There is quite a lot of variation when it comes
to the appearance of a baby’s first tooth. Some babies are born with teeth
starting to come through, while others may still be completely toothless by
their first birthday.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about teething in babies.
What Is The Most Common Age For Teeth To Appear?
Most babies will develop their first teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 months. You will probably notice that they begin exploring the world with their mouth at around 3 months, with increased saliva and frequently putting their hands in their mouth. This does not necessarily mean your baby is teething, however.
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower front teeth. The vast majority of children will have their full set of baby teeth by the age of 3.
When should fluoride be introduced?
Fluoride is a helpful mineral that can prevent
tooth decay. It does this by hardening the enamel of the teeth. Fluoride is
often added to tap water, so starting to give your baby a little water when
they start eating solid foods is a good idea. This usually happens at around 6
months old.
Consult your doctor to find out if there is fluoride in your tap water. If not,
it might be a good idea to start adding fluoride supplements. Bear in mind that
bottled water doesn’t usually contain fluoride.
Is Teething Painful For Babies?
Usually, teething is not a major source of discomfort, but parents can often tell when it is happening. Babies may show signs of discomfort in the region where a tooth is coming through; you may notice swollen/tender gums or more dribbling than usual.
When teething does cause pain, parents can help by massaging the baby’s gums with clean fingers. You could also offer solid teething rings or a clean frozen/wet washcloth. Teething biscuits can work, but watch them closely, as a piece could break off and become a choking hazard.
Avoid teething tablets, gels that contain benzocaine, amber teething necklaces and homeopathic teething gels.
Good dental care
Once your child has a tooth, it’s time for them to start brushing twice a day. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice), particularly after the last food/drink of the day. You can increase the amount to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they turn 3.
Try to make an appointment with your dentist after the eruption of your child’s first tooth, or around their first birthday at the latest. This will help them become familiar with the experience and enable dental staff to assess the health of their teeth and identify any potential problems. You can also get advice on toothbrushing and eating habits from the dentist.
Finding the right dentist
You will need a dentist who is local and has experience in child dentistry. At Withers Dental, we offer a child dental benefits scheme and offer a complete service to keep your child’s teeth in good health. Contact us today to book an appointment if you are in Toowoomba City.