Should I Be Worried About My Baby’s Late Teething?
Babies usually start teething around their 6th month. But what if your baby is already past this age and hasn’t started teething yet? A Dentist shares her advice.
Teething may start as early as three months or as late as 12 months.
Some parents might worry that their babies have not yet developed teeth at the age of 10 months. Teething actually starts at different ages for different kids. The first set of teeth typically appears between 6 and 9 months.
Teeth often erupt in pairs. The two lower central incisors are the first to appear at approximately 6 months. Then they are followed by the two upper central incisors at approximately 8 months, and so on until the age of 2 years.
Teeth that don’t follow this normal tooth eruption pattern shouldn’t necessarily cause concern. However, having no teeth at all may signify a dental issue that needs further examination.
If your baby has no teeth at all by 18 months or so, it is recommended to bring your baby to a dentist.
There are several reasons that a child’s teeth may not come out according to the ‘normal’ schedule:
- Premature birth and low birth rate
- Genetic abnormalities
- Vitamin D-resistant rickets
- Nutritional deficiency
- Cerebral palsy
- Certain congenital syndromes
- Cyst or tumors in the gums
- Anemia
In some cases, late tooth eruption could just be a family trait. Therefore it’s recommended that parents remember or keep a baby book of their children so they can record the firsts of each and can compare the siblings.
Reference
About The Writer
DR. JOYCELYN FRANCES ESGUERRA, Dentist
Dr. is the dental and oral healthcare expert of Wyeth Nutrition parenTeam. Having run a private clinic for more than 20 years now, Dr. Joycelyn Esguerra has developed an expertise in orthodontics, TMJ orthopedics, cosmetic dentistry, and biological dentistry. As a dentist, her work has included educating patients on oral care, assessing teeth and diagnosing patients' dental conditions, evaluating treatment options and providing treatment plans to patients, and carrying out clinical treatments such as restoring teeth affected by decay and treating gum disease.
Dr. Esguerra received her degree of Doctor of Dental of Medicine from the College of Dentistry at the University of the East in Manila. She also completed a 6-month long comprehensive preceptorship program on Functional Jaw Orthopedics and TMJ Dentistry at the TMJ Integrative Dentistry Academy of the Philippines.
An active member of the medical community, she has served the Mandaluyong City Dental Chapter in various roles, including President, Executive Vice President, and Board of Director. Dr. Esguerra is also part of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and the TMJ Integrative Academy of the Philippines.
The views and opinions expressed by the writer are his/her own, and does not state or reflect those of Wyeth Nutrition and its principals.
