6 Things To Take Care Of When Your Baby’s First Tooth Appears

Every stage of development of your baby’s body is important to notice as the first signs of such development are nothing less than a milestone. Crossing these milestones merrily, without any serious issues is what all parents want.

The appearance of your baby’s first tooth is one such milestone. It is the first sign of healthy growth. And it is imperative from this very time only that parents take care of these tiny pearls to ensure healthy gum development.

An affordable dentist in Melbourne suggests parents these 6 tips to take care of their baby’s teeth.

1. Baby’s teeth develop between the age of 6-12 months: When a baby turns 3 months old, they start putting their hands and other things in mouth, salivate more and at the age of 6 months, they grow their first pair of teeth i.e. lower front incisors and by the time they turn 3 years old, most babies get all their teeth.

2. Include fluoride in their diet early: Fluoride is required to strengthen the enamel of our teeth. Therefore, when the baby starts having solid food, fluoride should be included in their diet. Tap water contains fluoride and if not then parents must consult a pediatrician to know how they can give fluoride supplements to their kids.

3. Take care of baby’s teething pain: When babies start teething, many of them experience discomfort in the form of itching and swollen and tender gums in the area where the tooth is coming. At this time, parents are required to massage the baby's sore gums with clean fingers or a clean frozen or wet washcloth and solid filled teethers instead of liquid-filled.

However, if teething pain persists then on a pediatrician’s prescription, you may give acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the baby’s age and weight.

4. Brush twice a day: This follows even for teething infants. As soon as they grow their first pair of teeth, parents must start taking care of them by gently brushing their teeth with a soft bristle finger toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. For infants, grain-sized and for young kids pea-sized toothpaste is sufficient. Also, parents need to ensure that they do not put their baby to bed with a bottle. Forming simple but good dental hygiene habits will prevent the need for dental implants in Melbourne at a young age.

5. Avoid using teething tablets, gels and necklaces: Parents must avoid using teething tablets and gels available in the market that claim to soothe teething pain. However, these products contain certain harmful chemicals in them that are dangerous for babies' health. Similarly, there is no scientific proof that teeth necklaces help in soothing teething pain in babies. Instead, they are a potential choking hazard.

6. First tooth, first dental visit: As they say charity begins at home, it is imperative that parents inculcate good dental habits from a very young age. And the best way to start it is to make a visit to a pediatric dentist on your child’s first birthday. This is to ensure that the baby is developing healthy teeth and gums.

Takeaway

The above tips, if followed properly, will help make the teething journey for your baby an easy one. Consult your nearest affordable dentist in Melbourne for further information and suggestions.