Don’t Be Alarmed If Your Child’s Dental Development Is Delayed.

A baby’s teeth are already formed in his (or her) gums at birth. But it’s not until he reaches about 6 months old that his first tooth makes its visual debut. The eruption of that tiny white bud is a major milestone for an infant and his parents! 

The office of Christina Mercurio, DDS has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality care and compassionate dental care for children. We are an excellent one-stop solution for the oral healthcare needs of your child. Whether it’s time for an examination, a cleaning or necessary work, we will provide your child with expert service. 

Should you worry if your baby’s teeth aren’t coming in on schedule? A delay shouldn’t be a reason to worry, but in some infants, there might be a hidden reason for their condition. 

But let’s start at the beginning with the general timeline. A baby’s two lower front teeth present themselves first, and then the four top front teeth. The rest of his teeth sprout usually two at a time, one on each side of the mouth. At 11 months old, your little one will probably have four teeth, then eight by 15 months. And by the age of three years, he’ll have a complete set of 20 primary teeth!

If you’re troubled that your son has no teeth when he reaches 9 months, take him to a pedodontist. A toothless mouth is occasionally an indication of an underlying issue. The pedodontist will examine your child’s mouth and might decide that dental X-rays are in order. She (or he) may choose to refer you to other specialists, who will perform tests to make sure there’s no underlying genetic, developmental or health issue. But don’t panic! Dental development that doesn’t strictly follow the standard format is, in most cases, of minimal concern.

By emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care, Christina Mercurio, DDS is dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile. We are your best local resource for pediatric dentistry. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.