Chewing difficulties in 12 year old missing 7 adult teeth

[jane101]

Hello,
Does anyone have any ideas on this: My 12 year old son has 7 missing adult teeth and is having a hard time chewing and swallowing meat, even though it's cut in small pieces. Is this due to the missing teeth or is he just being a fussy eater?  There are other foods he avoids that aren't difficult to chew so I'm not sure if this is just one to add to the list or is he really having a difficult time getting it down.  Thanks :)


This discussion is related to Congenitally Missing Permanent Teeth.

[mammo]

It really depends on which teeth are missing.  I am assuming that these are lost baby teeth, and his permanent teeth have not erupted?  If this is not the case, he will eventually need to have these teeth replaced, but I'm sure you've been over this with his dentist.  Until then, just keep encouraging him to eat, and he will.  He's probably having trouble dealing with the missing teeth, but will adapt with time.

[scottma]

Seeing a dentist is advised.