Teething is a significant milestone in a child’s development. While the typical timeline for baby teeth eruption starts around six months of age and continues until about three years old, some children may experience delays. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), while variations in teething timelines are often harmless, significantly delayed teething can have consequences for a child’s oral and overall health.
SEE ALSO: What Makes Teething Faster?
1. Potential Impact on Oral Development
Late teething may disrupt the natural sequence of tooth eruption, which can lead to alignment issues. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, guiding them into proper positions. If baby teeth erupt late or in an unusual order, it can increase the risk of crowding, misalignment, or impaction of adult teeth.
2. Delayed Ability to Chew and Eat Properly
Primary (baby) teeth are essential for chewing and biting, which play a role in introducing a child to a variety of foods and textures. Delayed teething can restrict a child’s ability to eat solid foods, potentially affecting their nutrition and overall growth. The AAPD recommends dietary monitoring for children with late teething to ensure proper nutrient intake.
3. Speech and Language Development Challenges
Teeth, particularly the front incisors, contribute to proper pronunciation and speech development. Late teething can delay the acquisition of certain sounds and speech patterns. If parents notice speech delays, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist for early intervention.
4. Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, late teething could signal underlying medical or genetic conditions. These may include:
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Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of calcium, vitamin D, or other nutrients can affect tooth development.
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Endocrine Disorders: Hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances may delay teething.
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Genetic Disorders: Conditions such as Down syndrome or ectodermal dysplasia can slow the teething process.
Regular dental check-ups with your child’s pediatric dentist will help rule out these potential issues and address them promptly.
SEE ALSO: Is Late Teething a Problem?
When to Seek Professional Advice
While some variation in teething is normal, the AAPD advises consulting a pediatric dentist if:
- No teeth have erupted by 18 months of age.
- Teething is accompanied by signs of systemic issues, such as poor growth or developmental delays.
- There are significant concerns about speech or chewing abilities.
At Harmony Medical Center, our specialist pediatric dentists are experienced in assessing and managing teething concerns. With early intervention and personalized care, we can help ensure your child’s oral development is on the right track. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s healthy smile!