Tooth eruption is a phase of development in which teeth erupts through jaw in oral cavity. Various phases of tooth eruption are: Pre-eruptive phase, Eruptive phase and Post eruptive phase.

Delayed dentition is defined as when concurrent tooth in the adjacent quadrant has erupted or when there is a delay of over 6 months after the defined normal eruption time visit www.cuddleschildclinic.com

Causes can be

1) Local condition:- a) trauma surgery like of mucosal injury

b) oral cavity tumours

c) radiation damage

d) oral clefts

2) Systemic condition:-

a) prematurity- itself causes delayed growth and development which can affect dentition too.

b) malnutrition- it affects skeletal growth causing tooth eruption problem due to poor nutrition.

c) vitamin D resistant rickets- hypo-phosphatemic rickets also causing delayed dentition beyond first year of life.

d) endocrine disorders:- disturbances of endocrine glands have profound effect on body like in

case of hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, pseudohypoparathyroidism

e) HIV infection- delayed dentition is related to HIV infection also

f) cerebral palsy- it is a motor disorder due to abnormality of immature brain and is related to

delayed dentition

g) Celiac disease- gluten intolerance

h) Icthyosis- it is a hereditary disorder characterized by accumulation of hyperkeratotic scales on

skin surface.

3) Genetic conditions:- like Down syndrome, Hurler syndrome, Osteopatrosis etc.

Reassurance is the first step in delayed dentition as most of the cases of apparent delay are within the normal range.

Evaluation:-

a) Proper history and examination- which includes oral cavity examination, teeth examination and systemic examination.

Investigations:

a) Blood investigations to rule out any underlying infection

b) Vitamin D levels

c) Calcium and phosphorous level

d) Hormonal analysis to check any developmental delay

Treatment:- treat the underlying cause of poor dentition.