Teeth Haven’t Come in Yet — Is That Normal?
 Category | Teeth |
|---|
⏱️ Reading time: 2 minutes
Medically reviewed by pediatrician and perinatal psychologist Polina Kizino
The first tooth usually comes in between 4 and 12 months — and that’s perfectly normal. Genetics, birth weight, and overall development can influence timing. If other developmental signs are on track, there’s no need to worry.
What’s Inside
Quick takeaways
The first tooth usually appears between 4 and 10 months, but it can take up to 12 months — and still be normal.
Genetics, birth weight, and overall development can influence timing.
If other developmental signs are on track, there’s no need to worry.
See a doctor if there are no teeth after 12 months or other developmental delays.
Don’t try to speed up teething — with massages or home remedies.
When do first teeth usually come in
For most babies, the first tooth (often the lower front) comes in around 6 months. But a wide range — 4 to 12 months — is still considered normal.
If your baby is 7–8 months old with no teeth but growing well, smiling, playing, and interacting — it may just be individual timing. Especially if a parent also got their first teeth closer to age one.
What affects the timing of teething
Each baby develops at their own pace. Factors that can influence teething include:
- Genetics — timing may be inherited
- Prematurity — development may be slightly delayed
- Low birth weight
- Nutrition and vitamin D absorption — though this affects bone health more broadly
It’s important to remember: late teething isn’t a concern if everything else is on track
When to see a pediatrician
If no teeth — or even signs of teething — by 10 months, and:
- The baby doesn’t sit, stand, or respond to speech
- Is gaining weight poorly
- Shows other signs of developmental delay
Discuss with your pediatrician. They may check vitamin D levels or suggest further tests.
What you can do at home
- Offer safe teethers — it’s normal if baby wants to chew.
- Don’t try to speed things up — avoid massages, medications, or folk remedies.
- Watch your baby’s mood: fussiness or food refusal could be teething-related.
With care
Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.
Essentials for baby care many parents choose
https://amzn.to/48r7O7g
Some links in this article point to products or resources we genuinely find helpful for this topic. If you choose to buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
Sources
- Lawoyin TO, Lawoyin DO, Lawoyin JO. Epidemiological study of some factors related to deciduous tooth eruption. Afr Dent J. 1996;10:19-23. PMID: 9590889. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9590889/. Accessed 10 May 2025.
- Wang XZ, Sun XY, Quan JK, Zhang CY, Zhao M, Shi XR, Si Y, Zheng SG. Effects of Premature Delivery and Birth Weight on Eruption Pattern of Primary Dentition among Beijing Children. Chin J Dent Res. 2019;22(2):131-137. doi: 10.3290/j.cjdr.a42517. PMID: 31172141. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31172141/. Accessed 10 May 2025.
- Garmash O. Dependence of Deciduous Tooth Eruption Terms and Tooth Growth Rate on the Weight-Height Index at Birth in Macrosomic Children over the First Year of Life. Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove). 2019;62(2):62-68. doi: 10.14712/18059694.2019.48. Epub 2019 Jun 11. PMID: 31184300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31184300/. Accessed 10 May 2025.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Clinical Affairs Committee--Infant Oral Health Subcommittee. Guideline on infant oral health care. Pediatr Dent. 2012 Sep-Oct;34(5):e148-52. PMID: 23211901. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23211901/. Accessed 10 May 2025.
- Oral Health Tips for Children, U.S. Centers for disease control and prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html. Accessed 10 May 2025.
- Ntani G, Day PF, Baird J, Godfrey KM, Robinson SM, Cooper C, Inskip HM; Southampton Women’s Survey Study Group. Maternal and early life factors of tooth emergence patterns and number of teeth at 1 and 2 years of age. J Dev Orig Health Dis. 2015 Aug;6(4):299-307. doi: 10.1017/S2040174415001130. Epub 2015 May 4. PMID: 25936832; PMCID: PMC4538790. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4538790/. Accessed 10 May 2025.