Is your baby teething yet?
The sight of that first white pearl in the gum is an exciting event.
Whenever you see it, the first tooth is a cause for celebration. It's a sign that your baby is growing up.
Article originally in Parent24
A baby’s first tooth can arrive as early as three months, but the average age is seven months. Teeth do not really “cut” through the gum as people say, so there should not be any blood or great pain. Teething does not cause illness in itself but can cause a few symptoms that eventually reveal themselves in that tiny pinpoint of white in the gum.
Signs of teething
Teething soothing tips
- Cough – due to increased saliva
- Chin or face rash
- Pain and discomfort
- Refusal to feed
- Struggling to sleep
- Ear pulling
Caring for your baby's teeth
- Let your baby bite on a cold, rubber teething ring. Rubber is easy to clean, can’t be swallowed and doesn't hurt the gums.
- Make sure your baby is drinking lots of fluids since he may become dehydrated during teething time.
- Oral teething gel can help ease teething discomfort.
- But remember to check with your paediatrician before giving your baby any medication.
- Dental hygiene should start when your baby starts teething.
- Clean your baby’s teeth once a day before bedtime.
- Use a soft baby brush or your finger wrapped in a damp facecloth.
- Brush or wipe the tongue.
- Ask your dentist whether it is necessary to give fluoride supplements.
- 16 weeks of pregnancy: Tooth development starts in the womb. By the fourth month of pregnancy, your baby’s front teeth have already started to form.
- 3 - 6 months: The lower front central teeth (incisors) are usually the first to erupt.
- 6 - 12 months: Upper front central teeth (incisors) erupt.
- 12 - 16 months: The first primary molars make their appearance.
- 16 - 20 months: Eruption of the canines takes place
- 20 - 30 months: The second molars appear.
- All the primary teeth are usually present by the age of three.
More on info teething
The truth about teething
The teething toy
The teething rusk of doom
Your baby’s first tooth
The toothless baby
Caring for your baby’s teeth
Baby bottles versus teeth
Take care of your toddler's teeth
Do you have any advice for parents dealing with teething?