Eruption patterns in different children differ at all stages. Even amongst siblings, these patterns are not fixed.
Usually, baby teeth start to erupt by the age of 6 to 7 months for front teeth. Again, these age ranges are not fixed, they are always given in long range and frames. Some children can be late, extending up to even 18 months for first tooth eruption.
On the other hand, some kids can be very quick starting from 3 months. Others may even have one of their baby tooth present at birth.
SEE ALSO: “Help! My Child’s Teeth Are Rotting.”
The time of tooth falling out is tentatively related to the time of eruption. If the tooth has erupted early, it is likely to fall early as well.
So many a times, if the child got the first tooth close to 4 or 5 months for instance, they will be amongst the first one in their class to lose these teeth may be around 5 to 6 years of age. If the child got the first tooth beyond one year of age, they are likely to lose them late as well, sometimes even beyond 7 to 7 1/2 years of age.
Early and late eruption patterns are all natural variances and not abnormalities. These are just simple natural variations without any really concerning underlying conditions.
When is a delay in tooth eruption considered a dental issue?
Abnormal position of the tooth, presence of extra tooth, the presence of thick gums or very dense bone may interrupt the eruption of tooth. Sometimes, the tooth might be absent completely. In general, these are causes that lead to abnormal delay of tooth eruption.
When the time line of eruption is beyond any given normal range, your pediatric dentist would usually suggest panoramic X-rays to rule out any of the common causes. Based on the X-rays, then necessary steps can be taken.
What should you do if you’re worried about your child’s growing teeth?
Not all child conforms to the schedule of tooth eruption. A delay isn’t always a serious concern; however, it may create a risk of dental problems later in your child’s life. Nevertheless, moms and dads should bring their child to a pediatric dentist when their baby’s teeth erupt later than regular schedule.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend that parents bring their babies to a dentist no later than their first birthday. With early and regular dental checkups, the dentist will be able to prevent tooth problems even before they arise.
