Should I Worry If My One-Year-Old Hasn't Started Teething?

Q: Should I Worry If My One-Year-Old Hasn't Started Teething?

Hello： A one-year-old child has not yet developed teeth; I suggest you wait a little longer, as some children have a slower teething process. <br>If you wish to consult someone, it would be best to see a dentist, but currently, no special intervention is needed. <br>Your child is

Teething usually begins around one year of age?

Hello, Doctor: My younger sister is about to turn one year old on the 15th, but she hasn't shown any signs of teething yet.
I noticed a couple of small spots on her lower front teeth a while ago, which seemed like they were about to come in, but there are still no signs.
Should I take her to see a doctor? If so, should I take her to a general pediatrician, or should I take her to a dentist? Currently, her height and weight are around the 10th percentile.
She can't say "dad" yet, but she can say "mom," "aunt," and some nonsensical sounds.
She loves to babble and can talk to adults (in her own language).
She can clap her hands, shake her head, say goodbye, give kisses, and point at things.
Is this development considered normal? Thank you for your response, Doctor! Best wishes!

Xiao Yu Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/11/10

Dr. He Shenglong reply Pediatrics

Hello: A one-year-old child has not yet developed teeth; I suggest you wait a little longer, as some children have a slower teething process.
If you wish to consult someone, it would be best to see a dentist, but currently, no special intervention is needed.
Your child is now able to stand and is likely starting to learn to walk, which indicates that gross motor skills are normal.
Based on your description, language skills, fine motor skills, and social behaviors also appear to be normal.
It seems you have been very attentive to your child's growth since birth, right? Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2009/11/10

More Info

When it comes to the concern of teething in infants, it's important to understand that there is a wide range of normal development. Typically, most babies begin to show signs of teething between 4 to 7 months of age, with the first teeth usually appearing around 6 months. However, some children may not start teething until they are closer to a year old, and this can still be within the realm of normal development.

In your case, since your daughter is approaching her first birthday and has not yet begun to show signs of teething, it is understandable to feel concerned. The presence of two small indentations in her gums could indicate that her teeth are preparing to erupt, but the timeline can vary significantly from child to child. Some children may have their first teeth come in later than others, and this is not necessarily a cause for alarm.

Developmentally, it sounds like your daughter is meeting many important milestones. The ability to babble, respond to social cues, and engage in simple interactions such as waving goodbye and pointing are all positive signs of her cognitive and social development. Her height and weight being in the 10th percentile is also something that can vary; as long as she is growing steadily and her pediatrician is not concerned about her growth trajectory, this is generally acceptable.

If you are still worried about her lack of teeth, it would be a good idea to consult with a pediatrician. They can assess her overall health and development and provide reassurance or further evaluation if necessary. In most cases, a regular pediatrician can address concerns about teething and general development. However, if there are specific concerns about her dental health or if the pediatrician feels it is warranted, they may refer you to a pediatric dentist.

In summary, while it is natural to worry about your child's development, it is also important to remember that there is a wide range of what is considered normal. If your daughter is otherwise healthy and meeting her developmental milestones, it is likely that her teeth will come in when she is ready. However, if you have persistent concerns, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always a good step to ensure peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Is My Baby's Early Teething at 4.5 Months a Concern for Future Dental Health?

Is it too early for my baby, who is four and a half months old, to be teething? Will it affect the growth of their teeth in the future?

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Generally, infants begin teething around 6 months of age, with some starting as early as 4 and a half months. If the teeth are stable and not loose, there is no concern. However, if the teeth are unstable and wobbly, there is a risk of them falling out and potentially being aspir...

Teething Troubles: What Parents Should Know About Baby's Sleep Issues

Dear Dr. Hong, My sister is now over five months old and has developed two lower teeth. Recently, she has been having trouble sleeping at night, sometimes not falling asleep until dawn. Could this be related to teething? I've heard that babies often experience discomfort w...

Dr. Hong Shaohui reply Pediatrics
When teething, babies may experience itching in their gums, which can cause discomfort. During this time, it is important to wash the baby's hands frequently and minimize the chances of them putting their hands in their mouths to reduce the risk of infection.

Baby Teeth and Solid Food Concerns: What Parents Should Know

Hello, doctor. My baby is almost 11 months old, and the teething process has been very slow for over a month. Is it normal for one tooth to only be partially erupted? Another tooth has emerged a little but seems to be coming in crooked; will it straighten out as it grows? Will ha...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
It is normal for a 13-month-old to have already started teething. It is too early to be concerned about misalignment of the teeth; subsequent teeth may naturally align themselves. Once a baby has teeth, they can receive fluoride treatments at a pediatric dentist. Babies primarily...

Understanding Teething Issues in Toddlers: When to Seek Help

It is common for children to start teething around 6 months of age, and by the age of 1, many have around 8 teeth. However, it is not unusual for some children to experience a pause in teething. If your child is now 1 year and 4 months old and has not developed any new teeth, it ...

Dr. Zhang Peixin reply Pediatrics
Hello! The rate of tooth growth can vary depending on individual constitution. If a child's weight and height growth are normal, then further observation is sufficient. It is currently recommended that children over one year of age should consume more than 500cc of milk dail...