Q&A: Is it normal to still be waiting on a 14-month-old's first tooth?

It's great that your child's development is progressing normally, and I'm happy to say that I'm not aware of late teething being a significant problem in otherwise normally developing children. That said, my advice to you is to schedule your toddler's first dental visit—not because his lack of teeth is particularly concerning, but rather because the current recommendation is that all children have their first dental visit by 1 year of age—even in the absence of teeth!

While I assume your question is based on the fact that the average first teeth usually erupt some time between 6 and 10 months (central incisors) followed shortly thereafter by the lateral incisors, children who are late teethers (no teeth by 13 months of age) are not often cause for concern. While poor nutrition, thyroid problems, and other uncommon medical causes can result in late teething, a dental checkup can help put these concerns to rest.

In the meantime, it's worth noting that the tendency towards late teething is thought to be hereditary, and gender differences can also play a role when it comes to the timing of teething, as boys tend to get their first teeth a little later than girls. Last but not least—know that you are not the first parent to have a baby who drools, chews, and gums, only to find yourself waiting in eager anticipation for weeks and even months before a first tooth actually shows up.