Caring For Your Baby's Teeth And Gums During The Teething Process

There are many questions that come to mind when your child's first teeth develop. How do you care for them? Is there any way to soothe sore gums from teething? When should your child start seeing a dentist? Here are a few questions and answers that will give you some insight into caring for your baby's teeth and gums during teething:

When do primary teeth start to come in?

Your child's primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, generally start to erupt between the first four to 15 months. The two front teeth of the bottom jaw are usually the first to appear, followed by the two front teeth on top.

What are some of the teething symptoms?

  • Excessive saliva
  • Irritability and crying
  • Chewing toys, fingers and other objects
  • Sore gums

How can you relieve your baby's teething symptoms?

There are several things you can do to relieve teething symptoms. Here are a few:

  • Chill a gel-filled teething ring and present it to your child to chew on
  • Give your baby a damp, cool washcloth to suck on
  • Rub your baby's gums with a damp cloth or clean finger
  • Apply an oral analgesic gel to your child's gums
  • Orally administer a liquid form of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain
  • Offer your child a chilled carrot, cucumber, or zucchini to chew on. (Make sure to wash the vegetable thoroughly and do not cut in into small parts before giving it to him or her.)

How do you care for your child's first teeth?

Here are a few ways to care for the new teeth:

  • After feeding, gently wipe your baby's gums with a damp cloth
  • Brush the erupted teeth with a very soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using fluoridated toothpaste at this age since the child may accidentally swallow it.
  • Don't restrict your child's beverages to only milk and juice. Water is important for the digestive system and helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

Are there complications that occur with teething?

There generally aren't any complications that come with teething. However, if your child develops a fever or seems to be in a severe amount of pain, call a dentist.

When should your child start seeing the dentist?

It's recommended that your child see a dentist when his or her first tooth appears. This first dental appointment is important, so be sure to select a pediatric dentist. He or she will be accustomed to dealing with small children.

Schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in your area. He or she can advise you concerning your child's tooth development and provide more tips about how to relieve teething symptoms. Contact a clinic like Dino Kids DDS to get started.


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