Baby teeth will start developing between 6 and 12 months. In most instances, the first tooth will appear on the lower jaw. By the third birthday, most babies will have all their teeth. Below are a few tips on how to deal with baby teething.
Signs of baby teeth development
Although baby teeth should emerge with no pain, they may cause a bit of discomfort for the baby. If your baby is in the age bracket where their teeth start growing, look out for the following symptoms.
- They have a mild temperature
- They have sore gums that sometimes get red
- Rubbing their ears
- They chew on different things more often
- They don’t sleep very well
- A rash may appear on their face
- Some babies may develop diarrhea
Although these are normal symptoms, get medical assistance if you are concerned. You can also help your baby as they go through this process by doing the following.
- Give them something to chew on. A vegetable or a breadstick will do. You could also buy products that help during this time.
- You can also try and use a teething gel to help your baby during this time.
- Giving your baby a painkiller such as ibuprofen can also help relieve their pain.
- You can try and run a clean finger on your baby’s gums to help them ease their discomfort.
- Comfort and play with your baby to distract them from their discomfort.
Once these symptoms show, baby teeth will soon follow. They normally start developing in a certain order. The first to show are the bottom incisors, followed by top incisors. Canines and molars will follow.
Once they are all developed, you need to take care of them. Get your baby used to brushing their teeth as early as possible. When they are still young, use little amounts of toothpaste and help them brush their teeth. As they grow, show them how to do it by themselves.
Remember that sugar causes baby teeth decay. Avoid giving babies sugary food when they are young to keep their teeth healthy.
By Beth Mugo
