Baby teeth
Facts
Relieve teething discomfort
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Facts
- Usually at 6 months old, babies would have their first teeth and by 2-1/2 to 3 years old, a full set of 20 tiny teeth. But it is normal that some babies have their teeth either earlier or later (during the 15th month!) than others. Some are even born with 1 or more teeth at birth!
- At 6 years old, the baby teeth would fall off to make way for a brand new set of teeth.
- Did you know that some of those tiny baby teeth (molars and canines) are the ones that secure the space in place so that the adult teeth can take over the space later? So when those baby teeth go bad too soon and have to be removed, the space will be lost. The result? Crooked teeth.
- Some of the signs of teething are - irritability, loss of appetite, waking up during the night, ear pulling, chewing on things, coughing to clear the throat, drooling (which could cause rash around the face and neck), swollen gums and a bluish red blister (known as a hematoma) found the gum, which may bleed a little when the tooth comes out. It should heal.
- Do not let the baby bite on any hard object, it could damage the gums.
- Teething is not the cause for high fevers. Though some mothers would agree that their babies were indeed affected by fever or diarrhea during teething.
- Just like adults, baby's teeth are prone to decay. Thanks to sugary food and drinks. Do not let your baby go to bed with milk or juice. Drink plain water instead.
- Remember to clean the teeth carefully and patiently. A good time will be when the baby is in a happy mood. Use water and moist a cotton wick, gauze or a piece of soft cotton cloth to do the job. Always keep their teeth clean.
- When the child reaches 3 years old, it is a good time to learn how to brush on his/her own - simply by watching you do it! Get one of those kiddy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Hard bristles can damage gums and teeth.
- Since small children love to swallow "tasty" toothpaste, choose a toothpaste that is free from saccharin, artificial flavors, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and fluoride (use just a little dab).
- Calcium is needed to grow strong teeth and it can be obtained from these sources other than milk: cereals, fruits, vegetables and meat.
- When adult teeth is properly taken care of, it can last a lifetime! So it is never too early to teach the child to do likewise.
Relieve teething discomfort
- Chew on cold teething ring or on a piece of cold wet cloth.
- Give a gentle but firm rub on the gum.
- Rub on the gum with a little lemon juice.
- Dilute 4 drops of clove oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and apply on the gum with a cotton wick. Clove oil is a natural anesthetic which relieves inflammation.
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