Question
What are the reasons for slow tooth eruption in children? What measures can parents take to promote tooth growth?
Answer
The timing of tooth eruption in infants varies from child to child, typically starting between 4 to 10 months of age. If a child’s teeth begin to emerge later than 10 months, parents should not be overly concerned, as this may be due to genetic factors or individual differences rather than a lack of calcium. Blindly supplementing calcium is not the solution; instead, pay attention to the growth of primary and permanent teeth, and schedule regular dental check-ups to identify and resolve issues promptly. If you find that permanent teeth are erupting while primary teeth have not fallen out, forming a double row of teeth, it is important to take your child to the hospital to have the retained primary teeth extracted as soon as possible. Additionally, correcting bad habits such as biting fingers or licking teeth is also crucial to avoid affecting the normal growth of teeth.