Why do some people never lose their baby teeth?

Some people never lose their baby teeth due to a condition called tooth retention. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

- Genetic factors: Some people are simply more likely to retain their baby teeth due to their genetic makeup.

- Lack of permanent teeth: In some cases, a person may not develop permanent teeth to replace their baby teeth. This can be due to a genetic condition, an injury, or another underlying medical condition.

- Impacted teeth: Sometimes, an adult tooth may become impacted behind a baby tooth, preventing it from coming in properly. This can occur when the permanent tooth doesn't have enough room to grow in or when the angle of the permanent tooth isn't correct.

- Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as pituitary gland disorders and hypothyroidism, can also lead to retained baby teeth.

Retained baby teeth can cause a number of problems, including:

- Impacted teeth: If a baby tooth is not replaced by a permanent tooth, it can prevent the permanent tooth from growing in properly. This can lead to crowding, pain, and other problems.

- Root resorption: The roots of baby teeth can start to erode away over time, which can lead to weakness and decay in the surrounding teeth.

- Infection: Retained baby teeth can also become infected, which can cause pain, swelling, and other complications. If you are concerned about retaining baby teeth, be sure to ask your dentist for the best course of treatment.