Teething
Overview:
Also known as deciduous teeth, the first milk
tooth appears between 6 & 9 months of age. Some
babies will get their first tooth as early as 3
months or as late as 12 months.
Teeth usually come through in pairs, the lower
central incisors are the first to appear,
followed by the upper central incisors. By the
age of three, your child should have their full
set of baby teeth.
Below is image showing typical eruption of baby
teeth.
Signs of teething:
-
When the tooth is about to erupt, the gum
will be swollen & red & the gum will feel
hard.
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Difficulty sleeping.
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Drooling and/or rash around the mouth.
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Loss of appetite.
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Chewing of objects.
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There seem to be differing opinions as to
weather teething causes fever or not.
Relieving teething symptoms:
-
Teething rings to chew on.
-
Some teething rings can be frozen, which can
offer great relief to the teething baby.
-
Teething gel may also be rubbed onto the
gums if your baby is showing signs of
discomfort.
-
Ibuprofen or paracetamol may also be
recommended for teething pain. Consult your
doctor before giving these medications to a
baby. Aspirin must never be given to a child
as it can cause Reye’s syndrome.
Caring for baby teeth:
As soon as your baby's first tooth appears you
should clean their teeth. Your children's teeth
should be cleaned twice a day, after breakfast &
prior to bed. Children must be taught how to
clean their teeth properly to ensure all plaque
is removed from the teeth. Toothpaste should be
spat out & not swallowed.
Dos & donts
-
Don't let your child go to sleep with a
bottle of milk or juice.
-
Do use a toothpaste especially formulated
for babies & children.
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Do avoid sugary sweets & snacks.
-
Do avoid sugary drinks & juices. If you do
give juice, water it down.
-
Don't dip pacifiers in anything sweet such
as honey or juice.
-
Do feed your children a well balanced diet.
When to visit the dentist:
-
Twice a year for routine checkups, this
should begin around 13 months of age.
-
Immediately if your child has a fall & the
teeth are knocked.
-
Immediately if your child loses a tooth in
an accident.
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Immediately if your child complains of a
toothache.
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If you notice bleeding from the gums.
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If you notice any dark spots/cavities.
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Don’t clean a dummy that has been dropped by
putting it in your mouth. This transfers
bacteria from your mouth onto the dummy.
Rinse it under a tap instead.
-
Do set a good example by properly caring for
your own teeth.
