For the first few months of your baby’s precious life, that toothless grin is just adorable. Mommy and Daddy keep a close watch for that first little white bud to appear. What happens if the months go by and there is still no sign of teeth? In most cases, this delay is nothing to worry about. Read on to learn more about delayed tooth eruption from the children’s dentist in DuPont.
When Do Primary Teeth Typically Erupt?
Most primary teeth are already formed in the gums when your baby is born. They usually start to erupt by the age of six months. First you will see the two lower front teeth. Then the four upper front teeth are next, followed by the remaining two lower front teeth. By the age of three, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
When Is Delayed Eruption A Concern?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child that does not have teeth by the age of 18 months should see a dentist. A typical schedule of tooth eruption is as follows:
- Four teeth by the age of 11 months
- Eight teeth by the age of 15 months
- 12 teeth at 19 months
- 16 teeth at 23 months
- 20 teeth at 27 months
Tooth eruption that does not follow this schedule may not necessarily be a reason for concern. However, a lack of teeth may indicate a more serious problem.
What Can Cause a Delay?
More often than not, a delay is simply a matter of genetics that are passed down from parent to child. Also, premature and low-birth weight babies can experience delayed tooth eruption. There are rare genetic abnormalities as well that can cause a delay or poorly formed teeth. Other reasons include nutritional deficiency, vitamin D-resistant rickets and other developmental defects.
Does Delayed Tooth Eruption Cause Any Harm?
Generally, teeth that arrive late are not a problem as long as they are not part of a broader concern. However, delayed tooth eruption has been linked to a higher risk of dental problems later in life. A study of children who were genetically predisposed to later eruption showed that their chances of needing orthodontics by the age of 30 were 35 percent higher.
Also, primary teeth are essential as your baby grows and his or her diet expands to include solid foods. These baby teeth are additionally important placeholders for permanent teeth.
Regardless of when that sweet smile begins to appear, oral hygiene care is essential to your baby’s healthy mouth. So be sure to schedule an appointment with a family dentist in DuPont by the time your baby is a year old or whenever you have a concern about your children’s dental development.
Say Hello to Dupont Family Dentistry
At Dupont Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing all of the services our patients need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile at every age. If you need to schedule a checkup or any other kind of treatment, make an appointment today with your family dentist in DuPont.