, it is possible for 12-year-olds to still have some baby teeth, particularly the upper bicuspids and canines. Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor tooth eruption and manage any issues that may arise.
