How to Treat Delayed Tooth Formation

Usually, infants get their first tooth between six and nine months old, although some children may begin to develop teeth earlier and some later. While in most cases, delayed tooth formation is nothing to be alarmed about, there are several diseases which can cause the absence of teeth. Here is how to handle delayed tooth formation in babies.

Instructions

• 1

  Include adequate vitamin A in your child’s diet. This essential nutrient aids in proper teeth formation in children. Fruits and vegetables yellow or orange in color are high in vitamin A. Carrots, squash, cantaloupe, and apricots are good sources of this vitamin along with milk, some cheeses, spinach and egg yolk. Children with vitamin A deficiency may show symptoms such as loss of appetite, dry skin, slow growth, and bone and teeth abnormalities.

• 2

  Make sure that your child consumes the daily requirement of vitamin C, as this nutrient cannot be stored in the body for later use. Leafy greens, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and other berries all contain some amount of vitamin C.

• 3

  Feed your child foods fortified with vitamin D. These include milk, cereals and puddings made with fortified milk. Vitamin D is needed for proper formation of bones and teeth, as it aids in the absorption of calcium.

• 4

  Consult with a dentist about orthodontics to correct the absence of teeth. Your child’s pediatrician may ask at what age siblings began to develop teeth, or if there are other family members missing teeth, which never came in. Screening for certain diseases may be required depending upon other symptoms.