Many new parents often have many questions regarding the dental development of their new baby. Much like any other milestone, it's important to know when to expect certain teeth to erupt and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the child.
Baby teeth start to erupt on average at 6 months. However it can occur from as early as 3 months, and as late as 12 months, with the entire range being considered 'normal'. The following is a chart which gives a general indication of when certain teeth can be expected to erupt.
What to look for and possible symptoms.
Depending on the baby, teething can come with it numerous symptoms, however it may occur with none at all. The severity of the symptoms also can vary greatly.
Things to look for include
1) Red gums, and blistering where the tooth is coming out
2) Difficulty in eating due to painful gums
3) increased crying and irritability
4) sleeping problems and disturbance from painful gums
5) increased drooling as teething causes increased saliva production
6) chewing objects and fingers. This helps ease the pressure and discomfort from teeth cutting through the gums
7) face rash as saliva which is left on the skin will cause it to dry out.
How to help sooth your teething baby
Teething can be a tough time for parents and their baby, as it can be difficult to ease a baby's teething pain. Rest assured the pain is only temporary, and the following measures can help make things a little more comfortable.
1) teething rings/toys or mittens : Biting down on objects helps alleviate the pain in the gums. When giving a teething ring, chill in the fridge (do not freeze), as the cold will also help reduce the pain.
2) teething gels : these are a topical anaesthetic that can provide temporary relief. Ensure, with your pharmacist, that any gel you wish to use is suitable for your child's age.
Now that my baby has teeth, how do I clean them?
It is very important to brush your baby's teeth as soon as they erupt.
Plaque and bacteria are present regardless of age and need to be removed. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and plain water is recommended up to 18 months.