Are you worried that your baby hasn't started teething at the expected age? Is your baby teething slower than other children the same age? In general, parents may feel anxious and worried when faced with this situation. But don't worry, let me explain the reasons why some children teeth slowly and help you understand better. Let's take a look together! Normally, a baby's teeth start developing around 6 months old, but some babies may start teething a little later. However, if parents notice that their child's teeth aren't coming in, they need to pay more attention as there can be various factors causing delayed teething. Parents should promptly identify and understand the reasons to avoid delaying their child's growth.
What factors contribute to slow teething in babies?
1. Genetic factors
The primary factor causing slow teething in babies is genetic. This includes family medical history and ethnic reasons, and sometimes even gender can be a contributing factor. Usually, boys teethe later than girls.
2. Environmental factors
Environmental factors after birth are also a cause of slow teething in babies. For example, premature babies need to have their teething time adjusted according to their corrected age. If a premature baby is born at 30 weeks of gestation, their first tooth may not appear until 6-8 months after birth. Additionally, babies with low birth weight may also experience delayed teething.
3. Systemic diseases
Systemic diseases such as Down syndrome, abnormalities in pituitary gland secretion, and ectodermal dysplasia can affect the speed of teething in babies to varying degrees. To accurately determine the cause, blood tests may be required.
4. Trauma and infection
If a baby's deciduous teeth are uneven, it is likely that the teeth have been impacted by external force, causing the ligament connecting the teeth to die and leading to bone adhesion. This may result in one tooth appearing to grow slower, but it actually affects the growth of permanent teeth.
If a baby's deciduous teeth fall out too early, a layer of connective tissue will form on the gum surface. If the permanent teeth have not fully developed at this time, they may be compressed, leading to slower eruption. Additionally, medications given to the baby by parents may cause gum thickening, which hinders the eruption of teeth and creates a misunderstanding that the baby's teething is slow.
How to deal with slow teething in babies?
Regular check-ups and a relaxed mindset
If parents are not doctors, it is usually difficult for them to accurately determine the true cause of their child's slow teething. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly visit a dental clinic from the time the baby's first tooth erupts until they reach 1 year old. Professional dentists can handle the specific situation and work to improve the teething condition as soon as possible.
It is important to note that the teething cycle in infants varies. Although a baby's first tooth is expected to erupt at around 6 months old, the timing of teething can vary within a six-month period for deciduous teeth and even up to a year for permanent teeth. Therefore, there is usually no need to worry excessively. The difference in teething time generally does not affect the function of the teeth.
On average, a baby's deciduous teeth will have fully erupted by the age of 2. Due to various factors, each baby's teething time may be different. Parents can judge their baby's teething condition based on the aforementioned information, stay informed, and have a comprehensive understanding of their child's development. Finally, I wish every little angel a healthy and happy growth!
