1. Compare Your Child's Tooth Formation With the Average
If you're worried that a child's tooth formation is delayed, you can compare his development with that of the average child. The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower incisors, or front teeth, between 6 and 9 months of age. Their counterparts on top should appear between 8 and 10 months. At 15 to 21 months, the rest of the teeth should fill in, except for the very back ones. These second molars should erupt by 24 months of age.
Even with these averages, however, the pace of tooth formation and eruption varies from child to child. Don't worry about late teeth unless you know that your child has another related health condition, such as cleft lip or palate, or he reaches 12 months without displaying a tooth.
2. Factor in Pregnancy and Gender Differences
If you have more than one child, comparing their tooth development can be misleading. Teeth begin to develop in utero, and your diet may have changed from one pregnancy to the next. Nutrients essential to tooth development, such as vitamins A, C and D, may have been in shorter or greater supply. If you know that your diet was deficient during pregnancy, tell your child's doctor and get some early-intervention advice.
Another differential, however, is the gender split. Girls' teeth begin to erupt earlier, on average, than do boys' teeth. If your younger son isn't showing a tooth at the same age that his older sister did, formation may not be delayed at all.
3. Get a Professional Diagnosis
If you have been as patient as possible and teeth still do not appear at 1 year of age, see a doctor for diagnosis or referral. A pediatric doctor or dentist can determine whether tooth formation is indeed delayed, and if so, identify the cause. Down syndrome and hyperthyroidism are two possible causes.
