Teething is a fun but sometimes frustrating milestone in the life of an infant. As a parent, knowing when and how teeth come in can help you anticipate the signs and take the right care of your infant's oral health. Each baby is different, but most go through a typical pattern with teething. At Enhance Dental Center, we think early dental care is the key to creating the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The Early Warning Signs of Teething
Teething typically starts when babies are six months old, but it could start earlier or later. Teething signs often appear before a tooth erupts through the gums. Parents often observe excessive drooling, crankiness, and a baby wanting to chew on everything. Some babies have some discomfort, while others have sore gums and night pain. These initial symptoms show that teeth are starting to move towards the surface, but as yet cannot be observed.
Month-by-Month Teething Timeline
At four to seven months, the first baby teeth usually have erupted. The lower front teeth, or bottom front teeth, are the first to erupt. The little but sharp teeth hurt the baby as they pierce the gum line. Parents need at this time to offer their baby teething toys safely to bite on to soothe sore gums.
At eight to twelve months, the front top teeth or upper central incisors begin erupting. The teeth erupt in pairs, and this is when babies get their first true "toothy" smile. When they erupt, babies will be interested in eating solid foods and may change their feeding patterns. Parents will have to start gentle baby brushing of their baby's teeth with a soft-bristled brush and water so that their child develops good oral hygiene practices early in life.
Between nine and sixteen months, the lateral incisors start to come in. These are the teeth beside the central incisors on the upper and lower rows. Babies will have six to eight teeth at this point, and they might begin to try different food textures. While they are coming in, care should be taken not to expose them to sugary foods and beverages that cause early tooth decay.
Between thirteen and nineteen months, first molars develop. They are larger teeth which develop at the back of the mouth and possess a very essential role of grinding food. Due to their size and larger surface area, they can be painful during eruption. Parents can make teething relief with cold teething rings or by rubbing baby gums gently using a clean finger.
Between sixteen and twenty-three months, the cuspids or the canine teeth begin to erupt. The pointed teeth between the incisors and molars enable easier tearing of foods for babies. It can be a longer waiting time for the canine teeth to erupt through the gum line as well, which translates to the process being more painful in certain children. Sincere cleansing and watchful eye for symptoms of irritation on gums are vital in this instance.
In twenty-five to thirty-three months, the second molars erupt, filling out the primary set of teeth. These rear molars are typically the most painful for infants, but once they're in, your infant will have all twenty baby teeth. This is a great time to get your child on a regular dental schedule, such as visits to the dentist for checkups and early preventive care.
Taking Care of Baby Teeth Right from the Beginning
Baby teeth are only temporary, yet they perform an important function in speech development, chewing, and in positioning permanent teeth. Oral care should start the moment the first tooth erupts. Brushing at least twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in proper quantity will prevent cavities. Elimination of sugary beverages and eating, particularly before bed, discourages the development of premature dental cavities. Maintenance of sound oral habits right from infancy makes way for an enduring good oral habit.
Why Opt for Enhance Dental Center for Your Infant's Oral Hygiene?
Enhance Dental Center offers expert kid-friendly dental treatments, providing mothers and fathers with optimal advice and support during the teething stages of their infant. Our staff is aware of the significance of early dental care and collaborates with families to develop a positive and stress-free experience for parents and children alike. Frequent dental check-ups at an early age ensures that any issues are identified at an early stage before they worsen, enabling early treatment and improved oral health.
If your infant has begun teething or you're interested in receiving professional input on their dental health, make an appointment today at Enhance Dental Center. Our skilled and compassionate staff is prepared to offer professional guidance to ensure your child's smile stays healthy and vibrant. Early spending in dental care is one of the best investments you will ever make in your child's dental health in the long term. Let us be your partner of choice in shaping a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.