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So many
questions come up when you have a baby. Teeth are included in some of those
questions. I will put information that I have gathered, here on this page.
Some links to places that can help too! If you have any suggestions to add, please
feel free to email me and I
can post them here too!
Click to go to that subject
What
are the signs of teething?
How can I help him when he's teething?
When do teeth come in?
When do teeth fall out?
Should we brush?
What about soothers and thumbs?
Vitamins for healthy teeth?
Can bedtime bottles really harm her teeth?
Useful links
PLEASE READ
Information on this page has been
obtained from various sources, personal experience, opinions and other parents. This is
NOT by any means medical advice. If you have any health concerns or questions about
your baby, seek professional medical advice.
Q: What are the signs of teething?
A: Good Question!! This can differ immensely
from baby to baby. Some babies just wake up one morning with teeth, some can go
through painful discomfort, as agonizing for the parents as for the baby.
Common symptoms include:
* crankiness
* lack of appetite
* change in sleep patterns, sleeplessness
* drooling, excessive saliva
* pink or red cheeks
* chewing or sucking on fingers and toys.
* upset tummy
* coughing
* occasionally a slight fever.
If your baby should get a high temperature, seek medical
attention. |
Q: How can I help him when he's teething?
A: Nothing can be harder than to see
your baby hurting. There are a few things that you can do to help eleviate some of the
discomfort.
* Teething accessories can be
purchased. The rubbery ones and the liquid filled ones. Do not put these in the
freezer!!! This can freeze your baby or cause frostbite. Make sure they are clean and let
baby chew away!
* A cold wet cloth for baby to suck on
can help soothe the gums, and it keeps baby busy too!
Pain and teething medications should be
used only the advice from your doctor or pediatrician. |
Q:
When do teeth come in?
A: Please refer to the chart below.
These dates are just a
guideline. Teeth can come in much earlier or later. Teething time can be a family
characteristic, or genetic.
UPPER
Central Incisors
Lateral Incisors
Canines
First Molars
Second Molars |
7-12 months
9-13 months
16-22 months
13-19 months
25-33 months |
LOWER
Central Incisors
Lateral Incisors
Canines
First Molars
Second Molars |
6-10 months
7-16 months
16-23 months
12-18 months
20-31 months |
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Q:
When do teeth fall out?
A: Please refer to the chart below and
image above. These dates are just a guideline. Teeth can fall out earlier or
later.
UPPER
Central Incisors
Lateral Incisors
Canines
First Molars
Second Molars |
6-8 years
7-8 years
10-12 years
9-11 years
10-12 years |
LOWER
Central Incisors
Lateral Incisors
Canines
First Molars
Second Molars |
6-8 years
7-8 years
9-12 years
9-11 years
10-12 years |
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Q: Should we brush?
A: Dental hygiene is just as
important for these little teeth as it is for the permanent teeth. These little
teeth need to be healthy for 6-12 years until the permanent teeth are in.
"Brushing" can start before the
teeth are even in to get your baby accustomed to having something poing around in his
mouth. Try a small piece of clean guaze wrapped around your finger and wipe the teeth
and/or gums clean after feedings. When using a tooth brush, use the same method
adults are taught... brush up, the way the tooth grows, to avoid catching food in the
gums. |
Q: What about soothers and thumbs?
A: This seems to be mostly a matter of
opinion. Prolonged use of either of these, could possibly alter the teeth growth.
Some say one is better than the other, but the parent and the child are the only only ones
who can decide what is best for that child. |
Q: Vitamins for healthy teeth?
A: Calcium is of course very important
in the development and maintanance of teeth. Vitamin D helps the teeth use the
calcium efficiently. Vitamin A is needed for normal enamel formation. A well
balanced, healthy diet is the best bet yet! |
Q: Can
bedtime bottles really harm her teeth?
A: If your baby recieves a bedtime
bottle, or falls asleep while nursing, now may be a good time to break that habit.
Lactose can play a big part in tooth decay. The saliva that normally helps to wash
the mouth, decreases during sleep, leaving the sugars to do their dirty work on those
little teeth. |
| Useful links Caring
for Your Child's Teeth
Keep Your Baby's
Teeth Healthy
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Preventing
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
ask
the pharmacist - Teeth |
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