How To Take Care of Your Baby’s First Teeth

The majority of babies develop teeth between the ages of six and twelve months. By three months, babies will be exploring their surroundings with their lips, producing more saliva, and putting their hands in their mouths. Many parents wonder if their baby is teething, but the first tooth typically appears around 6 months.

The lower central incisors (lower front teeth) typically emerge first, and most children have all of their baby teeth by age three. Huffman Smiles has given these points to consider while taking care of your baby’s first teeth. Read the complete article for in-depth knowledge.

Dental Care Tips For Infants By Huffman Smiles

Dental care for infants is needed at a very early age. Read these suggestions carefully to take care of your kids’ oral health.

#1 Start giving fluoride to your kid at the age of 6 months

Fluoride hardens tooth enamel and prevents decay. The good news is that fluoride is typically present in tap water. When your six-month-old begins solids, give them a few ounces of water in a sippy or straw cup.

Ask your pediatrician if your child’s tap water contains fluoride or if they have to take supplements. Fluoride is rarely found in bottled water. For more information, you can ask any dentist at Huffman Smiles.

#2 Massage sensitive gums to reduce your baby’s teething pain

Teething seldom harms babies, but many parents can tell. Babies may drool more, have swollen and sore gums surrounding their teeth, and experience discomfort. You can offer something cold or administer acetaminophen on tough nights.

To reduce teething pain, massage your baby’s gums with clean fingertips, use solid teething rings, or apply a clean wet towel. Watch your baby eat a teething biscuit. Choking can come from chunks breaking easily. These biscuits are unhealthy, with a high sugar and salt content.

If your infant has a severe fever, ask your pediatrician to try administering acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen at a weight-appropriate dose. Consult your pediatrician to determine the appropriate dose for your child’s age and weight.

#3 Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, particularly after eating or drinking. Never put your infant to bed with a bottle because it can promote tooth decay. After the age of three, the ADA and AAPD recommend brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

When your child is able, have them spit out any excess toothpaste. It is best to use toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush until they reach the age of six. Parents should monitor their children’s brushing till they are seven or eight.

#4 Avoid using teething tablets, benzocaine gels, and amber necklaces

Avoid benzocaine gels and teething pills that contain belladonna. Belladonna and benzocaine are sold to relieve your child’s suffering, but the FDA warns of potential side effects. Also, avoid amber teething necklaces. Necklaces around an infant’s neck can strangle or choke them.

#5 Discuss fluoride varnish with your pediatrician

Your pediatrician will examine your baby’s teeth and gums and advise you on how to care for them. The AAP and USPSTF recommend fluoride varnish for children with teeth. If your baby does not have a dentist, ask your pediatrician to administer fluoride varnish on their teeth.

Following your child’s visit to the dentist, the varnish can be administered. To avoid tooth decay, your child should begin receiving fluoride varnish at a young age. Be careful while applying anything inside your kid’s mouth.

Schedule Your First Dental Appointment with Huffman Smiles

Schedule the first dental appointment after the baby’s first teeth emerge and before their first birthday. The AAP and AAPD recommend that children visit a pediatric dentist and establish a “dental home” by the age of one.

A pediatric dentist will examine all teeth to ensure proper growth and prevent dental problems. They will also provide hygiene suggestions. If your town does not have a pediatric dentist like Huffman Smiles, find a regular dentist who works with children.