Teething babies: 8 tips for taking care of your baby’s smile
The arrival of a baby brings with it a number of exciting developmental milestones, and one of the most notable is the start of teething in babies. A baby’s first teeth are a source of joy and, at times, concern for parents. In this article, we will explore the fascinating process of baby teething and provide practical tips for caring for those little smiles.
1.The onset of teething: Most babies begin to develop teeth by 6 months of age, although the timing can vary. Some babies may experience discomfort during this process, such as fussiness, excessive drooling and chewing. These symptoms are normal and can be alleviated with proper care.
The order of eruption: baby teeth usually erupt in a predictable pattern, starting with the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors. Then the lateral incisors, molars and canines join the dental parade. This process is usually completed by about age 2, by which time a child typically has his or her full set of 20 primary teeth.
3. Care of baby teeth: Although primary teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, it is crucial to care for them properly from the beginning. Oral hygiene should begin even before the first tooth appears. Wipe baby’s gums with a wet gauze after each feeding to remove bacteria and prevent future dental problems.
4. Toothbrushing: As soon as the first tooth appears, it is time to introduce a soft, baby-friendly toothbrush. Use a toothbrush with fine, soft bristles and the size of the toothbrush and toothpaste should always be coordinated with the age of the child. Brush baby’s teeth gently twice a day to establish healthy habits early on.
5. Control diet: A baby’s diet plays a key role in his or her dental health. Limit sugars and avoid giving sugary liquids in bottles before bedtime. Breastfeeding is beneficial for oral development, as it helps the baby to exercise the muscles of the mouth in a natural way.
6.The role of the dummy and thumb: Pacifiers and thumb sucking are common among babies, and both can offer comfort. However, it is important to limit their use to specific situations and prevent them from becoming prolonged habits, as they can affect tooth and jaw development.
7. Dental visits: It is recommended that babies have their first visit to the dentist around the first year of life or when the first tooth appears. This helps establish a positive relationship with the dentist and allows early detection of any dental problems.
8. Signs of dental problems: Pay attention to signs of dental problems. If you notice stains, discolouration or swelling of the gums, come and see us. Also, any change in feeding pattern or persistent irritability may indicate teething-related discomfort.
Conclusion: Teething in babies is an exciting chapter in their growth. With proper care from the beginning, parents can ensure that those little smiles grow healthy and strong. Establishing oral hygiene habits, managing nutrition and regular dental visits are key steps to maintaining dental health from infancy through adulthood. Take care of your baby’s teething and celebrate every new tooth that pops through!
Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on .
Clinicas Udemax
At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team of specialists in children’s and teenagers’ dental cases. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the bases of an adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.
It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.
