What is teething? Medically known as odontiasis, teething is the process of a baby’s teeth coming out through their gum line. At this point, the baby experiences pain and suffering that may cause them difficulty eating and sleeping.
Not being able to speak clearly, babies can’t speak up about their discomfort; it’s up to the parents to know what to do. Here are some signs of teething gums and teething tips you should keep in mind.
1. Teeth Development Timetable
When do babies start teething?
Babies commonly get their first two teeth between 4 to 10 months of age. Usually, their first teeth grow at the lower portion, known as the lower central incisors. Each tooth will then pop up once a month, filling the front and center gaps before the sides and back.
Teething age differs from child to child. Some babies are born with teeth, while some don’t have theirs even after a year.
2. Call for Professional Help (especially when the first tooth appears)
Sure, teething is normal, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. As a parent, one should seek the doctor’s help to identify potential underlying oral/gum problems. A pediatric dentist ensures the healthy development of a baby’s teeth.
There are various situations in which parents should bring their baby’s dental condition to a doctor’s attention, some of which are:
- No eruption of teeth even after a 15 months
- Teeth fall out (before age 6)
- Teeth grow in on only one side
A pediatric dentist will provide you with practical medical solutions or hygiene tips you can do at home.
3. Fluoride is the Teeth’s Best Friend
This mineral prevents and repairs the teeth from the invasion of plaque. Fluoride protects the teeth from the acid produced in plaque, which dissolves the tooth enamel. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a quarter of 2 to 5 year olds have one or more cavities.
Fluoridation, the mixture of fluoride and water, has been an effective way to prevent such dental problems. In the same report, water fluoridation diminishes tooth decay by 20% to 40%. This practice can also be used for babies, with small amounts of fluoride toothpaste or fluoridated tap water, depending on the child’s development.
4. Brush the Baby’s Tooth Daily
If a tooth erupted, brush it daily. Twice a day of brushing with a pinch (size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste will do. As stated by pediatrics and dental associations, you can transition to a pea-sized toothpaste when the child turns 3.
One of the simplest teething tips professionals swear by is to guide your child with proper tooth brushing until they are about 7 to 8 years old.
5. Use of Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is safe for children’s use. Its application, however, is best handled by a dental professional. This sticky teeth coating helps with preventing tooth decay. It’s simple to use: apply a small amount to teeth and, after it hardens (4 to 12 hours), just brush it off.
This teething tip could have better results if partnered with proper dental care, a healthy diet, use of toothpaste, and routine flossing (for some).
6. Massage and Teething Rings for Swollen Gums
Being aware of the signs of teething gums, parents can better accommodate their child in times of teething discomfort. To ease the suffering, parents can gently massage their baby’s swelling gum. Another way is to give them wet washcloths or solid teething rings.
7. Keep an eye on Symptoms.
Now that you know when babies start teething, it is also within this period that you’ll notice a rise in your child’s temperature up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Be cautious with your conclusions. A study shows that fever is not correlated to teething. It may be a true infection that requires medical attention. It’d be better if you address the fever and consult with a pediatrician to navigate underlying conditions.
These seven tips can help you stay vigilant and care for your teething child a lot better. However, it is also important to visit a professional for a check-up. A holistic dentist in Durango, CO can be of great help. Call us at Sunrise Dentistry.
