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TEETHING
It sure is an exciting experience to see your baby get his first tooth, at the same time its also filled with anxiety and as your child gets irritated and edgy . A little know- how on teething helps you know what to expect and how to handle your child and help ease his annoyance.
Teeth and your Baby
Teething process in your baby can begin by the third month and continue up to his 3rd year.
The bottom front two teeth are the first to show known as the central incisors. Usually between the 4th and 8th week, the four upper front teeth are spotted. The two teeth adjoining the bottom front teeth will appear after about a month later and consequently the process of getting all the other teeth follows. Normally girl babies get their teeth much earlier than boy babies. Few babies develop teething as early as the very first month while for some babies it could be as late as a year, in such a condition its suggested to visit the doctor.
Teething Trouble
You may notice your baby drooling more than ever and wanting to chew on whatever he lays his hands on. These are the very first symptoms of teething and for some babies the whole process is normal and without any pain while for some it could be extremely irritating as the teeth tear and erupt though the gums and causes pain and they end up being cranky, not cooperate while feeding and cry. If the situation gets out of hand, consult your doctor.
It is usually the first tooth that causes the initial pain and teething trouble.
Cope with Teething
- Get your baby some teething rings to chew on, ensure that they are big enough and not break lest the child could swallow it . See to it that the teething gear is clean and thoroughly washed after each chewing session of your baby.
- Cleanse regularly as your baby drools to avoid rashes.
- Give a rub to your baby’s gums with clean hands.
- Do not use any medicine for the baby as teething is purely a natural passing phase.
- give the baby with cool things to chew on like a wet cloth from the freezer which is most ideal.
Dental Hygiene
- As your baby grows and starts to develop the entire set of milk teeth, inculcate dental hygiene. By the time your baby reaches three years of age, help him brush his teeth with fluoride content in the toothpaste, in very small amounts and don’t let him swallow it. Brush along with him to teach how it is done and make it a regular habit for a healthy set of teeth.
- Ensure that your baby drinks small amounts of water after every meal so that there is no decaying of his teeth and avoid cavities , though the milk teeth fall after a certain period , its important he maintains proper dental hygiene through out.