Emma Kalman
Every baby is slightly different when it comes to teething but most will get their first tooth before their first birthday. It is possible for a baby to begin teething as early as four months. While some will not develop teeth until after age one. The average age for a child to begin teething is around six months. So, what are the common symptoms of teething?
If you are lucky, your baby’s teeth may come through without any discomfort or pain. But, there are various symptoms that can indicate a tooth is about to emerge. Often a baby will be more fretful when a tooth is about to break through, and they might begin to dribble more than normal.
Their cheeks could be flushed on the side where the tooth is about to erupt. It is also possible that their gum will look sore and red. You may even be able to see the tooth underneath the gum. A baby who is teething will frequently chew or gnaw on things. To try to relieve some of the pressure and discomfort in their gums consult a pediatric dentist Brooklyn.
There are several things that may help your teething baby feel more comfortable. Often it will be worth trying a few different solutions, to see which will work best.
If you want to give your child something that is safe to chew, a teething ring could be the solution. Find out from a pediatric dentist Brooklyn which ones are recommended for the first initial teeth. Being able to safely bite down on something could help to relieve the pressure in their gums caused by teething.
Teething rings can help soothe a child’s sore gums and some can be cooled in the fridge. However, you shouldn’t put a teething ring in the freezer as the extreme cold could damage their gums.
Older babies who are over six months can be given healthy foods to chew on. These include raw fruit and vegetables, carrots and apples which are all good examples. Another thing to try are bread crusts or breadsticks.
If you do give your child any food to help with their teething, then it is important to make sure you are close by while they eat, just in case they begin to choke. Baby rusks are often a popular option, but most brands contain sugar. Ideally, it is best to avoid giving very young children sugary foods because of the risk of childhood tooth decay. Yet, you can find out from your pediatric dentist Brooklyn on the options available.
If your baby is over the age of four months, ask your pediatric dentist Brooklyn about using a teething gel. They should be able to recommend a suitable sugar-free gel that can be gently rubbed on their gums.
These gels help to numb the gums, relieving discomfort and pain during teething. Some may contain an antiseptic to help prevent infection as the teeth break through the gums. It is important to use a gel especially formulated for teething. A gel formulated for general oral pain relief will not be suitable for a baby and should never be used.
If your baby is in pain or has a temperature of less than 100.4oF, you might want to give them a suitable painkiller. This should be age-appropriate and specially designed for children and babies, and it should be sugar-free. If you are not sure then ask your pharmacist, or consult your pediatric dentist Brooklyn. Teething shouldn’t cause a high fever or diarrhea, so, if you are at all concerned about your baby’s symptoms, it is worth talking to your pediatric dentist Brooklyn.
Sometimes something as straightforward as playing with your baby will help them to feel more comfortable. By distracting them, you are taking the focus away from the pain or discomfort. You could try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger to help relieve some of the pressure created by teething.
The first teeth to appear are generally the lower front teeth, usually between five and seven months. The next to come through are the top front teeth, typically around the age of six to eight months. The lateral incisors, the upper teeth either side of the two front teeth are next, followed by the bottom lateral incisors.
Between the ages of twelve and sixteen months, the first molars will erupt, followed by the canines and the second molars. By the time your child is aged two and a half, they will most likely have all their milk teeth in place.
Once your baby has their very first tooth, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist Brooklyn. It might seem very soon but early dental care will give your kid the very best chance of enjoying great dental health for life.
Their first dental examination is likely to be very quick as it is a chance for the pediatric dentist Brooklyn to peek inside their mouth. It is just to check everything is well and it is a chance for you to find out more about how to care for their brand-new teeth.
At this stage, you will also need to begin brushing your baby’s teeth. You only need to use a smear of toothpaste on a soft baby toothbrush until your child is around age two or three. Make sure you brush their teeth twice a day, just before bedtime and once more at a time that fits in with their routine.
It isn’t always easy to brush a very young child’s teeth but it is important to persevere. One way to do this is to sit them on your knee so their head is on your chest. As they get older, you can stand up behind them and get them to tilt their head backwards so you can see to clean their teeth. If they are reluctant, turning it into a game could help, or try brushing your teeth at the same time.
Don’t forget, your pediatric dentist Brooklyn is dedicated and highly experienced in looking after children’s dental health. They can teach you how to successfully clean your child’s teeth using techniques that will help make the experience less stressful.
