Teething

Teething is one of the many developmental milestones a child goes through in life. This can often be an uncomfortable time for babies. A baby’s first teeth start to appear at 4 to 10 months. There are several signs which can help you know when your baby is teething.

Some signs include:

• Red and swollen gums

• Heaving drooling

• Irritability

• Flushed cheeks

Teething can be quite painful for your baby as their teeth are pushing through their gums. To help alleviate some of your baby’s discomfort try gently rubbing your baby’s gums with clean hands or giving them a cooled (but not frozen) teething ring. For older children, give them softer foods to ensure they don’t have to chew so much.

As your baby’s first teeth appear, it is important to immediately start caring for them. This can be done by gently wiping the gums and teeth using circular motions with a damp face cloth or gauze a few times a day. When more teeth start arriving, try transitioning to using a soft toothbrush and water. At around 18 months, toothpaste may be introduced, using a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste when brushing.

It is recommended that you book your baby in for their first dental appointment when their first tooth appears or at around 12 months of age, depending on which occurs first. The dentist will provide you with advice about teething and oral care tips to prevent tooth decay as well as the best nutrition and ways to prevent habits such as thumb sucking.

The first steps to your baby’s oral health care starts with the parents. For more information about teething or children’s dental care, be sure to book in to see one of our dentists today!