Your baby’s comfort and well-being means the world to you. It is important to know everything there is about teething so you can help alleviate some of the pain your child may experience while their new teeth cut through their gums.
Babies are born with teeth but they only start to pop through the gums around 4-6 months old. Of course, this time frame varies depending on the chid. Usually, the first teeth coming in are at the top and bottom front of your child’s mouth.
Why does your baby need their teeth to grow in at an early age?
They need their teeth to speak, chew and smile. The sooner they grow in, the better.
Symptoms of Teething
Your little one will become very uncomfortable during the teething process. You may be aware of some of the signs such as:
- Trouble sleeping
- Fussiness
- Irritability
- Appetite loss
- More drool than usual
These are all normal symptoms of those little teeth making their way into your child’s mouth. If your child has diarrhoea, gets a rash or has a fever then you should see your paediatrician right away.
How Can You Help Your Baby During the Teething Process?
Gently rubbing your baby’s gums will soothe their discomfort. Try using a small, cool spoon, a moist gauze pad or even just your clean finger. If this doesn’t work, you might want to try a teether but be careful to buy the appropriate one for your child.
What to Look for When Buying a Teether
Don’t just purchase a teether because it is marked as such. You need to ensure the material the device is made from is safe. Solid rubber teethers are a good choice. Avoid teethers filled with a liquid gel. Your baby can break open the teether allowing the liquid to spill out causing your little one to choke. The substance inside a liquid teether could cause a disease or infection if it is contaminated. Small rings are also a choking hazard for your child so avoid small teethers at all costs.
It is important to take care of baby teeth even if they are just breaking through the gums. These little teeth hold space for your child’s permanent teeth growing under the gums. Without proper care, baby teeth can be lost too early. When your little one loses teeth too early, complications can arise such as limited room for adult teeth due to a shifting of space.
Always, always take care of your child’s teeth to ensure they grow properly. Take your child to the dentist once their first tooth appears and make brushing and flossing part of a daily routine. Ask your dentist for further information on how to treat your baby’s teeth.
