While most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months old, it's not necessarily a cause for alarm if it takes longer. However, if your baby still has no teeth by 18 months, a pediatric dentist should be consulted. This is considered a potential sign of delayed tooth eruption.
What Constitutes "Late"?
Several sources define different ages as potentially indicating a problem. These points should be considered as guidelines, not strict cutoffs:
- First teeth: While the average is 6-12 months, some sources suggest that eruption between 12 and 24 months might be considered delayed for the first baby teeth. [Source: Healthline]
- Complete set of primary teeth: By age three, nearly all children have all 20 of their primary teeth. A significant delay from this is a cause for concern. [Source: Colgate]
- Baby teeth falling out: While the timing varies, losing the first baby teeth between ages five and seven is still considered normal. [Source: Wilson Orthodontics]
- Permanent teeth: Late-erupting permanent teeth can be susceptible to fluorosis, a discoloration of tooth enamel. This risk extends from around age 2 to 8 years. [Source: NCBI PMC]
Importance of a Pediatric Dentist's Opinion
While delayed tooth eruption isn't always serious, a pediatric dentist can identify underlying causes and ensure there are no associated health concerns. Even if there's no immediate issue, a professional opinion is always recommended. [Source: Woodhill Dental Specialties]
The general timeframe for teething is a guideline; individual variation is normal. However, consistent delays warrant professional evaluation.
