Baby’s First Tooth: What Parents Should Know
Nothing is as exciting as witnessing your baby’s milestones; that first smile, first giggle, and first tiny tooth. At Dentistry for Children, we are proponents of preventive care right from the start to lay the foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Now that it’s time for the first tiny tooth to emerge, the following are some things every parent needs to know.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
No two children are alike, so the timeline for the first tiny tooth can vary. However, the teething process typically starts when your baby is about 4 to 7 months old. The two lower teeth appear first and are soon followed by the two upper teeth. Most children have all their baby teeth by their third birthday.
What Are Early Signs of Teething?
The first sign of teething is seeing tiny bumps appear on the gums. Your baby may start drooling excessively, may have red, swollen gums, and want to chew on everything in sight. Unfortunately, teething may leave your little one cranky and fussy, eating less, and having difficulty falling asleep. However, some children are fortunate and have minor to no symptoms when teething.
While teething can be uncomfortable, it should not cause severe symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever are never signs of teething. Any signs of illness or severe discomfort warrant a visit to your child’s pediatrician for evaluation.
How Can You Relieve Your Baby’s Teething Discomfort?
The following are some ways to help your child feel more comfortable:
- Offer a chilled, never frozen, teething ring to soothe your baby’s sore gums.
- Massage your child’s gums gently to provide relief.
- Offer a cold, wet washcloth to gnaw on to help ease your child’s discomfort.
- Offer unsweetened teething biscuits for comfort after first checking with your child’s pediatrician.
- Use teething gel or pediatrician-approved pain relief medication to soothe your child’s sore gums.
- Keep your child’s face and neck dry from drool to prevent skin irritation and further discomfort.
Note: Make sure to steer clear of small toys or tiny teethers that can pose a choking hazard, and avoid attaching teething rings to your little one’s clothing due to the risk of accidental strangulation. Never use homeopathic remedies or teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, which can be harmful to your baby. Make sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician or your trusted team at Dentistry for Children before administering any pain relief medication.
When Should You Schedule the First Dental Visit?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, every child’s first dental visit should occur when the first baby tooth emerges and no later than the first birthday. From then on, it’s important to schedule dental exams and cleanings every six months.
During the first appointment, we will review your baby’s health history and ask you about any concerns. We will conduct a gentle but thorough evaluation of your child’s mouth to check for signs of decay or any other problems and ensure your child’s oral development is on track. We are always happy to discuss smile-healthy nutrition and oral hygiene recommendations to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy between visits.
Early and regular dental visits have been shown to reduce the risk of early decay, which affects nearly half of children aged 2 to 5. Dental care from the first tooth will ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and strong, which can support speech development and help ensure the adult teeth have the room they need to come in properly. At Dentistry for Children, we strive to ensure our young patients develop healthy habits to help them enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Highland, IN
Dr. Halum, and his kid-friendly team at Dentistry for Children are excited to welcome you and your child to our practice. We strive to ensure your little one’s first dental visit and every following one is a happy, positive experience. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!