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What causes delay in babies teething?

Understanding Delayed Teething in Babies
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, typically beginning around six months of age. However, some infants experience delays in this process, which can be concerning for parents. Understanding the causes of delayed teething is essential for addressing any potential issues and ensuring the health of the child.
What is Delayed Teething?
Delayed teething is defined as the failure of primary teeth to erupt within the expected timeframe, which generally ranges from six to twelve months. If a baby does not begin to show signs of teething by this age, it may be classified as a delay. While some variation is normal, significant deviations can warrant further investigation.
Causes of Delayed Teething
Several factors can contribute to delayed teething in infants:
1. Genetic Factors: Family history plays a crucial role in determining when a child will begin teething. If parents or siblings experienced late teething, it is possible that the baby may follow suit.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Proper nutrition is vital for healthy development, including dental health. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, can hinder the eruption of teeth. Vitamin D is particularly important as it aids in calcium absorption, which is crucial for tooth development.
3. Health Conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as cleidocranial dysplasia, can lead to significantly delayed tooth eruption. These conditions may affect the formation and timing of tooth development.
4. Overall Health and Nutrition: If a baby is not receiving adequate nutrition, whether through breastfeeding or formula, it can impact their overall growth and development, including teething. Insufficient intake of breast milk or low-quality formula may not provide the necessary nutrients for timely tooth eruption.
5. Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or poor prenatal care, can also affect a baby’s development, potentially leading to delays in teething.
Implications of Delayed Teething
Delayed teething can have implications beyond just the timing of tooth eruption. Babies who experience late teething may face challenges with eating, particularly with foods that require biting. This can lead to nutritional concerns if the child is unable to consume a well-rounded diet. Parents may need to consult with a pediatric dentist or nutritionist to ensure their child’s dietary needs are met during this period.
When to Seek Help
While some variation in teething timelines is normal, parents should consult a pediatrician if their child shows no signs of teething by twelve months. Early intervention can help identify any underlying issues and ensure that the child receives appropriate care.
In conclusion, while delayed teething can be a source of concern for parents, understanding the potential causes and implications can help in managing the situation effectively. Monitoring a child’s overall health and nutrition is crucial, and seeking professional advice when necessary can ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.

What syndromes cause delayed teething?

Delayed or absent tooth formation can result from many different conditions, including: Apert syndrome. Cleidocranial dysostosis. Down syndrome.

What is the most common cause of delayed teeth eruption?

Genetics: Several genetic disorders can trigger a delay in tooth eruption, such as Down syndrome, Cleidocranial dysostosis, and Apert syndrome. Some rare genetic abnormalities can cause poorly formed teeth and late tooth appearances, such as amelogenesis imperfecta and regional odontodysplasia.

When should I worry about my baby not having teeth?

So when do babies’ teeth come in? The average age is anywhere from 6 months to 12 months, though some babies will get teeth earlier and some will get them later. Timing isn’t that important; however, if your baby still has no teeth by the age of 18 months, it may be time to see a pediatric dentist for an evaluation.

How can I stimulate my baby’s teeth to grow?

Give your baby extra love and patience. Allow your baby to chew on a clean, chilled teething ring, teething toy, or clean wet face cloth. Teething gels and ointment are not recommended.

How to speed up teething in babies?

Teething gels
It’s recommended that parents try non-medical options for teething first, such as a teething ring. If you do decide to use a gel, make sure you use a teething gel that’s specially designed for young children.

What does late teething indicate?

A slight delay usually isn’t a cause for concern. Possible causes of delayed baby teething include premature birth, low birth weight, poor nutrition, or genetics. Syndromes, developmental or endocrine disorders might also delay tooth eruption. If your child has no baby teeth by 12 months, bring them to the dentist.

What endocrine disorders cause delayed tooth eruption?

Table 2.

Local causes Systemic causes
Arch-length deficiency and skeletal pattern Endocrine disorders:
Cysts Hypothyroidism (cretinism)
Ectopic eruption Hypopituitarism
Enamel pearls Hypoparathyroidism

Why do I still have baby teeth at 15?

What causes retained baby teeth? The most common cause of baby teeth in an adult is the lack of a permanent successor for the tooth. If a person does not have an adult tooth ready to erupt and take the baby tooth’s place, they are more likely to retain it into adulthood.

Does late teething mean anything?

If your baby’s teeth are delayed, don’t panic. A variation of a few months is generally not a cause for concern. However, you should consult a pediatric dentist if your baby has no teeth by 18 months. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues.

How late is it normal for baby teeth to come in?

Although infants usually begin cutting teeth between 6 and 12 months, delayed teething—or not developing any teeth after 12 months or later—may happen for your 1-year-old. Late teething may happen up to 15 months of age. It may not be “normal,” but delayed teething does happen!

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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