Getting baby teeth: which teeth and when?
When babies teeth, the process is often dreaded by parents due to discomfort felt by the child. Knowing the teething schedule can make parents more sensitive to the symptoms of getting baby teeth. The age when babies teeth is not fixed as all babies are different. Most are born toothless and some remain so until their first birthday. Although rare, some are even born with teeth. The average age and usual order of appearance is:
Teething can easily be checked by running a clean finger along the baby's gum line. A "bump" in the gum means a tooth is on its way. Other signs include:
Parents have teething queries at some stage of their child's life. However, we cannot go to the dentist just to ask questions, especially if we think these are too simple to raise. Time is precious and we don't always have time to trawl the Internet for answers.
When babies teeth, the process is often dreaded by parents due to discomfort felt by the child. Knowing the teething schedule can make parents more sensitive to the symptoms of getting baby teeth. The age when babies teeth is not fixed as all babies are different. Most are born toothless and some remain so until their first birthday. Although rare, some are even born with teeth. The average age and usual order of appearance is:
- Two lower central incisors (cutting teeth): 6 months
- Two upper central incisors: 6-7 months
- Four more side incisors: 8 months
- Four back molars (chewing teeth): 10-14 months
- Four canines (pointed teeth): 16-20 months
- Four more back molars: 24-30 months
- All 20 teeth are usually in place by the age of three
Teething can easily be checked by running a clean finger along the baby's gum line. A "bump" in the gum means a tooth is on its way. Other signs include:
- Drooling / dribbling: baby teeth growing through result in more drool than normal
- Crying: the pain some babies experience mean that they may cry more
- Sucking / chewing: baby teeth growing may result in gum soreness. To lessen this, babies often chew or suck any items they can get hold of
- Temperature: a mild fever may result when babies teeth
- Give something to chew: use specialized teething toys for babies to chew or bite
- Give something cold: some teething toys and rings can be put in the refrigerator to chill and given when needed. Also cool drinks or food would help ease the discomfort of baby teeth growing
- Use teething gel: teething gels designed for when babies teeth can be bought from most pharmacies. Rub a little on your baby's gums to help soothe the pain of baby teeth growing through
- Consider infant medication: seek advice from your baby's pediatrician if more pain relief is required. Getting baby teeth may result in a raised temperature, so your pediatrician may suggest some medication for pain relief or fever.
Parents have teething queries at some stage of their child's life. However, we cannot go to the dentist just to ask questions, especially if we think these are too simple to raise. Time is precious and we don't always have time to trawl the Internet for answers.
For a comprehensive guide to every aspect of children's teeth,
visit [http://www.childrensteeth.info] Written by a mother who is also a
Professor from one of United States' leading dental schools, this is a
fantastic resource to have at hand.
From Bob Smee, a parent with two little children who have had a variety of dental issues from a young age.
From Bob Smee, a parent with two little children who have had a variety of dental issues from a young age.
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