Teething Bites!
Here at Advanced Dentistry by Design, we hope that all of our patients had a happy mother’s day! We want to celebrate new mothers this month by offering them information to help keep their babies healthy.
Your child probably won’t need to come in to see until most of their teeth have erupted, somewhere around age three. Until then, you are in charge of all of their dental care while they go through teething. Don’t be scared though! We are here to help, and are willing to answer any questions you may have.
What is teething?
Teething is the discomfort your baby feels when their first teeth start to emerge through their gums. It is often a very frustrating time for both baby and parents, often involving a lot of crying (and that’s just from mom and dad!).
Your baby’s mouth may hurt almost constantly and parents are often frustrated that there isn’t a “cure” for teething and there may seem to be no way to make your baby happy. Every baby’s experience is different, but we hope that learning more about teething will help you prepare yourself and your baby.
When will my baby start teething?
Did you know that teeth begin forming in your baby even before birth? They are formed in the jawbones, but don’t erupt until later. Most babies will begin teething around three months old.
Even though they begin teething, it is usually a few months before the teeth actually emerge. The two lower front teeth are the first to erupt somewhere between 6-9 months after birth. Do not be concerned if your baby is a little late. By age 3, all 20 baby teeth should be present.
Are there any teething cures?
Sadly, no. Your baby’s teeth are going to make their way through the gums no matter what, and this isn’t a comfortable situation in their mouth. There are, however, a few tips to soothe any pain or irritation they may feel.
You can ease some of the discomfort with a clean finger or a wet gauze pad. A cool teething ring can also help to soothe your baby’s tender gums. Anything cool that they can mouth usually helps, just make sure it isn’t too hard. You don’t want to bruise their already sensitive gums!
Also make sure to wipe your baby’s face often with a soft cloth to remove drool and prevent a rash from developing. Keep their gums and teeth clean with a damp washcloth or gauze, or brush them gently with a soft, infant-sized toothbrush and water (without toothpaste).