Delayed Baby Teeth

 

New parents are always excited waiting for their baby to start getting teeth, but what about when they don’t appear? The delay normally isn’t a cause for alarm and generally, there is a reason the teeth aren’t budding yet.

 

What Age do Babies Get Teeth?

 

Babies are born with their teeth formed underneath the gum line. By about six months, most parents begin to see signs of teeth coming through. First, the two lower front teeth will come then the four upper front teeth. After that, you can expect the remaining two lower front teeth. All the rest appear two at a time and by the age of three, most children have all 20 primary teeth.

 

What is Abnormal?

 

If a child has no teeth by the age of 18 months, it is time to make an appointment with your Pendleton dentist. While it may not be a concern or something to be alarmed about, it is still wise to have it checked out.

 

What are the Causes?

 

There are many reasons why a child’s tooth eruption may not take place on a normal time schedule. Here are the main reasons:

• Family trait

• Preemie or low-birthweight baby

• Rare genetic abnormality

• Nutritional deficiency

• Down’s Syndrome

 

When is it Harmful?

 

If there isn’t a deeper issue causing the delayed tooth eruption, then most likely the wait isn’t harmful. It could cause future dental problems later in the child’s life. There were studies done on children who had late tooth eruption and the need for orthodontic treatment rose 35 percent higher than those with normal tooth development. 

 

On top of that, primary teeth are important to kids eating healthy. Without those teeth, it can be difficult for them to get the nutrition they need.

 

It is always wise to visit your 46064 dentist if you have concerns about the development of your child’s teeth. They can offer diagnostics to determine if there is an underlying issue or if you simply need to wait a little longer. Either way, being proactive is the best way to start your child off on the path of good dental health.

 

Call Family Dental of Pendleton today at (765) 778-7558, to schedule an appointment with your Pendleton dentist.