Teething is an exciting milestone for parents. But when those first little teeth don’t appear on time, new parents wonder why their baby isn’t teething. The average age for babies to start teething is 6-12 months, although some babies may start teething earlier and some later. There’s no need to worry about the timing. Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist, assures parents that babies follow a unique teething schedule. Most minor delays are normal and don’t indicate a problem.
There are many reasons why teething can be delayed: genetics, low birth weight, malnutrition, impacted teeth, and more. If your baby hasn't started teething by 17 months, it's time to see a pediatric dentist. In this guide, I will tell you what you need to know about late teething, potential causes, when to worry, and how to support your child’s dental health.
When do Baby Teeth Normally Come in
Although teething can start as early as 6-8 months, you'll likely see your baby's first tooth, the lower front tooth, also called the central incisor. The central and lateral incisors, which are the four upper front teeth, typically appear between 6 and 12 months. About a month after the lower central incisors come in, the lower lateral incisors the teeth next to the lower front teeth usually begin to emerge.
Babies may show some signs during teething that make it easier for parents to understand that their baby is teething. During this time, babies usually drool a lot, want to bite something, and sometimes the gums become red or swollen. Parents can see these signs when their baby is teething. To reduce the discomfort of their teething, you can put a Silicone Textured Teether in their mouth to bite, which will help their teething.
Also, many babies may notice changes in their eating habits due to teething. Some babies may eat less or lose interest in certain foods while teething. At this time, they can be given soft foods like mashed fruit or yogurt, which they can easily eat.
Babies may have reduced sleep at night during teething, which can be challenging for parents. During this time, parents can try to keep the baby in a comfortable environment and help him sleep by following a regular routine. At this time, you can take the help of a pediatric dentist who will explain everything to you.
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Age (Months)
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Expected Teeth
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6-8
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Lower central teeth
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8-12
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Upper central teeth
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9-13
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Upper lateral teeth
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10-16
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Lower lateral teeth
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13-19
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First teeth(upper and lower)
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16-23
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Canines (cuspids)
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23-33
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Second teeth
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Causes Delayed Tooth Eruption
There are various reasons that might lead to delayed tooth eruption in newborns, each having its own impact on when the first teeth appear. Knowing these factors will help parents figure out why their baby's teeth are coming in later than planned.
1. Genetics
Genetics often has an important effect in the timing of infant tooth eruption. Delayed tooth eruption may run in families, so if you or your spouse had late teething as babies, your kid is likely to follow a similar trend. Furthermore, some genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome, may have a direct influence on when teeth erupt. These diseases may have an impact on the development of the whole oral cavity, causing teeth to emerge later than usual.
2. Premature birth
Babies who are born early or have low birth weight may have developmental problems in many areas, including teething. So, if a baby is born three months early, their developmental age may be closer to the age of a baby. They are actually three months younger than they should be. It can take longer for teething and other growth stages to occur. Organs and body systems, such as the oral system, need time to fully develop outside the womb, so being born before the due date can affect a baby's growth in many ways.
3. Vitamin Deficiencies
A child's growth depends on what they eat, and not getting enough of some vitamins, especially vitamin D, can slow down the growth of teeth. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and keep bones healthy. Not getting enough of it can cause diseases like vitamin D-resistant rickets, which causes teeth to come in later than they should. Making sure your baby gets enough food, including vitamins and minerals that they need, can help teeth come in on time.
4. Developmental Disorders
Certain developmental problems have a direct influence on tooth eruption. Hypopituitarism, a pituitary gland condition that impairs growth hormone secretion, may slow down many areas of growth and development, including dental development. Babies with various developmental problems may have a delayed timeframe for tooth eruption. In some circumstances, teeth may ultimately grow in, although at a considerably slower rate.
5. Other health and physical factors
Physical problems and medical treatments can sometimes make growing take longer than expected. Babies with fibrosis, a disease in which the lips get thicker, may have trouble with teeth coming in because the teeth have a hard time pushing through the thick gum tissue. Tooth growth and development can also be slowed down by hormonal changes, especially those affecting the thyroid or pituitary glands. Also, some medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can have side effects that make teeth grow more slowly.
Other reasons could be broken jaws or teeth that are stuck in the gums. For example, if the jawbone gets hurt, it could affect the tooth buds and slow their growth. Impacted teeth, which happen when teeth can't come through because there isn't enough room or they aren't lined up right, can also delay emergence.
When To See a Dentist
While most babies begin chewing between 6 to 12 months, some may start later, which is generally nothing to worry about. If, however, your baby hasn't shown any signs of chewing by 17 months, you should take them to see a pediatric dentist. A renowned juvenile dentist, Dr. Ashley Lerman, says that a check-up at this age can help find any hidden problems and give parents peace of mind.
For your child's long-term oral health, it's important to start going to the dentist early. Dr. Lerman says that a baby should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth comes in, whichever comes first. During this first visit, the dentist will not only check on your baby's teeth but also help them develop good dental habits from a young age.
Conclusion
Late teething in babies is common and usually not a cause for concern. Most babies begin teething between 6 to 12 months, but every child follows a unique timeline. Minor delays are often influenced by factors such as genetics, birth conditions, or nutrition. However, if your baby hasn’t started teething by 17 months, a visit to a pediatric dentist is recommended to ensure everything is on track.
Early dental visits, ideally by the first birthday or with the first tooth, are essential for setting the foundation for lifelong oral health. Regular check-ups not only monitor dental development but also help establish healthy dental habits from an early age. With guidance from experts like Dr. Ashley Lerman, parents can feel confident that they’re supporting their child’s journey to a healthy, happy smile. × 525
