15 Month Old Does Not 2 of Her Front Bottom Teeth

My son did not get any teeth until he was 18mo, and was 2 1/2 before he had all of his teeth. I think it's too soon to worry about it.

I've loved my experience with Sorenson Dental ###-###-####) in Riverton and he's really great with my kids. I also have a 15 month old, who I'd fully trust him with. My 4 and 5 year olds love him, too. Dr. Sorenson's office is fully equipped with all the latest technologies. I often go in there and marvel at some of the things they can do. Anyway, very skilled, very personable. And gentle enough to help out with a baby. Hope that helps some.

Becca

My kids both didn't even break the surface with their first tooth until after they were a year old. I was worried at first, especially since I didn't ever get two of my teeth (the 2 right next to my top front teeth) and I had to get teeth implants. But, all is well with my kids. My dentist told me that the longer they take to get their teeth in, the healthier their teeth are. That has turned out to be true. My kids are 7 and 10 and have never had a cavity. I do make them brush their teeth twice a day, but I have a friend who makes her kids brush their teeth twice a day too, and her kids have already had a lot of cavities. They got their teeth starting at a few months old. My girls seem to have pretty strong and nice teeth too. They were also later losing them, which I didn't mind either. They didn't start to lose teeth until 1st and 2nd grade. My 7 year old (in 2nd grade) has only lost 4 of her teeth. The dentist doesn't seem concerned.

At this point you need to take her to a dentist period, they will take an x-ray of her teeth which will also show what teeth have developed and will be coming in. If there are no front bottom teeth in the x-ray then they may not come in at all but only a dentist can determine that. Ped. dentist or family dentist. I would DEFINITELY say this is a good reason to take her in.

Hi B.,

Don't know how much help I can be, but when my niece was the age your daughter is now, she had NO teeth. My sister~in~law took her the the dentist and they x-rayed. The teeth were up there, just further up than most kids. She eventually started sprouting teeth, and ended up with a full set. I would suggest taking your daughter to a pediatric dentist for x~rays. (Sorry, I don't know of one to recommend, but your pediatrician should be able to help you there). Good luck!

B.,

I work at the surgery center that specializes in pediatric dental. Most of the pediatric dentist that I talk to recommend they start seeing the dentist at 12 months even if it is to get the child used to going to the dentist. I know so many pediatric dentist that are great with the kids.
One a personal note i have a niece that she did not get any teeth till she was over 15 months. My sister was worried but the dentists and doctors said that everybody gets teeth in at their own rate.

I agree with Deb K, go in and have an x-ray done if you can but I can also say 2 of my children had no teeth until after 14 months, and no molars until after 2, and my oldest had only fangs until he was 13 months old. Have it checked out at least for your own peace of mind.

I would call the Ped dentist and ask them if it is a big concern for the 2 bottom teeth. Most doctors recommend to see the dentist by the age of 2. That way the child gets used to it, and if there is any cavities from the sugars of juices and milk aren't causing cavities.

At age 8 months, my son had more teeth than his 2 year old cousin. She only had two. I know SO many kids over 12 months who only have two teeth! And personally, I am slow when it comes to my teeth. I had only lost two teeth by the time I was 6, and they had to pull 6 more because they didn't show signs of loosening. When all my friends were having wisdom tooth pain in high school, I thought I was, too. Nope, they were my 12-year molars. At age 21, I had x-rays to determine what was going to happen with my wisdom teeth. The dentist said that I'd never get them, because they were just tiny buds still. 7 years later I had to get them out (I was a mom, for crying out loud!)
My point is that everyone is different, and it doesn't mean that anything is wrong. But trust your instincts.
Pediatric dentists are just like regular dentists; they just like kids more. Just like pediatricians are real doctors, they just see kids instead of adults.

I have had to take my kids to a Pediatric dentist. In our area, the best one is ABC Dentistry in Providence. There is one in Logan, by Walmart and we had, and are still having, a HORRIBLE experience with his staff and billing. Don't go there! I really like ABC. Give them a shot, it IS worth it.

Has she had xrays at the dentist yet? That can tell if there is a tooth under the surface and where it is at as far as coming up or not anytime soon. I started taking my kids to a pediatric dentist at 18 mos to get them to love it and they do. However a dentist and a pediatric dentist I think both would know the same information.
I know we just discovered that my daughter is missing a bottom eye tooth, meaning when she looses the one she has there isn't one to grow in. This turned out to be a blessing as her teeth are super close together and a tiny jawline so she is short on space anyway. She will need spacers and probably some type of braces as she has no gaps in between her teeth.
I think the bonus of pediatric dentist is they are so used to working with kids, have a more kid friendly environment. My KIDS LOVE THE DENTIST! So I think there is something very positive in starting them to go early on and a fun dentist they can love and trust into their teens.
FYI- Some pediatric dentists now suggest you not going back with your child. I know there is a lot of debate on this but I can tell you it is for the best after their first initial visit. Kids act differently when their parents are around. Our dentist takes both kids back at the same time, all the exam tables are close to each other and out in the open, so I can peek in the window, but they going back without me has proved they are a ton more cooperative and feel like big kids doing this. The one time I went with my son he wouldn't sit still for xrays, when I sat in the waiting area he was so good for the hygentists! My daughter has already had to have three cavaties between her teeth sealed and she did great without me back there. She would have been all drama had I been there.

Hi B.-

I am a hygienist, my husband is a dentist and we have our own dental practice. I wouldn't worry too much about the primary dentition. It doesn't indicate whether or not the permanent teeth are present or missing. A dentist/assistant/hygienist can take an x-ray if your daughter will hold still long enough, however there isn't anything they will do if the teeth are missing. Does your family have a history of congenitally missing teeth? Also, tooth eruption patterns can be different on every child.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have a 20 month old who has those first two teeth on the bottom and her molars. She's missing the others on the bottom. Our pediatrition told us not to worry, that she's just a late teether, and when she's two (if she hasn't gotten them still)then she'll look into it further. Being only 15 months, I wouldn't worry yet. She could just be a late teether too!

Pediatic dentists are the best. I highly suggest seeing one. I don't see why your dentist is worried about your 15 month old missing only two of her bottom teeth, because my 22 month old is still missing all of his eye teeth. The pediatric dentist told me not to worry, because all children have different timing with their teeth. It is also suggested to take your child to a dentist preferably a Pediatric dentest by six month after their first teeth poke through. If your in Utah, there is a great pediatric dentist in springville, in front of Walmart. I take my children there and the staff is so awesome with the children. I took my son when he was about 15 1/2 months old and they were so good with him. At first he wouldnt let the dentist put his hand in my sons mouth, but the way the dentist was with my son, the dentist was eventually able to put his hand in my sons mouth. That dentist was so helpful in answering my worst fear questions. I was so comforted to know my children were being well taken care of. I hope this advice helps. M.

I am a dental hygienist who works in a children's clinic. I would recommend getting a second opinion from a pediatric office. An xray can be taken if the dentist thinks that it is needed and since they specialize in children, they can help answer any of your questions.
I would much rather a parent bring in their child with a simple question rather than waiting until there is a severe problem. I hope you find a good office that you and your daughter like! :-)

Call Sweet Pea Dentistry... they're awesome!! ###-###-####

Our pediatrician told us our 1 year old should see a dentist. Our dentist said he didn't want to see him until he was 3 because kids are so difficult to work with. We waited until he was 3 only to discover he had a cavity. Our dentist STILL wouldn't deal with it. He sent us to a pediatric dentist who said he likes to see kids as soon as they get their teeth. We ended up going to Childrens Hospital for care. So, the moral of the story is don't wait. My experience is that ped. dentists are better than regular dentists.

Hi,
My son will be 16 months on Sunday and he only has his two bottom teeth.. I wouldn't worry

You're daughter should be old enough to go to the dentist. I would make an appointment right away. I had two baby teeth into adult hood because there were no permanent teeth underneath. That could be happening here. Good luck!!!

The rule of thumb is a first dental visit within 6 months of getting the first tooth. So a dental visit is totally appropriate at this age! Your general dentist must not be comfortable treating very young children and a pediatric dentist is more than appropriate.

What you can expect is an xray called an "occlusal" to see if the teeth are present. You most likely will hold your child in your lap and wear a lead apron as the dental assistant places a flat xray film (aka: "cracker") in your child's mouth. The child bites down usually without assistance and the xray is quickly taken. This is not uncomfortable for the child at all. In a few minutes you will know what is going on with those teeth.

A "knee-to-knee or lap exam" will also take place to see the condition of the existing teeth. To accomplish this you will hold your child facing you, her legs around you and have your knees touching the dentist's. The child is then laid down so her head is on the dentist's lap. This allows the child to feel most comfortable and let's the dentist get a good look. We don't get too excited if the child cries as this allows us to get a really good look at the teeth. If your child is fairly cooperative, we can do a "toothbrush" prophy and apply some fluoride at that time.

Early visits are so important as they are usually not traumatic for the child and sets the stage for fear free visits in the future. Let me know if I can answer any more questions for you. G. (graduating dental school in 5 weeks!)