A baby’s teeth start to come through between three and nine months of age, and most children will not get their full set of teeth until around age three. Some babies display little to no discomfort while teething while others may have moderate to sever symptoms. The common symptoms are:

• Increased fussiness
• Restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Sensitive gums
• Loss of appetite

Teething can be a very stressful time for both the baby and parents. To help relieve your child’s discomfort you can try one of the following remedies:

• Gently rub the gums with a clean finger
• Rub the gums with a wet gauze pad
• Give you baby a cold teething ring to chew on

How to Clean Your Baby’s Teeth

When babies drink from their bottles, their mouths are exposed to sugary liquids which can lead to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Thus, it is important to know how to properly care for your baby’s teeth, so they can be on their way to lifelong oral health.  For best results, follow these steps after each feeding:

• Lay your baby on your lap with their head closest to your torso. You should be able to see directly into the baby’s mouth.
• Brush the teeth with a soft bristle tooth brush and lukewarm water. Do not use toothpaste.

First Dentist Appointment

The appropriate time to take your child to their first dentist appointment is within six months of their first tooth eruption, or by one year of age. However, if you have other concerns about your baby’s gums or teething process, don’t hesitate to make an earlier appointment.

Brushing with Toothpaste

By the age of two, your child can then begin brushing their teeth with toothpaste. Always supervise your child to be sure they are reaching every tooth and not swallowing toothpaste. A proper brushing should tale between two and three minutes.

Following these tips will start your child on an oral hygiene routine that will hopefully be the beginning to a long term healthy smile.

If you have any questions about your baby’s teeth or the first time to visit our office, please give us a call at 312.943.6444 and we’d be happy to help.