Written By: Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Reviewed By: Dental Specialist at Mother Dental Center
If your baby’s teeth are coming in late, you are not alone. It is very common, and most of the time it is nothing to worry about. Every baby has their own timing.
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months. Some get it earlier. Some get it after their first birthday. See a children’s dentist if there is still no tooth at around 18 months, or if you notice any of the warning signs below.
Dentists call this delayed tooth eruption, or delayed dentition. It just means teeth are late. This guide explains what is normal, why it happens, and what to do.
When Do Baby Teeth Usually Come In?
First tooth: around 6 months
It is usually one of the two bottom front teeth. The top front teeth follow. The American Dental Association notes that some healthy children do not get their first tooth until 12 or 14 months.
All 20 teeth: by about age 3
The rest come in over time, usually in pairs.
How Late Is Too Late?
Babies vary a lot, so “late” is not one exact date. Use this as a simple guide:
| Your baby's age | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Around 12 months | No tooth yet | Mention it to your child's doctor or dentist. It is usually not urgent. |
| Around 18 months | Still no tooth | Book a visit with a children's dentist. |
| Around 3 years | Many teeth still missing | Ask a dentist to check. |
Why Are My Baby’s Teeth Coming In Late?
Often there is no clear reason, and that is normal. When there is one, it is usually one of these:
- It runs in the family. Teeth tend to follow a family clock. If you or your partner were late, your baby is more likely to be too. This is the most common reason. See “What to Do While You Wait” to check.
- Early birth or low birth weight. A baby who arrived early started growing later, and the teeth often follow.
- Nutrition. Teeth need good food to grow. Very poor nutrition can slow them down. A baby who is eating and growing well is unlikely to be affected.
- A health condition. This is not common. When it is the cause, there are usually other signs too, such as slow growth, and a doctor would notice them.
- A tooth that is hidden or missing. Sometimes the tooth is there but is not breaking through. Rarely, a tooth is missing. A dentist can check, and may suggest an X-ray if needed.
Most late teeth have a simple explanation, and most babies catch up without any treatment.
Did I Do Something Wrong?
Almost certainly not. Late teeth are rarely caused by anything a parent did. Most often it comes down to family timing or an early birth. If your baby feeds and grows well, you can put that worry down.
Does Late Teething (Delayed Tooth Eruption) Mean Something Is Wrong?
Usually not. Late teeth on their own do not mean your baby is unhealthy or developing slowly.
There is one small thing to watch. If baby teeth are very late, the grown-up teeth may come in a little crowded later. Most children do fine. A dentist can keep an eye on it as your child grows.
Warning Signs: When to See a Dentist
- Still no tooth at about 18 months
- Few teeth around age 3
- Teeth coming in very out of order, or some seem to be missing
- A lump or swelling on the gum that does not go away
- Your child is also slow to grow, eat or reach other milestones. Talk to your child’s doctor too.
What to Do While You Wait
- Write down dates. Note when you first see each tooth. It helps the dentist.
- Check if it runs in the family. Ask your parents when you got your first teeth, and your partner’s parents too. If you were late, your baby may be too. Tell the dentist what you find.
- Clean the gums. Wipe them gently with a soft, damp cloth, even before teeth appear.
- Brush when the first tooth shows. Use a soft baby brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
- Don’t try to rush it. Nothing safely speeds up teeth. Skip gels and home tricks.
- Book a first dental visit by the first birthday, even if there are no teeth yet. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends this.
What Happens at the Dentist’s Visit?
The dentist looks at your child’s gums and asks about your family, the birth, feeding and your child’s health. Often the answer is simple: nothing is wrong, and the dentist will check again as your child grows. If the dentist thinks a tooth may be hidden under the gum, they may suggest an X-ray. If your child needs more care, the dentist explains it in plain words before anything is done.
Children’s Dentist in Ajman: Care at Mother Dental Center
Our pedodontics (children’s dentistry) team looks after children’s teeth from the first visit onwards. We aim to make each visit calm for your child, and to explain what we find in words parents can follow.
Ground Floor, Tech Tower, near Grand Mall, Al Rashidiya-3, Ajman
Late Baby Teeth: Your Questions Answered
Does late teething mean my baby has a developmental problem?
Usually not. Late teeth on their own are not a sign of a problem. If your baby is also slow in other ways, speak to your child’s doctor.
Will my child’s adult teeth also come late?
Not necessarily. Baby teeth and adult teeth grow on their own timelines. A dentist will keep an eye on it as your child grows.
Can I make my baby’s teeth come in faster?
No. There is no safe way to speed it up. Keep the gums clean and offer healthy food.
Worried About Your Baby’s Teeth? Book a Check-Up
If your baby’s teeth are coming in late and you want peace of mind, book a consultation at Mother Dental Center. The dentist will check your child’s gums, explain what is normal, and tell you what to do next. No pressure.
Phone: +971 6539 6555 | WhatsApp: +971 52 736 3399
Open daily, 10:00 am to 11:30 pm