Most parents will worry if their 8-month-old baby has not grown teeth. This may be because, in general, babies start to have teeth at the age of 4-6 months.
Does this mean that your little one is experiencing a developmental delay , in this case teething? Or is this natural and not a developmental problem?
To explore this further, continue reading the related content on what if an 8-month-old baby hasn’t grown teeth yet.
Is it normal for an 8-month-old baby to not have teeth yet?
The age at which a baby’s first teeth grow varies. In rare cases, babies are born with their first teeth . On the other hand, your little one may not experience teething until he or she is at least a year old.
David Geller, a pediatrician in Bedford, Massachusetts, explains that if your baby hasn’t teethed by 8 months, that’s normal, and that’s okay.
The average age for a baby to get their first tooth is 6 months, Geller was quoted as saying by Baby Center.
“If your baby is teething late, it’s not an indication that there’s a problem with his or her overall development,” says Geller.
Parents often mistake their 3-month-old baby drooling and clenching his fists as signs of teething .
Geller explains that drooling is a typical activity for babies at this age, but it is not necessarily a sign that teeth are coming in.
However, if your baby’s first tooth has not erupted by the age of 18 months, tell your pediatrician.
The doctor may suggest blood tests to analyze certain medical problems, and your baby may be referred to a pediatric dentist.
The dentist will also need an x-ray to make sure there is a tooth under the gum.
Regardless of when your baby’s teeth start to come in, his or her first dental checkup should be done at age 1.
What Causes an 8 Month Old Baby to Not Have Teeth Yet?
Most babies have their first teeth by the time they are 4 months old, but others take longer and usually grow by the time they are 7 months old, as explained on the website.parentingNew Kids Center.
Most children have at least four teeth by the time they are 11 months old, and have 12 teeth by the time they are 19 months old. Most children begin getting their permanent teeth around the age of six.
Some babies may have a slightly slower teething schedule , which is why your baby may not have any teeth at 8 months.
It’s normal to feel concerned when you don’t see your baby getting his first tooth for quite some time, but you usually don’t need to worry too much about this issue.
Here are the main reasons why your child’s teeth may not have grown in yet, as quoted from the page Colgate.
1. Genetic Reasons
Several genetic disorders can trigger delayed teething, such as Down syndrome , Cleidocranial dysostosis, and Apert syndrome.
Some rare genetic disorders can cause improperly formed teeth and delayed tooth appearance, such asamelogenesis imperfectaAndregional odontodysplasia.
2. Developmental Disorders
Hypopituitarism and hypothyroidism , two disorders that affect the endocrine system, and other developmental disorders, can cause delayed teething.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies can cause delayed and brittle teeth.
4. Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Premature birth can cause delayed tooth growth.
How to Stimulate Baby Teeth Growth?
It is normal for an 8-month-old baby not to have teeth and it is not necessarily due to problems with the child’s growth and development.
If Parents feel worried because, you can stimulate your baby with the following tips.
1. Give your little oneTeether
Giving the Little One teether or toys to bite that can stimulate the growth of baby’s teeth,you know,Parents.
2. How to Stimulate Teething by Giving Rough Textured Food
Age 8 months means the baby has entered the MPASI period.
Parents can get used to introducing various types of food with a solid texture that is processed so that it is easy for your little one to eat at the age of 8 months.
Giving your little one rough textured food can stimulate their teeth growth.
3. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Mouth and Gums
WhetherParentsneed to clean baby’s gums before teeth grow? Even though teeth haven’t grown yet,Parentsyou still need to clean your baby’s gums regularly.
Even before your baby shows his first tooth, cleaning his mouth is a good idea.
You can wipe his gums with gauze or a soft, wet washcloth during bath time.
You don’t need to use toothpaste yet. Just wrap a cloth or gauze around your index finger and gently rub it on his gums.
Dirt that sticks to the gums can affect or stimulate the growth of inhibited teeth.
Bacteria in the mouth usually can’t damage the gums before teeth appear, but it’s hard to know when teeth are starting to come in, so you should routinely clean your little one’s mouth and gums early on.
Getting your baby into the habit of cleaning his mouth as part of his daily routine will also make the transition to brushing his teeth easier later on.
What Food for 8 Month Old Baby Without Teeth?
When you don’t see your little one’s teeth at 8 months, it’s natural to worry about what to give your little one.
Here are some food options for you to consider, as recommended by the page.New Kids Center.
1. Fruits and Vegetables
You will find a long list of fruits and vegetables that you can choose for your toothless baby.
The bright colors of fruits and vegetables make them a great choice for most babies.
Make sure to introduce vegetables before fruits, as vegetables are not as sweet as fruits.
Avoid harder vegetables and fruits, such as celery, carrots, or apples.
Parentscan choose baked sweet potatoes, yams, or steamed pumpkin. You can also buy fruit purees, but make sure they don’t contain preservatives.
Whatever you choose, take the time to make your own fruit and vegetable puree at home for your little one’s health.
2. Wheat Products
Your baby is usually ready to digest very small amounts of grain foods by 8 months of age, so you can try some grain products at this time.
You can try commercial baby cereals that are also fortified with iron. Be sure to check and follow the age recommendations listed on the packaging.
You can express breast milk into cereal if you have not yet introduced formula to your baby.
You can also add other grains to your baby’s diet. Rice porridge, cream of wheat, are some good options to consider.
3. Meat and Alternatives
You can choose protein foods when your baby is nine months old. If you are unsure, you should talk to your pediatrician to find out if this is the right time to introduce protein foods into your baby’s diet.
You can choose tofu or egg yolk here as these two products also help with teeth that have not yet grown. Tofu is a great choice as it also contains magnesium, calcium, and protein .
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These are the things related to whether it is normal for an 8 month old baby not to have teeth yet and how to stimulate it.
ParentsThere is no need to worry if your baby takes longer to have his first tooth.
Use these times as an opportunity to enjoygummy smilethey are longer.
Don’t forget, after your little one’s teeth grow,ParentsIt is better to visit the dentist regularly to maintain dental health.
Hopefully this is useful,Parents!
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
