JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Bringing a child into the world is one of the most exciting times for a family, but along with this time of great joy can come a multitude of questions, especially for young and first time parents.
Questions such as, how do I do this, does my child need that or is there something wrong with my child
An infant’s newly emerging teeth can be a common source of questions. So, what does a new parent need to know about infant teething and a baby’s mouth?
To start off, a baby’s teeth can start to erupt a lot sooner than you think. On average, a baby’s first tooth will start to come in around six months of age. By the third birthday, most kids have their full set of 20 baby teeth, however, each baby is different.
Parents should not be alarmed if your child does not follow this strict timeline. One in three thousand newborns are actually born with teeth. Other factors, such as premature birth, can also lead to teeth beginning to erupt much later than six months.
If you believe your baby’s teeth are beginning to come in, you can easily check by feeling their gums to locate any teeth that may be erupting soon. Typically, the first teeth to emerge through the gums will be the lower front teeth.
There are also a number of other need-to-know aspects of infant teething. The commonly associated symptoms of teething include a low-grade fever below 100 degrees, drooling and fussy or irregular behavior indicating discomfort.
Babies will commonly put anything within reach in their mouths while “cutting” teeth during this stage of life. The best ways to soothe a teething child are to offer cold teething rings or even a cold washcloth. Children’s Tylenol may also relieve some discomfort that is interfering with normal eating or sleeping rhythms for infants greater than 12 weeks of age.
Over the counter numbing gels are not recommended because of their potential toxicity to the child. Mothers should also be aware that breastfeeding may become a painful experience once teeth begin to present themselves.
Once a baby’s teeth start to erupt or by their first birthday, it is time to find a dental home and establish a periodic six to 12 month visit schedule. Regular visits to the dentist provide a time and place to learn about your child’s earliest dental needs.
As soon as the first tooth erupts, parents should clean their child’s mouth with a washcloth, finger brush or soft toothbrush. This is the first step in preparing your child for brushing their teeth, while also in preventing the buildup of bacteria.
Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to use fluoridated toothpaste to brush your baby or young child’s teeth. Simply using a rice-sized amount of toothpaste will prevent the child from swallowing an unsafe amount. Fluoride mouth rinses are not recommended until the child is able to spit effectively.
Finally, there are a few common behaviors to avoid in order to ensure your babies oral health. Do not allow your baby to sleep with a bottle, as this can lead to early childhood caries, or significant tooth decay. Kissing babies on the lips or sharing silverware with an infant are common ways of introducing bad bacteria into a baby’s mouth that are not good for a child’s new teeth.
The most important thing to know is that, as long as you are actively seeking to give your child the best oral care possible, you are headed in the right direction.