Understanding Your Baby’s Teeth
Did you know that all 20 of baby’s teeth are lined up inside his jaw, upper and lower, at birth, and just waiting for the right time to come in?
Normally, around the age of 6 to 10 months, the first lower front teeth will be emerging from his gums. This is followed shortly in a couple of months later by the upper two front teeth. The rest of baby’s teeth follow soon in just a few months, so by the time he is 2 to 2.5 years old the last set of molars have already come in.
Teething Process
This teething process is sometimes distressing for babies and they will show it by crying without let up and being irritable. Knowing this, try to soothe your baby’s discomfort by gently massaging his gums with a clean finger or a gauze pad or give him a soft teething ring to chew on.
If you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, wipe your baby’s mouth clean with soft cloth or gauze, most especially if his teeth are already showing. Sugar present in his milk can easily adhere to his teeth.
Do bring your baby to his first dental visit as you are bound to learn more from his dentist in the proper care of his beginning teeth and overall oral health.
Bellevue Dentistry and Your Toddler
At Overlake Dental, we see many parents bring their infants in for oral examination and advice on oral hygiene. Toddlers as young as three or even younger, are already taught, with some demonstration, on how to brush correctly.
Dr. Monica Yu is a gentle professional with children and parents, too. Keep your regular appointments with him as he guides you through your child’s dental development. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to care for children’s teeth from the very start.
