ABSTRACT The eruption of a permanent tooth is an important indicator of dental maturity and overall systemic health during childhood. However, eruption patterns vary considerably across populations, primarily owing to the combined influence of genetic, environmental, nutritional, and sociodemographic factors. Traditional eruption charts, which are predominantly based on Western populations, may therefore not accurately represent Indian children, highlighting the requirement for population-specific reference standards. This review underscores the current evidence on the timing and sequence of permanent tooth eruption, particularly focusing on the variations linked to chronological age, stages of dental development, and body mass index (BMI) in the paediatric population. Recent studies from both global and Indian contexts reveal notable departures from conventional eruption patterns, suggesting that nutritional status significantly affects not only when teeth erupt but also the order in which they do. Children who are underweight or overweight often exhibit either delayed or accelerated dental maturation when compared to peers of similar age, positioning BMI as an important modifier of eruption chronology. Socioeconomic conditions, dietary habits, and regional environmental factors add further complexity to this developmental process. By examining these interrelated influences, the review highlights the need for updated, regionally relevant eruption charts that incorporate anthropometric and environmental variables. Such an integrative framework can improve diagnostic precision, guide orthodontic interventions, and enhance the reliability of age estimation practices. Ultimately, recognizing the diverse biological and social determinants underlying tooth eruption provides a more comprehensive understanding of child growth and development.
Pandey et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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