What Do We Mean by Delayed Eruption of Adult Teeth?
Why Are My Child’s Adult Teeth Not Growing In?
Kids grow at their own pace, and teeth are no different. Some teeth push through right on schedule, while others take their time. When kids’ dentists in Brisbane talk about “delayed eruption,” they simply mean an adult tooth is taking longer than expected to appear. Dr Ellie Nadian says, “Most of the time, it’s a timing issue, not an instant warning sign”. Plenty of healthy children get their adult teeth a bit earlier or a bit later than the charts suggest. A tooth running behind doesn’t automatically point to a problem. It just means it’s worth paying attention so you can decide whether it needs a dental check or a bit more time.
When Do Adult Teeth Usually Come Through?
Kids don’t follow a strict timetable when their adult teeth come in. Some are early, some take their time, and most sit somewhere in the middle. Still, there are general age ranges that help parents understand what’s typical:
Front Teeth (Incisors)
According to our Brisbane Paediatric Dentist, these are usually the first adult teeth to show.
• Often appear around 6–7 years.
• Bottom ones usually arrive before the top.
• Often appear around 6–7 years.
• Bottom ones usually arrive before the top.
Canines
These sharper, pointy teeth sit beside the front ones.
• Commonly erupt between 9–12 years.
• Commonly erupt between 9–12 years.
Brisbane Dentists explain that canines tend to be slower and a bit dramatic about it, which leaves some kids staring at the same gap for months and wondering when the tooth will finally show.
Premolars
Premolars replace the baby molars.
• Usually erupt between 9–12 years, often alongside the canines.
• Usually erupt between 9–12 years, often alongside the canines.
Molars
These don’t replace baby teeth; they come in behind them.
• “6-year molars” appear around six.
• “12-year molars” come in around twelve.
Parents sometimes miss these because no baby tooth falls out to announce their arrival.
• “6-year molars” appear around six.
• “12-year molars” come in around twelve.
Parents sometimes miss these because no baby tooth falls out to announce their arrival.
Even with these ranges, kids rarely line up perfectly with the chart.
• Some lose teeth early simply because they can’t stop wiggling them.
• Others hang onto baby teeth for longer, and that can still be completely fine.
• Some lose teeth early simply because they can’t stop wiggling them.
• Others hang onto baby teeth for longer, and that can still be completely fine.
Dentists look at patterns, not birthdays. If a child’s teeth are arriving in a logical order — just a bit quicker or slower — it’s usually nothing more than normal variation. Dr Roya, a dentist in South Perth, explains, when one side erupts, and the matching tooth stays missing for months, that’s when we may want to take a closer look.
When Is a Tooth Considered “Late”?
Parents often wonder when a missing tooth crosses the line from “just a bit slow” to “worth checking.” Dentists look at timing, but we also look at patterns, symmetry, and whether that particular tooth seems to be following its usual path.
What “Late” Usually Means
A tooth is considered delayed when it’s coming through much later than the age range we’d normally expect. The comparison isn’t done with a stopwatch; it’s based on well-studied eruption charts that show when most kids get that tooth.
When One Side Erupts But the Other Doesn’t
If a front tooth appears and the matching tooth on the opposite side is still missing months later, that usually prompts a closer look. Teeth on the left and right don’t have to erupt on the same day, but they’re meant to be in the same neighbourhood timing-wise.
When a Child Seems Far Behind Their Peers
Some kids in a class might have a mouth full of adult teeth, while another child still has mostly baby ones. That can still fall within normal limits, but if the gap is big, it’s reasonable for a dentist to check whether everything is developing as it should.
What This Means for Parents
A delayed tooth doesn’t automatically point to a problem. Most of the time, it simply needs a proper look so you know whether it’s just running late or if something is blocking it. Parents don’t need to jump to the worst-case scenario — a professional assessment usually gives clear answers.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care
Most delayed teeth aren’t emergencies, but there are a few situations where you should contact an Emergency Dentist Brisbane. These signs usually mean something more is going on under the gum, and your child needs to be checked sooner rather than later:
Sudden pain, swelling, or pus: If a tooth that hasn’t erupted yet starts causing sharp pain, visible swelling, or any kind of discharge, that’s a clear warning sign. It might be an infection building under the gum, and waiting it out can make things worse.
Fever with mouth or jaw swelling: A fever combined with swelling around the jaw or face can point to a spreading infection. That’s not something to monitor at home. A dentist or an urgent care service needs to see the child promptly.
Trouble opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing: These symptoms are rare, but they’re serious. If a child is struggling to open their mouth properly, swallow food, or breathe comfortably, skip the clinic queue and seek urgent medical attention.
Injury to the mouth or teeth: After a fall or hit to the face, a tooth may be pushed further into the gum or knocked out of position. Even if the child seems fine, it’s safer to get it checked. Trauma can affect the developing adult tooth hiding underneath.
Common Causes of Delayed Eruption of Adult Teeth Inside the Mouth (Local Factors)
Delayed eruption may be a result of what’s happening inside your child’ mouth. These are the issues that dentists see most often during childhood and the early teenage years.
Baby Tooth Hanging on Too Long
Sometimes a baby tooth simply refuses to let go. It doesn’t loosen, or it loosens only a little and then stalls. When that happens, the adult tooth underneath can’t move into its spot. If the baby tooth has clearly overstayed its welcome and the adult tooth is ready, a dentist may suggest removing the baby tooth to give the permanent one a clear path.
Not Enough Space in the Jaw
Some kids have a smaller jaw or naturally larger teeth, and the combination leaves very little room for incoming adult teeth. When the space is tight, a tooth might have trouble breaking through. This is one reason dentists keep an eye on spacing early on — it helps predict whether braces or other orthodontic help may be needed later.
Adult Tooth Growing in the Wrong Position
A tooth can develop at an awkward angle or location, which makes the eruption process much harder.
You might see this with:
• Canines that sit high in the gum or drift toward the palate
• A first adult molar pushing against the baby molar instead of erupting behind it
X-rays are essential here because they show exactly where the tooth is and how it’s positioned.
You might see this with:
• Canines that sit high in the gum or drift toward the palate
• A first adult molar pushing against the baby molar instead of erupting behind it
X-rays are essential here because they show exactly where the tooth is and how it’s positioned.
Extra Teeth Blocking the Way
Some children grow one or more extra teeth. They’re called supernumerary teeth, and they often appear in the upper front area. Even a tiny extra tooth can block an adult front tooth from erupting. Dentists usually monitor the situation, and if the extra tooth is causing a delay, removing it often allows the adult tooth to come through — sometimes on its own, sometimes with a bit of help.
Tooth Stuck to the Bone (Ankylosis)
In some cases, a baby tooth becomes fused to the bone around it. It won’t loosen, no matter how long you wait, because it’s literally stuck.
This can:
• Hold a baby tooth in place far longer than it should
• Stop the adult tooth beneath it from erupting normally
Dentists usually pick this up during check-ups or X-rays.
This can:
• Hold a baby tooth in place far longer than it should
• Stop the adult tooth beneath it from erupting normally
Dentists usually pick this up during check-ups or X-rays.
Thick Gum or Bone Over the Tooth
Occasionally, the gum or bone sitting above an adult tooth is thicker or denser than usual.
The tooth might be perfectly healthy underneath — it just doesn’t have the force to push through on its own. Paediatric dentists may recommend a small, straightforward procedure to uncover the tooth.
The tooth might be perfectly healthy underneath — it just doesn’t have the force to push through on its own. Paediatric dentists may recommend a small, straightforward procedure to uncover the tooth.
Cysts or Growths Around the Tooth
Children can develop eruption cysts, which look like bluish bubbles over a tooth that’s trying to come in. Many resolve on their own, but some slow things down. Other cysts or growths are less common but can also block or delay eruption. These cases usually need a proper assessment and sometimes specialist care.
Earlier Injury or Infection
A hit to the mouth — a fall, a sports injury, a playground incident — may affect the developing adult tooth underneath the baby tooth. A severe infection in a baby tooth can have the same effect, especially if it impacts the bone around the permanent tooth. Dentists often keep a close eye on teeth that were injured when a child was younger, because problems sometimes show up years after the accident.
Whole-Body Medical Conditions That May Delay Adult Teeth
While most delays are usually caused by something happening inside the child’s mouth, sometimes the bigger picture matters too. Your child’s general health, hormones, and growth patterns can influence how quickly their adult teeth develop and erupt. These factors aren’t common, but they’re important to consider:
Hormone Problems
Hormones play a huge role in how a child grows — not just in height and weight, but in bone development and tooth timing as well. When the thyroid is underactive, or when the body doesn’t produce enough growth hormone, everything tends to slow down a little. Teeth often follow that same pace. Parents usually notice other signs long before the teeth become a concern, but delayed eruption can be one of the clues that something hormonal is going on.
Long-Term Health Issues and Poor Nutrition
Children who’ve had ongoing health challenges or difficulty gaining weight sometimes show delays in several areas, including tooth development. The body tends to prioritise essential organs first — the heart, lungs, brain — and teeth sit lower on the list. A long-standing lack of nutrients, especially vitamin D or calcium, can also affect the way the teeth and jawbones form. It doesn’t stop development completely, but it can slow the pace.
Conditions a Child Is Born With
According to special needs dentists in Brisbane, some genetic or developmental conditions naturally change the way teeth grow. You’ll see this with conditions such as Down syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, and ectodermal dysplasia. These children might:
• Get their adult teeth much later than expected
• Have extra teeth or missing teeth
• Need more frequent check-ins with a Brisbane paediatric dentist for special needs
• Get their adult teeth much later than expected
• Have extra teeth or missing teeth
• Need more frequent check-ins with a Brisbane paediatric dentist for special needs
For more information about dental care for children with special needs, you can visit: dr-ellie-nadian.com.au.
Rare Problems with the Eruption Process Itself
Most delayed teeth have a clear cause, but there are a few uncommon conditions where the eruption process itself doesn’t work as it should.
Primary Failure of Eruption (PFE)
PFE is unusual because the tooth has space, no blockage, and healthy gums — yet it still doesn’t erupt.
It often affects the back teeth. Even if you remove baby teeth or try to make room, the adult tooth still won’t move because the eruption mechanism isn’t working.
These cases are handled by specialist teams who plan long-term management.
It often affects the back teeth. Even if you remove baby teeth or try to make room, the adult tooth still won’t move because the eruption mechanism isn’t working.
These cases are handled by specialist teams who plan long-term management.
Other Rare Tooth-Development Problems
Some teeth form with a weaker or underdeveloped structure, which can stop them from erupting properly.
A rare example is odontodysplasia, where the tooth looks pale or “ghost-like” on an X-ray and may only erupt partway.
These situations also need specialist care, but they’re not common.
A rare example is odontodysplasia, where the tooth looks pale or “ghost-like” on an X-ray and may only erupt partway.
These situations also need specialist care, but they’re not common.
How Dentists Check Delayed Eruption
When a tooth is taking longer than expected, dentists step back and look at the whole picture rather than guessing. The appointment is usually calm and straightforward, and parents often find it reassuring to know what we’re actually checking for.
Talking Through the Child’s History
We start by asking about the child’s general health, past injuries, medications, or anything unusual that’s happened with the baby teeth. Even small details — like a fall years ago or a baby tooth that never loosened properly — can give useful clues.
Examining the Teeth and Gums
Next comes a close look inside the mouth. We check spacing, how the bite is developing, whether a baby tooth is still blocking the way, and whether the gums look normal over the spot where the adult tooth should be coming through.
Using X-rays to See What’s Happening Under the Gum
X-rays are the most important part of assessing delayed eruption. They tell us:
• Whether the adult tooth is actually there
• Where it’s sitting
• If something is stopping it from erupting — like a baby tooth, an extra tooth, or an odd angle
X-rays turn a guessing game into a clear plan, which helps us decide whether to watch, intervene, or refer the child to a specialist.
• Whether the adult tooth is actually there
• Where it’s sitting
• If something is stopping it from erupting — like a baby tooth, an extra tooth, or an odd angle
X-rays turn a guessing game into a clear plan, which helps us decide whether to watch, intervene, or refer the child to a specialist.
How Delayed Eruption Is Treated
Treatment depends entirely on why the tooth is running late. Once the cause is clear, the plan is usually straightforward and tailored to the child rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Watching and Reviewing
Sometimes the timing is only slightly outside the usual range, and everything underneath looks healthy.
In those cases, the safest and most sensible option is to review the child every few months to make sure the tooth is still moving in the right direction.
In those cases, the safest and most sensible option is to review the child every few months to make sure the tooth is still moving in the right direction.
Helping the Tooth Erupt
If something is physically blocking the tooth, we deal with that first.
• A baby tooth may need to be removed if it’s holding on too long
• An extra tooth might be taken out if it’s sitting in the way
• In some situations, a small procedure to uncover the adult tooth helps it break through the gum properly
These steps give the permanent tooth a clear path to follow.
• A baby tooth may need to be removed if it’s holding on too long
• An extra tooth might be taken out if it’s sitting in the way
• In some situations, a small procedure to uncover the adult tooth helps it break through the gum properly
These steps give the permanent tooth a clear path to follow.
Orthodontic Treatment
Crowding or unusual tooth positions often need orthodontic help.
Braces or other appliances can create space or gently guide a stuck tooth into its proper place. This isn’t rushed — orthodontists plan these movements carefully to avoid damaging developing teeth.
Braces or other appliances can create space or gently guide a stuck tooth into its proper place. This isn’t rushed — orthodontists plan these movements carefully to avoid damaging developing teeth.
Treating the Underlying Health Condition
If delayed eruption is linked to a broader health issue — such as hormone problems or long-term nutritional concerns — the focus shifts to treating that condition.
As overall health improves, tooth development usually becomes more predictable.
As overall health improves, tooth development usually becomes more predictable.
Planning for Missing Teeth
Occasionally, the adult tooth never formed at all. When this happens, dentists look at how healthy the baby tooth is and whether it can stay in place for a while.
Long-term options might include closing the space with orthodontics or planning future restorative treatment when the child is older.
Long-term options might include closing the space with orthodontics or planning future restorative treatment when the child is older.
Key Points for Parents
Most delayed teeth aren’t a sign of a serious problem. Some children simply get their adult teeth earlier or later than others. What matters is whether the teeth are following a sensible pattern and whether anything is blocking them. If a tooth is much later than its match on the other side, or your child has pain, swelling, or a long-standing gap, it’s a good idea to have a dentist check things. Regular dental visits during childhood make it easier to spot issues early and sort them out before they become harder to manage.
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised dental or medical advice. Every child’s situation is different. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, please speak with a dentist or healthcare professional who can assess them in person.