Most parents are always scared when their baby is about to start growing teeth. It’s normal for new moms because they have not raised one before but old moms are already used to it. Below are 7 Facts parents should know about when their babies are growing their first teeth –...CONTINUE READING
1. Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, most newborns begin to develop teeth.
When a first tooth appears, there is a huge range of variability—some babies may not have any teeth before their first birthday! Around the age of three months, babies begin to explore the world with their mouths, producing more saliva and putting their hands in their mouths. Many parents wonder if this signifies their baby is teething, although a first tooth normally comes around the age of six months. The lower front teeth (the lower central incisors) are almost often the first to appear, and most children will have all of their milk teeth by the age of three.
2. Fluoride should be introduced to your child’s diet at the age of six months.
Fluoride is a mineral that hardens the enamel of teeth, which helps to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is frequently added to tap water, which is good news. When you start your infant on solid foods, give him or her a few ml of water in a sippy or straw cup (about 6 months of age). Consult your pediatrician to check if fluoride is present in your tap water or if your child requires fluoride supplements. The majority of bottled water does not include fluoride.
3. Soothing your baby’s teething pain can be as simple as massaging sore gums, providing something cold, or giving acetaminophen on a bad night.
Teething doesn’t usually cause much pain in children, but many parents can detect when their infant is teething. The gums around the tooth may be swollen and sore, and the infant may drool a lot more than usual, and the baby may display signs of distress in the area where the tooth is coming in.
Massage your baby’s gums with sterile fingers, offer solid, not liquid-filled teething toys, or a clean frozen or wet washcloth to assist relieve teething pain. If you give your infant a teething biscuit, keep an eye on him or her while he or she is eating it. Chunks can easily break off and cause choking. These biscuits are also low in nutrition, with the majority of them containing sugar and salt.
While a baby’s body temperature may rise somewhat when teething, a genuine fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 ° C) is not connected with teething and is instead an indication of a disease or infection that may require medical attention, according to a 2016 study in Pediatrics. If your infant appears to be in pain, consult your pediatrician about administering a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or, if your baby is older than 6 months, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin). Make sure you get the proper dose in milliliters (mL) based on your child’s age and weight from your pediatrician. Many youngsters, on the other hand, will have no issues when their teeth come in!
4. Teething tablets, benzocaine gels, homeopathic teething gels or tablets, or amber teething necklaces should not be used.
Teething medications containing the plant toxin belladonna, as well as benzocaine gels, should be avoided. Both belladonna and benzocaine are advertised as pain relievers for children, but the FDA has warned people about their potential negative effects. Amber teething necklaces are also not suggested. Necklaces worn around an infant’s neck might cause strangling or choking. There is also no evidence that the necklace is effective.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste twice per day to brush your child’s teeth.
You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day, especially after the final drink or meal of the day, with a spread of fluoride toothpaste the size of a rice grain. It’s important not to put your kid to bed with a bottle because this can cause teeth rot. Brushing your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is encouraged once he or she reaches the age of three. Teach your youngster to spit out leftover toothpaste when he or she is old enough. It’s preferable if you wait until your child is about 6 years old to put toothpaste on the toothbrush. Until their child is roughly 7 or 8 years old, parents should supervise and assist their child when cleaning his or her teeth. When your youngster can write his or her name correctly, he or she will be able to brush properly as well.
6. Inquire about your baby’s teeth and fluoride varnish with your pediatrician.
Your pediatrician will inspect your baby’s teeth and gums during routine well-child visits to confirm they are healthy and will discuss how to maintain them that way. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children have fluoride varnish once they acquire teeth.
Ask your pediatrician if fluoride varnish can be applied to your baby’s teeth if your youngster doesn’t have a dentist. The varnish can be administered in the dental office once your child has a dentist. Fluoride varnish should be applied to your child’s teeth as soon as possible to help prevent tooth decay.
7. When the first tooth shows, schedule your first dental visit.
Make your baby’s first dental appointment as soon as the first tooth emerges, preferably before his or her first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both urge that all children see a pediatric dentist by the age of one and establish a “dental home.”
A pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth to ensure that they are developing appropriately and that there are no dental issues. He or she will also provide you with additional hygienic tips. Find a general dentist who’s really comfortable seeing small kids if your community does not have a pediatric dentist.
Thanks for reading; Like share and comment your opinions in the comments section below.
