Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 4/6/2005

Question
Hi,

I read that it is genetics that determines when your child will get their first tooth.  The article said it would be sometime between when both parent's got their teeth.  I got my first tooth at 6 months, and husband at 9 mos 13 days.  My first child got her first tooth at 9 mos.  This is in line with what the article said.  My 2nd daughter is one year old and no teeth!  Normally I would not be concerned, but the article I read is making me think something could be wrong.  Do you know if that article is correct?  We used fluoridated tap water to make her formula, do you think that caused a problem and maybe that is why she still has no teeth?


Answer
Dear Michelle,

The article as you have described it is a gross oversimplification. Granted, an individual' physical characteristics are influenced by heredity, but most physiologists agree that these qualities are also the product of environmental factors and the random genetic events that occur all the time. For this reason, there is usually little point in predicting the age of a child's first tooth eruption from those of his parents, assuming there is no heritable genetic condition that would directly influence age of eruption.

Admittedly, at one year of age, your second daughter is statistically behind the average on her tooth eruption schedule. However, she is still in the ballpark, and I do not think this alone should raise any red flags. Assuming your daughter's pediatrician has not detected any other global developmental delays, this would not be any cause for concern. As for the fluoride, this would not delay tooth eruption; rather, it is a good idea for a young child to receive either fluoridated water or fluoride supplementation at this age, since her permanent teeth are already forming, and they will be able to better resist tooth decay later in life if she receives fluoride now.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY