1. At what age do babies get their milk teeth?
Most babies develop baby teeth between 6 and 12 months . The moment when a first tooth can appear is very variable: some babies may not have teeth until their first birthday! Around 3 months, babies will start exploring the world with their mouths and will have more saliva and will start putting their hands in their mouths. Many parents wonder if this means their baby is teething or not, but the first baby tooth usually appears around 6 months .
In general, the first teeth to appear are almost always the lower front teeth (the lower central incisors), and most children will usually have all their baby teeth by age 3 to 4. And the order of growth of baby teeth is generally the same. (For more information on this, click here )
2. Fluoride for baby teeth
Fluoride should be added to your child's diet at 6 months of age. It is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by hardening tooth enamel. The good news is that fluoride is often added to tap water. Give your baby some water in a sippy cup or cup with a straw when you give him solid foods for the first time (around 6 months of age). Talk to your pediatrician to find out if tap water contains fluoride or if your child needs fluoride supplements. Fluoride is generally not present in most bottled waters.
3. How to relieve baby teeth?
Massaging sore gums , giving something cold, on a sometimes rough night, can help soothe your baby's toothache.
In general, teething doesn't cause children too much discomfort , but many parents can tell when their baby is teething. Babies may show signs of discomfort where the baby tooth grows , the gums around the tooth may be swollen and tender, and the baby may drool a lot more than usual.
Parents can help ease the pain of teething by massaging their baby's gums with clean fingers, giving him solid, non-fluid-filled teething rings, or a clean, frozen, or wet washcloth. If you give a teething cookie, be sure to watch your baby while he eats it. Pieces can break off easily and cause choking. Also, these cookies are not very nutritious and most contain sugar and salt.
A baby's body temperature may rise slightly during teething ; however, according to a 2016 pediatric study, true fever (temperature above 38°C) is not associated with the erupting of baby milk teeth and is actually a sign of an illness or disease. infection which may require treatment. If your baby is obviously uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician to give him a dose of acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) appropriate for his weight or, if he is over 6 months old, ibuprofen (eg. example, Advil). Be sure to ask your pediatrician for the correct dose in milliliters (ml) based on your child's age and weight.
However, many children will have no problem when their milk teeth appear!
4. Teething tablets for the growth of baby teeth
Do not use teething tablets, benzocaine gels, homeopathic teething gels or tablets, or amber teething necklaces.
Avoid teething tablets that contain belladonna, and benzocaine-based gels. Belladonna and benzocaine are marketed to numb your child's pain when teething , but the FDA has issued warnings against both of these products due to their potential side effects.
Also, amber teething necklaces are not recommended. Collars placed around an infant's neck can pose a strangulation or choking hazard. There is also no research that confirms the effectiveness of the collar.
5. When and how should baby's milk teeth be brushed?
You should brush your baby's baby teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
As soon as your child's first milk tooth has erupted, you should brush it twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, especially after the last drink or last food of the day. Remember not to put your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to tooth decay .
For the first toothbrushing it is recommended to use a quantity of fluoridated toothpaste the size of a pea. When your child is able, teach him to spit out the excess toothpaste. It is best that you put the toothpaste on the toothbrush until your child is around 6 years old. Parents should supervise and help their child brush their teeth until they are about 7 or 8 years old. When your child knows how to write his name well, he is also able to brush his teeth well.
6. What you should ask your pediatrician
During your child's regular visits to the pediatrician, he will check that your baby's teeth and gums are healthy and explain how to keep them that way. If your child doesn't yet have a dentist, ask your pediatrician if they can apply fluoride varnish to your baby's teeth. Once your child has a dentist, the varnish can be applied in the dental office. The earlier your child receives fluoride varnish, the better they can prevent tooth decay.
7. The first visit to the dentist
Make your first dental appointment when the first tooth appears.
Try to schedule your child's first dental appointment after the first tooth erupts and before their first birthday.
The AAP and AAPD recommend that all children see a pediatric dentist and establish a "dental home" before their first birthday. A pediatric dentist will ensure that all teeth are developing normally and that there are no dental problems. He will also give you other advice on hygiene. If you don't have a pediatric dentist, find a general dentist who is comfortable seeing young children.
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Our box will allow him to keep a memory of this memorable moment
Click here to learn all about our keepsake box.
