Is Early Teething a Sign of Autism?

When you notice your baby experiencing early teething, you might feel concerned about autism. However, most babies who go through early teething do not have autism.

Recent studies have utilized baby teeth to search for clues related to autism. Researchers discovered that children with autism frequently have higher levels of lead in their baby teeth, while also showing lower levels of manganese and zinc. These findings assist experts in understanding early growth.

Key Takeaways

• Early teething does not mean your child has autism. Most babies with early teeth grow up normally.
• Watch for other signs of autism, like lack of eye contact or trouble communicating. These signs are more important than early teething.
• If you notice delays in your child’s development, talk to your doctor. Early action can help your child get the support they need.
• Keep track of your child’s milestones. Writing them down can help you see patterns and share with your doctor.
• Use available resources, like checklists and expert webinars, to learn more about autism and how to support your child.

Early Teething and Autism

Research Overview

You may ask if early teething means autism. Most experts say it does not. Babies can get teeth early or late. This is usually because of family traits or normal growth. Doctors do not use early teething to diagnose autism.

Early teething by itself does not mean autism. Most kids with early teeth grow up like other kids.

Genetic Syndromes

Some rare genetic syndromes link early teething and autism. ADNP syndrome is one example. Kids with ADNP syndrome often get teeth early and show signs of autism.

Studies found that 81% of these kids get baby teeth early. Doctors sometimes look for this pattern to find ADNP mutations.

• Early baby teeth can help doctors find ADNP mutations.
• Many kids with ADNP mutations also have autism.
• This shows a possible link between early teething and autism in some genetic syndromes.

These genetic syndromes are very rare. Most kids with early teeth do not have ADNP syndrome or autism. If your child gets teeth early, you do not need to worry unless you see other things that concern you.

Baby Teeth in Autism Research

Zinc and Copper Metabolism

Researchers use baby teeth to learn about autism risk. Baby teeth show what your child was exposed to before birth and as a baby.

Scientists collect teeth from kids with older siblings who have autism. These kids are more likely to get autism, so their teeth help find early risk signs.

• Scientists use special tools to check nutrients and chemicals in teeth.
• They look at teeth from kids with autism and kids without autism.
• They study zinc and copper, which help the brain grow.

Studies show zinc and copper act differently in kids with autism. How these nutrients move in the body can help predict autism risk.

In Sweden, a big study used teeth to make a model to tell which kids might get autism. The model was also tested in the US and UK, and results matched. Changes in zinc and copper may be early signs of autism, even before other symptoms show.

Research shows zinc and copper levels in teeth are not the same in kids with autism and kids without autism. These differences help doctors learn what happens before autism starts.

Chemical Signatures

Scientists search for chemical signatures in baby teeth. These signatures show what chemicals your child got before birth and as a baby.

Studies found more phthalates and pesticides in teeth of kids with autism. These chemicals can harm the brain or mess with hormones.

Researchers at Mount Sinai found kids with autism have special patterns of elements in their teeth. These patterns mean both good and bad elements might affect autism.

By looking at these chemical signatures, scientists hope to learn what exposures raise autism risk. Early teething does not cause these changes, but baby teeth help researchers study autism.

Guidance for Parents

When to Be Concerned

You might wonder what to look for if your child gets teeth early. Most of the time, early teething does not mean your child has autism.

You should watch for other signs that may need more attention. These signs often show up in how your child talks, acts, and responds to people.

It is important to notice big milestones. Missing these can be an early sign of autism.

Other Signs of Autism

You may see other things that worry you. Kids with autism often have delays in talking, moving, or making friends. Studies show parents who notice these delays are more likely to get an autism diagnosis.

This is most common at 9 and 12 months old. Trust yourself if your child seems different or misses milestones. Finding problems early can help your child later.

Next Steps

If you see more signs than just early teething, you can do a few things:

• Watch your child’s growth and changes.
• Talk to your doctor if you worry about milestones.
• Get help early if your child does not gesture or talk.
• Trust what you see and ask for a checkup if needed.

Use helpful resources:

• • Diagnostic Checklist
  • Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)
  • Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behaviors & Sleep Issues Tools
  • Expert Webinars
  • Newly Diagnosed Resources

Doctors check for autism at regular visits. The American Academy of Pediatrics says to screen at certain ages.

If you are still worried, try these steps:

1. If your child is under 3, contact your state’s Early Intervention program. If your child is 3 or older, ask your local school for an evaluation.
2. Ask your doctor about speech or occupational therapy.
3. Make sure your child has had their hearing checked.
4. Play and talk with your child every day.
5. Learn more about autism and child growth from trusted places.

Acting early can help your child get the right support. You are important in seeing changes and getting help.

You should know that early teething alone does not signal autism. Most children with autism do not show this trait. You can look for patterns in your child’s behavior and note how often and how strongly these behaviors appear.

• Watch for consistent signs, not just one event.
• Consider how your child acts in different places.
• Schedule dental visits early and keep regular check-ups.
• Trust your instincts and share concerns with your pediatrician.
• Monitor your child’s development and ask for autism screening if you notice delays.

Dr. Peterson says that staying calm and seeking support helps you accept your child’s unique traits. Early reassurance and action can reduce anxiety and build a strong partnership with your care team.

If you remain concerned, keep tracking your child’s progress and speak up at well-child visits. Your attention and action help your child get the support they need.

FAQ

What does early teething mean for your child’s health?

Early teething means your child’s teeth come in before others. This is usually normal. You do not need to worry unless you see other health or growth problems.

What should you watch for besides early teething?

Look for delays in talking, playing, or making eye contact. These signs can help you notice autism or other growth issues early.

Write down your child’s milestones in a journal. This helps you see patterns and share them with your doctor.

What can you do if you feel concerned about autism?

You can talk to your child’s doctor. Ask for a check on your child’s growth. Acting early helps your child get help if needed.

What role do baby teeth play in autism research?

Scientists use baby teeth to study chemicals and nutrients. These clues help experts learn about autism risk and early growth.

What resources can help you learn more about autism?