Your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone, but teething can also signal a period of increased irritability, discomfort and restlessness in your child.
So, what can you do to assist? Here are our top tips for trouble-free teething.
When does teething start?
Your child’s first tiny tooth is likely to emerge anywhere between four and 10 months, but if your baby’s tooth eruption falls outside this timeline, don’t worry. Teething is an individual process and the timeframe is general.
Meanwhile, tooth eruption usually starts with the two central bottom teeth, followed by the two middle upper teeth, and continues until about the age of three when all 20 baby teeth are in position.
Signs your child is teething
Some babies cruise through teething without so much as a grizzle, but for others the period might mean interrupted sleep, general grumpiness and an aversion to feeding.
Some of the biggest signs your baby is teething include:
- Flushed cheeks
- Drooling
- Crying
- Chewing, or biting everything and anything
- Waking more than usual at night
- Ear pulling
- Increased irritability
- Nappy rash
- Fussy feeding
- Refusing solids
- A slightly elevated temperature
How you can help
Items that apply a little pressure to the gums are the go-to items throughout the teething process. This can range from cool, damp washcloths, to sugar-free teething rusks and chilled teething rings.
Basically, each of these allows the baby to chew on something, which helps alleviate discomfort.
A dental hygiene routine
Right about the time this first tooth emerges it’s time to start considering your child’s daily dental hygiene routine.
To get them used to the idea of brushing, you can start in advance by wiping over their gums with a damp washcloth.
Once the first tooth is in place, a soft toothbrush can be used to gently clean the teeth and gums. At this stage toothpaste is not required. In fact, it’s often not used until a child is about 18 months of age.
When your child has two teeth together, it’s also an opportune time to gently introduce the idea of flossing.
When to see a dentist
Your child should first see a dentist when their first tooth erupts or by the time they are 12 months old (whichever occurs first).
This initial appointment is designed to look at your child’s teeth development and offer an insight into good oral care in the knowledge the habits they establish in childhood will set them up for a lifetime of better dental health.
About Brite Dental
Brite Dental is a community-focused dental practice, committed to ensuring you and your family receive the highest quality of care in a warm and professional environment.
Offering a full range of dental services ranging, from children’s dentistry through to high-end cosmetic dentistry, we are conveniently located in central Panania.
You can learn more about our dental services, or contact us to book your next appointment.
