Ask Our Expert - Late Getting Her Teeth

November 21, 2009

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Ask Dr. Jana Late Getting Her Teeth

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Jana, My third baby is 10 months old today. Unlike her older siblings, she has only developed her two bottom teeth. The top two front teeth are not even popping out. Is this normal considering my other two children had about six teeth at 10 months of age? I am starting to wonder if there are any teeth up there! — Worried Mommy in Miami, FL

ANSWER	October 10, 2000


Dear Worried Mommy, You are not alone in wondering where your daughter's teeth are. There are quite a few children whose first teeth don't erupt until as late as one year of age, leaving many a parent puzzling over when her child might get a toothy smile. While there is often a hereditary tendency towards early, average, or late teething, not every child in the family follows the same pattern. Typically, the top four teeth (called the central and lateral incisors) erupt within about four to eight weeks after the lower two. However, not all 10-month-olds have read the baby books, so don't be concerned if your daughter takes her time! She already has two of her teeth, so you know that they're in there and will emerge sooner or later. — by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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