Every pēpi (baby) is unique – and that’s especially true when it comes to their first teeth. For parents of premature infants, questions about preemie teeth are common: Why are the first teeth late? Should I be worried? This guide explains what preemie teeth are, how their growth may differ, and how whānau can support healthy dental development here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What Are “Preemie Teeth”?
The term “preemie teeth” usually refers to the baby teeth of infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation). These are not a distinct type of tooth, but rather baby (primary) teeth that appear on a slightly different timeline than those of full-term babies. Most pēpi (including preemies) eventually develop the full set of 20 primary teeth, which are crucial for chewing, speech development, and guiding the placement of adult teeth later on.
How Prematurity Affects Tooth Eruption
Tooth development begins in the womb, but the process continues after birth. Research has shown that children born prematurely often experience a delay in the eruption of their first baby tooth compared with full-term infants when measured by chronological age.
This doesn’t mean there’s a problem with dental development overall. In fact, when the corrected age (which accounts for how early a baby was born) is used, differences in timing are much smaller. Essentially, preemie teeth may simply come through later relative to their actual age, but generally fall into place as the child grows.
In some cases, research has also shown that very low birth weight or medical challenges during early life may contribute to delayed eruption of multiple primary teeth. While this can be surprising for parents, it’s often a part of your baby’s individual developmental timeline.
Are Preemie Teeth Different?
Several dental-related effects associated with prematurity have been noted:
- Delayed eruptionof baby teeth is common and usually harmless.
- Teeth may erupt a little later than expected compared with full-term peers, especially if the baby was very small at birth.
- Rarely, enamel defects (such as thinner or chalky enamel) may occur, making early dental care and monitoring especially important.
It’s worth noting that some full-term babies also get their teeth early or late, and a wide range of “normal” timelines exists. What’s most important is healthy development rather than strict age milestones.
Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Dental Health
Good oral care begins before the first tooth appears. Here are supportive, Kiwi-friendly tips:
- Before teeth erupt, gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds.
- As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a daywith a small, soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid putting your pēpi to sleep with bottles of milk or sweet drinks, which can increase the risk of decay.
- Make sure your child is enrolled with the Community Oral Health Service — dental care is free for tamariki up to age 18in New Zealand.
- Schedule regular dental checks from around the first tooth or by 12 months of age, even if teething seems late.
When to Seek Advice
Delayed teething alone isn’t usually a concern. However, consulting a dental professional or your baby’s GP is wise if:
- No teeth have appeared by 18 months.
- Teeth look unusually weak, discoloured, or malformed.
- There are signs of pain or difficulty feeding beyond what’s typical for teething.
Preemie teeth often simply follow their own pace. With gentle support and regular check-ups, your child’s smile will have a healthy head start , whether their first tooth arrives early or a little late.
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