Tooth eruption is a far from simple process, with the timing of such varying immensely between infants. There are multiple factors seemingly involved in this difference including genetics, prematurity, nutrition, and more.
A recent study led by Ying Meng at the University of Rochester analysed 142 pairs of mothers and their infants, specifically from socio-economically challenged backgrounds, and found that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol during late pregnancy proved high correlation with an early eruption of the primary (milk) teeth in their infant.
The study indicated that children of mothers who experienced higher levels of cortisol averaged four more erupted teeth at six months old opposed to infants of mothers with lower cortisol levels. Notably, certain other hormones including oestradiol, progesterone, the thyroid-hormone T3, and testosterone showed weaker associations with tooth eruption timelines, making the cortisol-level association even more intriguing.
Does this matter?
The emergence of baby teeth is more than a mere milestone, but an indicator of developmental processes. The biology of tooth growth begins forming in utero, around the sixth gestational week, and they usually erupt between the ages of six months and three years – with timing varying considerably with each infant. Hence, researchers propose that prenatal stress may not only affect teeth eruption timing, but also indicate accelerated biological aging.
The study explores the influence of cortisol specifically, in that elevated late-pregnancy levels could have the ability to impact both foetal bone and tooth development by shifting mineral metabolism – namely calcium and vitamin D.
Implications and next steps
Early tooth eruption is not necessarily cause for concern, but it could signal a wider spectrum of developmental and health-related issues that are established in the prenatal environment. The researchers do add that more diverse cohorts with repeated biomarker assessments are required to confirm the observed connections – particularly in determining what early teething means for longitudinal oral and general health.
For expectant mothers, their support systems, and healthcare providers alike, the findings in this study emphasise the sheer importance of supporting and maintaining maternal wellbeing. This extends beyond reasons associated with solely mental health, but for the prevention of potentially detrimental outcomes down the line.
Stress is, of course, an unavoidable and inevitable part of life, especially with the anxieties associated with becoming a parent. However, mitigating excessive amounts of stress – particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy – potentially has the ability to afford healthier development for the child.
> Since you’re here, why not read about Ultra-processed foods: a global health threat?
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