While the arrival of a baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone, the timing can vary significantly from one infant to another. Understanding the typical range for tooth eruption and the various reasons why a delay might occur can provide reassurance and clarity.
Understanding Normal Teething
The emergence of a baby’s first tooth typically occurs between 4 and 15 months of age, with many infants beginning to show signs around 6 months. Some babies might even be born with a tooth, while others may not sprout their first tooth until after their first birthday. Most children will have a complete set of 20 baby teeth by the time they reach two and a half to three years old.
Baby teeth usually appear in a predictable order, although slight variations are common. The lower central incisors, the two bottom front teeth, are typically the first to emerge, often between 6 and 10 months. These are commonly followed by the upper central incisors, which generally erupt between 8 and 12 months. A general guideline suggests that approximately four teeth emerge for every six months of a baby’s life.
Common Causes for Delayed Teeth
Genetics is a factor influencing the timing of tooth eruption. If parents or close family members experienced late teething during their own infancy, there is an increased likelihood that their child will follow a similar pattern. Research indicates that specific genetic variants can influence both the timing of a baby’s first tooth and the total number of teeth present at one year of age. These inherited traits can also affect jaw size and tooth alignment, further contributing to developmental variations.
Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight may also experience delays in tooth eruption. Their overall developmental timeline can be adjusted, and while their teeth may emerge later, they often catch up with full-term infants over time. Considering a baby’s “corrected age” (adjusting for prematurity) can sometimes show that their teething schedule is not significantly different from their peers.
Less Common Reasons for Delay
In some instances, delayed tooth eruption can stem from nutritional factors. Essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D play a crucial role in the healthy development of bones and teeth. While severe deficiencies are uncommon in well-nourished infants, they can contribute to delays in tooth development.
Certain underlying medical conditions, though rare, can also impact the timing of tooth eruption. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can slow down a child’s overall growth and development, including the emergence of teeth. Additionally, some genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome or Apert Syndrome, are associated with delayed teething. These conditions are typically accompanied by other noticeable symptoms beyond just delayed tooth eruption.
In very rare cases, teeth may be congenitally absent or impacted, meaning they are stuck under the gums. Conditions like anodontia, the complete absence of teeth, or hypodontia, the absence of one to six teeth, are uncommon but can cause significant delays. Oligodontia refers to the absence of more than six teeth.
When to Consult a Professional
Parents should consider consulting a pediatrician or pediatric dentist if their baby has not shown any signs of teething by 18 months of age. Although some sources suggest seeking advice if no teeth appear by 12 months, the 18-month mark is a more widely recognized threshold for concern. Early dental visits are recommended around the time the first tooth appears, or no later than the child’s first birthday, to establish a “dental home” and monitor development.
It is also advisable to seek professional guidance if delayed teething is accompanied by other developmental concerns, feeding difficulties, or signs of an underlying illness. A healthcare professional can perform an oral examination and, if necessary, order X-rays to determine if teeth are forming properly beneath the gums. This ensures appropriate monitoring and care for the child’s oral health.