The Link Between Late Teething and Intelligence: What Research Says

The Link Between Late Teething and Intelligence: What Research Says

It’s a common belief that babies who are late in teething may be less intelligent than those who teethe earlier. However, is there any scientific evidence to back up this claim? This blog article aims to explore the research conducted regarding the link between late teething and intelligence and separate fact from fiction.

What is Tooth Eruption?

Teething is the process of tooth eruption. It usually begins when babies are around 6 months old, and it varies in duration and intensity for each child. Tooth eruption continues until the last permanent teeth, known as wisdom teeth, erupt in the late teens or early twenties.

The Link Between Teething and Intelligence

The idea that delayed teething is linked to intelligence dates back to the 1920s. The theory suggests that babies who teethe later may have slower brain development or lower IQ scores. However, there is little to no scientific evidence to support this claim.

In fact, a study conducted in 2006 by the University of Bristol found that there was no significant correlation between the timing of first tooth eruption and a child’s intelligence quotient (IQ). The study followed more than 1,000 children from birth to their eighth birthday, measuring their intelligence with a standard IQ test and recording the timing of their first tooth eruption.

Factors That Affect Teething

There are several factors that influence the timing of teething, such as genetics, gender, nutrition, and overall development. For example, premature babies tend to teethe later than full-term babies because they generally have a slower overall development.

Another study conducted in 2010 by the University of Adelaide found that teething is related to a child’s physical and cognitive development. The study found that babies who started teething earlier had a higher level of physical development than those who teethe later. However, there was no significant difference in cognitive development between the two groups.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that late teething is linked to lower intelligence. Teething is a complex process that is influenced by various factors, and it differs for each child. While the timing of teething may affect a child’s physical development, there is no evidence that it impacts their cognitive development or IQ scores.

As parents, we should focus on providing our children with nutritious food, adequate sleep, and a stimulating environment to encourage their cognitive and physical development. Delayed teething is not a cause for concern, and parents should not worry too much about it. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult with your pediatrician.

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