If you are a parent of a newborn, we are sure you must be excited about all the developments your baby will be facing in the future.
One of the most exciting times is when their first set of teeth starts showing. This mini milestone can sometimes happen all at once and if you are not prepared, it may catch you by surprise.
Here are some important things to note before your baby starts teething:
Why Baby Teeth Matter
While this is a relatively short temporary phase, baby teeth are an important chapter in your child’s developmental stage. Your child’s first baby teeth will be the first instruments to help them chew and smile.
Not taking proper care of baby teeth can result in prematurely lost baby teeth, which can lead to their permanent teeth sprouting in crooked or crowded.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
The first baby teeth will start coming in anywhere between 6 months – 1 year.
Typically, the first two teeth that sprout are the two bottom front teeth, also called the central incisors. The next ones to erupt are the four front upper teeth, also called central and lateral incisors. The cuspids come next and the last ones are the molars.
Your baby will feel some discomfort when this happens and will need extra care from you. Because the gums are sore, your baby might get irritated and they may even experience slight fever. To help ease the pain, gently massage your baby’s gums or give them a cooled teething ring to chew on.
How to Care for Your Child’s Developing Teeth
During the first stages of development, there are essential care tips you should do to make this transition easier and more comfortable for your child.
Here are some effective care tips to follow:
- When the first few teeth appear, it is ideal to clean the newly erupted incisors with a wet gauze pad or washcloth first. It is important to do regular cleaning, as decay can start if teeth are not properly wiped.
- When your baby becomes a toddler, you can start brushing their teeth with grain-sized fluoride toothpaste and a soft kids’ toothbrush. This is also the perfect time to start teaching them how to brush. Although they might still be a little awkward with doing the brushing movements, they will gradually get it with constant coaching.
- Children aged 3 to 6 years can already advance to using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing. During this stage, dentists advice to brush during morning and night. Make sure you are always watching nearby to prevent any mishaps and accidents.
- Children also have a tendency to play and eat toothpaste because they love the flavoured taste. To avoid too much fluoride ingestion, limit their toothpaste usage and keep the tube in a safe place that they can’t reach.
- As soon as the first few teeth come out, you can already take your baby for a check up at the dentist office. This will help them become more familiarized with the new environment. Additionally, your dentist will also give you a proper talk on all the essentials of baby teeth care that you need.
