Lack Of Sufficient Space
This is perhaps the most common reason why your children’s teeth have not erupted yet. When the milk tooth that was taken out is smaller than the one that is emerging, there will be a problem. It happens regularly because the permanent tooth at the front is usually bigger than the primary one and, therefore, lacks the space to develop properly and on time. Typically, there should be spaces between the primary teeth.
The Permanent Going In The Wrong Direction
Another common issue that causes late permanent teeth development is if they are facing the wrong way. When there is space, but the teeth do not follow the path of the primary tooth and erupt in the proper spot, there will be an issue. This commonly happens with upper canines and bicuspids because they mostly veer away from the intended course, which leads to issues in development. In such cases, there may be the need to surgically remove the primary teeth around that area to allow them to position themselves appropriately. You will, in most cases, have to use braces to get the teeth in the right place.
Gender
Like with the general development of the body, there are huge variations in the speed of tooth growth between girls and boys. Girls tend to experience puberty and sexual changes earlier than boys. In the same way, girls tend to develop their permanent teeth slightly earlier than boys do. Studies show that girls begin losing their teeth up to 6 months earlier than boys. As a parent, it is normal to want to compare your children since that is human.
Genetics
Did your teeth come in late? Do you know that there is an 80% chance that the characteristics of your teeth development will be seen in your children? Well, now you know. If your teeth took time to grow or you ended up needing braces for there to be enough space for the new set of teeth to fit in, the same will happen with your children. It is, therefore, the time to talk to your parents and your spouse. Find out whether the delay is as a result of genetics or something that needs a doctor’s attention.
Nutrition
The nutritional status of your child can affect the development of their teeth. To develop correctly, teeth require a lot of calcium, in addition to other minerals so that they are strong enough to push through the gum. If your child is a picky eater, you have to ensure that they learn the importance of eating a balanced diet early in life. Parents whose children do not stick to a healthy diet, rather preferring a sugar-rich diet tend to develop their teeth later than their peers in the same age group or class.
Weight And Height
Studies on childhood obesity have revealed that overweight children tend to develop their permanent teeth faster than kids who are of normal weight. It is also true that taller children get their teeth earlier than their shorter counterparts. Therefore, if your child is short and relatively thin, their teeth will take time to develop. This is nothing you need to worry about because they will come in eventually and will truly be worth the wait.
Impacted Teeth
These are teeth in your children’s mouths that are blocked from erupting due to premature loss of the primary teeth or narrow jaws. When the teeth lack the space to erupt, they will usually stay in. Primary teeth usually develop fully but do not erupt because they are blocked. In such cases, a radiograph is needed to check whether the position of the teeth is correct. Handling this early enough, there is no damage to the surrounding tissues and other teeth.
Supernumerary Teeth
These are extra teeth that can form anywhere on the arch of your mouth. Because they erupt on the space meant for permanent teeth, they may delay or displace them. This may cause dental problems and irregularities.
