All You Need to Know About Teething Babies
We all get a second chance when it comes to teeth. Many parents think their children can wait until permanent teeth come out to start learning how to take care of their mouths. This a common but grave mistake.
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are as important as secondary teeth. Kids can develop dental cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, just as any adult. Helping little kids to practice oral hygiene is crucial for their overall health. It allows them to protect their baby teeth and teaches them how to do it by themselves in the future.
Although baby teeth are temporary, they play a significant role in a child’s development, but also in their future smiles and dental health. Dental cavities don’t hurt less because they are in a baby’s teeth, and the health of primary teeth has a direct impact on permanent teeth.
Primary teeth help the development of secondary teeth, their alignment, and their eruption process. When a toddler loses a tooth due to tooth decay or an injury, it can alter the eruption of that particular permanent tooth.
Baby teeth are also involved in speech development. Teeth help infants learn the right tongue placement and enunciation of sounds. Dental problems during early infancy can lead to speech difficulties and delay.
Of course, keeping up with your baby’s dental health means taking them for a visit to the dentist once in a while. These contribute to early detention or any oral issues and prevent anxiety and fear of the dentist in children.
As a parent, you ought to help your child to practice healthy habits and care for themselves in every aspect of their being.
When Do Infants Get Teeth?
Teething is a big milestone for both parents and babies. Infant teething usually marks the beginning of the feeding journey, incorporating new foods and all that comes with it.
This process usually starts with the lower front teeth and then the upper front teeth. The rest of your baby’s teeth will erupt in different stages. But you can expect your baby’s first pair of incisors to come out around 4 to 7 months of age.
Around the time they turn 12 months, you can expect to see their first lateral incisors. By the time your baby is two years old, you can expect them to have their second set of molars to complete their primary teeth set.
Keep in mind that each baby is unique and different, so please avoid comparing their process to other babies, and do not worry if their teeth come a little earlier or later since it is completely normal to happen. Always keep in touch with their doctor if you have any concerns.
And it’s also important to note that your baby will need lots of patience and empathy during this process since teeth eruption can hurt, cause sore gums, and even fever.
What Is the Best Way to Soothe Sore Gums?
Home remedies are not always effective, but in this case, they can be of great help. You should be very careful with the remedies you try with kids; that’s why the ones in this article focus on the soothing power of cold and massages.
Teething Rings
This magical tool serves two purposes, stimulating the gums of the baby in the first place and calming the discomfort in the area in the second.
But for teething rings to provide a soothing effect, you will have to get them in the freezer for a few minutes, enough for them to be chilly but not frozen.
Your baby will try to munch, and the ideal texture of the teething ring, in combination with the cold, will alleviate their discomfort.
Feed Your Baby Cold Foods to Help With Their Teething
If your baby is now 6 months old or older, you can try and offer them cold or chilled foods to help with their sore gums.
Babies love smoothies, yogurt, fruit, or vegetable puree. This way, they will have a full tummy and some relief from their pain.
During this period is possible that your baby doesn’t want to eat due to gum pain, so these types of foods are an easy alternative you can try.
Bottle-Feeding Helps With Baby Teething
If your baby is still into bottle-feeding, the sucking action can provide relief.
You can leave the bottle in the freezer or refrigerator and fill it with room-temperature milk, baby formula, or whatever drink they like that’s safe at their young age.
Gum Massage for Your Baby
With clean-sterilized hands, you can gently massage your baby’s gums with your finger or a cold washcloth.
Do it by applying light pressure in a circular motion to help alleviate their discomfort.
Do not apply any creams or gels on your hands before doing this.
How to Clean a Baby’s Teeth?
As we said in the intro to this article, dental hygiene is as paramount in babies and toddlers as it is in adults. But to brush your baby’s teeth, you have to follow some specific rules.
Most parents start late with their child’s oral hygiene routine, and this usually makes it harder for the kids to get used to it. Children will need their caregiver’s help to brush their teeth until they are around 7 years of age. The sooner you begin, the easier this task can be for both of you.
When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?
Start early. Some pediatric dentists even recommend cleaning your baby’s gums before the first tooth is out.
If you want to try this, do it with wet gauze (preferably use lukewarm water) and follow delicate and gentle motions around their gums. No toothpaste is needed for this.
How to Pick a Toothbrush for My Baby?
Once the first tooth appears, your baby is ready to welcome a toothbrush. You will find age-appropriate toothbrushes for young children and babies; avoid using the wrong size.
Choosing a fun-looking toothbrush can help your child to engage with the activity. Choose one with their favorite characters on it and a comfortable handle.
It’s best if you have a pair since you can give one to your baby so they can get familiarized while you do the actual brushing.
How Many Times Do Babies Need to Wash Their Teeth?
Babies need to wash their teeth twice a day, just as adults. Specialists recommend doing it in the morning and before bedtime.
How to Brush My Baby’s Teeth?
You can try various positions until you and your baby find the most comfortable one for you.
The usual way to do it is with the baby cradled in your arms, but laying down is a much more comfortable and efficient position (if your baby allows it).
Place their head comfortably on top of your knees and lean to have better access to their upper and lower teeth.
Remember to only use toothpaste with a specific formula for their age and an amount the size of a rice grain.
Kid’s Dentist Near Me, Roanoke
Your kid’s teeth will be safe in the hands of Dr. Ryan Reopelle and Dr. Anderson.
At Parkway Orthodontics, we focus on offering the best time and service to our little patients so they develop a healthy relationship with their smiles!