Baby’s Teeth

Your baby will begin teething somewhere between six and nine months. It could be before this. In fact, some babies are born with teeth, but this occurrence is rare. Keep in mind that every child is different. Some babies don’t cut their first tooth until they are almost a year old. However, if Baby is over a year, ask for advice from her doctor.

Babies cut twenty primary teeth – ten top and ten on the bottom. Usually, the front bottom teeth appear first, then the front upper teeth. This pattern will continue, bottom/top, until all twenty teeth are cut. Though this is the norm, the pattern may vary.

Don’t be alarmed if Baby cuts a front upper tooth first.

<b>Signs of Teething:</b>

There are several ways that you can tell if Baby is teething:

1. Gums may be red or swollen

2. Cheeks may appear flushed

3. A fever may occur

4. Baby may be irritable or cranky

5. Baby may pull on her ears

6. Baby may chew on her toys or the nipple of her bottle. She may suck or chew her fist.

7. Baby may try to bite others

8. Excessive drooling may occur

9. A rash may occur on Baby’s face or bottom

10. Diarrhea may occur

11. Baby may cry excessively, wanted to be held and/or comforted

12. Baby’s nose may run constantly

13. Baby may be cold, yet at the same time running a fever

14. Baby may have none of these symptoms, all of them, or only a couple

If symptoms are excessive and continue on a daily basis, make an appointment for Baby to visit her pediatrician.

<b>Easing Baby’s Discomfort</b>

There are several things you can do to make Baby feel a little better while she’s cutting teeth.

1. Contact Baby’s pediatrician and ask him if you can give her something to ease her discomfort. Eg. Tylenol or Tempra for infants.

2. Rub Baby’s gums with your finger

3. Buy teething rings filled with water. Cool them in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. (Never tie a teething ring around Baby’s neck.)

4. Give Baby a teething biscuit or a bread stick to chew on.

5. Use a sugar-free teething gel. Eg. Ora – Gel

6. Let baby chew on a clean, chilled face cloth

7. Wipe Baby’s face often with a lukewarm face cloth. This will help to prevent chaffing and rashes.

<b>Caring for Baby’s Teeth</b>

Baby’s teeth will stay in her mouth until her permanent teeth come in between the ages of 5 and 8. There are a few things you need to do to ensure that Baby’s teeth stay healthy.

1. While Baby is breast or bottle feeding, clean her teeth with an infant toothbrush or a wash cloth and your finger. Be sure to clean well around the base of the teeth. Do not use toothpaste until Baby is at least two years old.

2. Don’t let Baby sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. Both contain sugar. Juice contains acid. Both can damage the teeth.

3. Clean Baby’s teeth before putting her down for her nap or to bed for the night.

4. If Baby absolutely needs a bottle to get to sleep, fill it with fresh water.

5. Take Baby with you to the dentist from the day she is born. This allows her to become used to the surgical environment.

6. Have Baby’s teeth checked by a dentist shortly after her first birthday. Continue with regular dental checkups every six months.

7. Wean Baby from bottle to cup after her first birthday, or when she gives an indication she would like to drink from your cup.

If you follow this advice, Baby will always have white, healthy teeth. If you need more information, contact your family dentist.