As a parent, watching your child’s first teeth come in is exciting—but what if they don’t? Some kids get their teeth early, while others take longer, and every child develops at their own pace. However, if your child’s teeth seem delayed, it’s natural to wonder whether something is wrong. 

So, what’s normal, and when should you take them for a Commack pediatric dentistry consultation? Let’s break it down. 

Typical Timeline for Baby Teeth 

Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months, starting with the lower front teeth. By age 3, they usually have a full set of 20 baby teeth. However, some children start as early as 4 months, while others don’t get their first tooth until 14–16 months. 

If your baby is over 12 months old with no signs of teeth, it’s worth discussing with a dentist, but in many cases, late teething is completely normal. 

When Do Permanent Teeth Come In? 

Children start losing baby teeth by age 6 or 7, making way for permanent teeth. The first adult teeth to appear are usually the lower front teeth and first molars. By age 13, most kids will have 28 permanent teeth, with wisdom teeth arriving later in their teens. 

If your child’s baby teeth are sticking around past age 7 or 8 with no signs of loosening, or if their permanent teeth are taking longer than expected, it might be time for an evaluation. 

Why Are My Child’s Teeth Delayed? Common Causes 

If your child’s teeth aren’t coming in on time, several factors could be at play: 

• Genetics: If you or a sibling had delayed teething, your child might follow the same pattern. 
• Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight: Babies born early or underweight may experience delayed dental development. 
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of calcium, vitamin D, or other essential nutrients can slow down tooth development. 
• Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie: If your child has a restricted tongue or lip movement, it may impact jaw growth and tooth eruption. 
• Crowding or Impaction: If baby teeth don’t fall out on time, they can block permanent teeth from emerging properly. 
• Medical Conditions: Rare conditions like hypothyroidism or cleidocranial dysplasia can delay tooth eruption. 

In most cases, late teeth aren’t a serious issue, but if you’re concerned, a pediatric dentist can assess your child’s oral development and provide guidance. 

When to See a Pediatric Dentist 

While some delays are normal, you should schedule a consultation if: 

• Your child is over 12 months old and has no baby teeth. 
• They are 7 or older, and baby teeth aren’t loosening. 
• Their permanent teeth are coming in unevenly or seem stuck. 
• You notice swelling, pain, or unusual bumps in the gums. 
• Your child has difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing due to missing teeth. 

Early detection of potential dental issues can prevent bigger problems later, such as impacted teeth or orthodontic concerns. 

Concerned About Delayed Teeth? Book an Appointment for Commack Pediatric Dentistry 

If your child’s teeth are delayed, a pediatric dentistry consultation at Altmark Kidz Dentistry can provide reassurance and expert care. Our team specializes in monitoring tooth development and ensuring healthy growth. Schedule an appointment today to keep your child’s smile on track!