Delayed Teething in Babies: When Is it Time to Seek Medical Advice?

Every parent waits for each new development in their baby and depends on it. Perhaps, starting from a smile to the first step, every small achievement is always marked out with joy. Teething is one of such developmental milestones, which cause a variety of emotions ranging from enthusiasm to concern. Teething is usually expected to start at the age of six months but there are times when the baby may reach this age and may not show any signs of teething or teething may be delayed to go to the next stage. But before we let out a sigh of relief and start wondering why our baby hasn’t got their teeth yet, this blog post will explain why there might be a delay in the teething process and when it is appropriate to consult with a doctor.

Delayed Teething

Teething is the process by which early and small dentition known as a primary or doll teeth begin to appear from the gum. Ideally, this process should start at 4 to 7 months of age, though every baby should have a first tooth by 6 months of age at most. It should be understood, however, that each child is unique, and the milestones he or she achieves during the respective age can be different.

Late teeth eruption means that a baby who has not erupted any teeth by the age of one and a half years is affected. This can be worrying to parents but it is not necessarily a bad thing. It is time to investigate the possible reasons for late teething, as well as the possible consequences.

Delayed Teething Causes

Several factors can contribute to delayed teething in babies:

Genetics: If you or your partner experienced delayed teething as a child, your baby might follow suit. The onset of teething is another factor which is influenced greatly by genetics.
Nutritional Deficiencies: If a child is not getting enough vitamins D and C, calcium and phosphorus, tooth development could be impaired.
Premature Birth: Premature babies normally have developmental issues of different natures which may include delayed teething.
Certain Medical Conditions: There are times when teeth development may be affected by health problems for example hypothyroidism, Down syndrome.
Low Birth Weight: A low birth weight baby may however, still have their teeth delayed from erupting, among many other developmental issues.

Some of these may be explained by the following factors below they may go a way in making you reduce some of the anxieties that you may be having however, if you feel worried and concerned about the development of your baby then it is advisable for you to see the pediatrician.

Why Baby Teeth Delay

Primary or deciduous teeth as they are sometimes called, are very important for your child’s growth. They help in chewing, shaping of words during swallowing into spoken words, and act like a bleeder whenever a permanent tooth is being formed. But why do these important teeth sometimes delay their appearance?

In fact, embryonic development of teeth takes place before a child is born: tooth buds appear in the jaws during the prenatal periods. Following birth, enamel tooth buds persist in developing underneath the gum location. The exact timing of when they break through (erupt) can be influenced by various factors:

Individual Development Pace: It is similar with the babies whereby some may begin to walk early than others may over-emphasize teething or experience delayed teething.
Hormonal Factors: Several hormones that are used in formation and eruption of teeth. Imbalances or deficiencies can potentially cause delays.
Environmental Factors: It has been postulated that; exposure to environmental chemicals or stress during pregnancy in a given population could be related to dental structures in some way, though there is limited scientific data on this subject.
Oral Health: Teething is influenced by the delicate development of your baby’s mouth and gums. Concerning the hypothetical affectors of tooth eruption, it is possible to name inflammation or any other common oral diseases of the external factors.

Remember, while these factors can contribute to delayed teething, in many cases, it’s simply a matter of individual variation in development.

Reason for Delay in Teething

Understanding the reasons behind delayed teething can help parents navigate this developmental phase with more confidence. Here are some key points to consider:

Normal Variation: Regarding delayed teething as a potential clue to something amiss it is crucial to know that it is not nearly as strange to experience such a delay sometimes. As with the culmination of their motor skills that take different kid ages to master, you may find that kids start teething at different times.
Family History: There are certain instances where these symptoms cause delayed teething to reoccur and if it is present in your family history you will note your baby will also experience it. This is not something which could be wrong with the breed, but rather something that is passed down through generations.
Growth Patterns: Some babies prioritize other areas of growth before teething. For instance, a baby who is quick to develop motor skills might be slower in teething, and vice versa.
Thyroid Function: Occasionally, this may be associated with health problems such as thyroid disorder. If you think this might be the truth, it’s wise to visit your pediatrician.
Vitamin D Deficiency: One of the studies done found that vitamin D deficiency has a possible correlation with late teething. These reasons may be true with many other cases of delayed teething but it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician. This can give you personalized advice depending on the general health of your baby and his development.

It should be noted, however, that although the major concern is with the baby teeth there can also be delayed eruption of permanent teeth. This often turns to a problem when a child has not shed a single baby tooth by the given age of 8, or in case of irregular shedding of permanent teeth.

Delayed Tooth Eruption Permanent Teeth

While our focus has been primarily on baby teeth, it’s worth noting that permanent teeth can also experience delayed eruption. This typically becomes a concern if a child hasn’t lost any baby teeth by age 8, or if there are significant gaps in the eruption of permanent teeth.

Causes of delayed eruption in permanent teeth can include:

Overcrowding: In a case where there is inadequate space in the jaw, permanent teeth may have a hard time erupting.
Obstructions: All these changes raise spacing issues if there is limited space to support the permanent teeth to erupt and come into functional occlusion.
Genetic Conditions: Like baby teeth, absence of nutritive values may hinder growth of the permanent teeth.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Just as with baby teeth, lack of essential nutrients can delay the eruption of permanent teeth.
Hormonal Imbalances: Parents who are worried that their child’s permanent teeth are not erupting on time should visit a pediatric dentist. They are able to X-ray if there are any submerged teeth present and advise if required further action.

It is encouraged that if your baby has not had any teeth developed by the time he or she clocks 18 months, you should see a pediatrician.

When to Seek Medical Advice

We would recommend consulting with your doctor if your baby is teething much later than your other children, or behind the typical teething timetable.:

No Teeth by 18 Months: However, when delayed teething comes together with the general motor developmental delays, for example, the baby doesn’t crawl or try to walk by a year, consult a doctor.
Significant Delay Compared to Siblings: In case your baby appears to be in pain, or uncomfortable, as you may think is because of teething, see your baby’s doctor.
Other Developmental Delays: If you notice that the teeth of the child are not straight or if their color is not quite right – it is time to visit the dentist.
Signs of Discomfort or Pain: If your baby constantly appears to be uncomfortable or in pain and you believe it could be due to the teething process, see your pediatrician.
Abnormal Tooth Development: If you see that your baby’s teeth are colored differently or have an atypical shape or size, consult with a doctor.

Some general tips might help you understand that what is or isn’t normal can differ greatly from child to child. As a parent, sometimes you just have to go with your gut and if something feels out of ordinary then consult a pediatrician.

Lastly, it is necessary to point out that teething at a later age is also still a variation of norm in the development of a child. But knowing how you seek medical help in case of a possible cause can go a long way in keeping your child’s mouth healthy. If you have any questions about your child’s teeth, it is best to ask your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. It allows giving an individual consultation and, if necessary, forward the patient to a proper examination or therapy.

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