In the Know for You to Know

Like most childhood milestones teeth are variable. The age when a baby gets their teeth differs from child to child.

There are some infants who are born with teeth. Then there are 1 year olds who have yet to get any teeth.

When you’re out and about you’re noticing other children your baby’s or toddler’s or pre-schooler’s age who already have teeth or are getting teeth.

You’re wondering why at 1 year old your child doesn’t have any teeth yet?

Today we’re talking about possible causes of delayed baby teeth, also known as delayed tooth eruption.

When Do Babies Start To Get Their Teeth?

There is no one set “normal” expected age for when teeth start to come into a baby’s mouth. It is a really wide range of time. Some babies may be born with teeth and some may not get a tooth until they’re 1 year old.

However, most babies get their first tooth when they are between 4 and 9 months old.

At What Age Is A Baby Considered To Have Delayed Tooth Eruption?

If a child does not have any teeth by the time they are 12-18 months old, it is time for them to see a pediatric dentist.

It is important to examine their mouth and try to determine the reason teeth have not come in yet, and what to do next.

What Causes Delayed Tooth Eruption?

For some children who haven’t gotten their baby teeth yet, it can come down any one of a number of factors ~

• Genetics
• Failure To Thrive or Under Nutrition
• Fibrosis (thick gums)
• Systemic Diseases
• Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight

Genetics

Genes for teeth are passed down just like hair color, eye color, and height.

If your child doesn’t have teeth yet, ask other family members how old they were or their children were when they started getting their teeth.

There are also some genetic conditions, such as Down’s Syndrome, which cause delays in tooth eruption.

Systemic Disease

There are some developmental delays, diseases, and syndromes which are associated with delayed tooth eruption.

Some include ~

• Apert Syndrome
• Hypopituitarism
• Vitamin D Resistant Rickets
• Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Premature Birth, Low Birth Weight, Failure To Thrive

Baby teeth begin forming during your pregnancy and are almost fully formed in time for a full term birth, and ready to start coming into their mouth in the next 4 to 9 months.

Tooth development slows down and delays tooth eruption for baby’s born premature, were low birth weight, and/or failure to thrive.

Under Nutrition, Malnutrition, Vitamin Deficiencies

Poor nutrition with inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, adversely affect tooth development and eruption.

Is Delayed Tooth Eruption Serious?

For most children baby teeth coming in late isn’t a concern. For some other children there can be unknown issues.

It’s always best to talk with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist about why no teeth have come through your child’s gums.

What To Remember

Children’s teeth are just like they are, lots of variety.

While there is a general time line for baby teeth to come in, there is a lot of variability in the process.

For most baby teeth coming in late shouldn’t be a concern. However, for some children there could be underlying issues.

If your child’s baby teeth aren’t coming in as you’d expect and they are 12 months old there could be several reasons. Knowing these possible causes can help you take the appropriate steps.

Did your child get their teeth “on time” or were they late? How old were they when they finally got their teeth? Is your family a late tooth bloomer? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!