A healthy 14-month-old toddler has not erupted any teeth yet. Her growth parameters and development are otherwise normal. This presentation is best described as:

• A Normal, since the upper limit for the first tooth is 18 months
• B Normal, since teeth are not expected before 18 months
• C Delayed dentition, since the first tooth must erupt by 12 months
• D Delayed dentition, since no tooth by 13 months exceeds the normal limit ✓

Explanation

The first tooth, usually a lower central incisor, erupts at 6 to 7 months, and absence of any tooth by 13 months of age is defined as delayed dentition in standard Indian pediatric teaching. Option C sets the cutoff too early, and options A and B state incorrect upper limits. Isolated delayed dentition in an otherwise normal child often reflects familial late eruption, but hypothyroidism and hypopituitarism should be excluded when other signs coexist.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.