1. Treat Delayed Formation of Baby Teeth
Many parents whose children's teeth are slow to erupt may feel that they need to do something to help. As long as the first tooth appears by 12 months of age, dental development may still be on the right track. Treatment is only necessary for diseased or chronically malnourished children whose inadequate supply of vitamins A, C and/or D is blocking normal tooth formation.
A doctor will help you to fortify your child's diet with foods rich in essential vitamins, calcium and phosphorus. Fluoride supplementation isn't recommended for infants.
2. Treat Delayed Formation of Permanent Teeth
Malnutrition can cause a delay in the eruption of your child's permanent teeth. Get a dentist's or doctor's advice, and focus on your child's diet. Dentin forms the majority of the tooth and is made up of collagen, which needs vitamin C for normal synthesis. Vitamin A is necessary to produce keratin, the main element in the tooth's protective enamel. Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium and phosphorus into developing bones and teeth.
Pay attention to nutritional information on foods. This labeling tells you what percentage of the daily value of these important vitamins is contained in each serving. In general, serve plenty of milk, citrus fruit or juice, carrots and leafy green vegetables. Multivitamin supplements for children can help you make up the difference.
3. Get Help for Related Medical Conditions
Delayed tooth formation may be one symptom in a set of indicators of another health problem. You may already know if your child has Down syndrome, hyperthyroidism or impacted teeth. If you suspect a cause other than vitamin deficiency, get a doctor's diagnosis. You will have to treat the cause in addition to getting dental surgery or treatment.
If your child's permanent teeth have been coming in but haven't all appeared, there may be some crowding or irregular spacing impeding the final molars. Tooth extraction or orthodontia may be necessary to treat the condition and make space for the incoming stragglers.
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