There are twenty baby teeth. Typically, the upper and lower incisors come first, followed by the lateral incisors a few months later, then the molars and cuspids. Usually, this process will take until baby is two years old. If your baby hasn't started to teeth by the time they're around one year old, you should consult a dentist. Remember, though, that all babies are different and teething is no exception.
Teething isn't too hard to spot (baby will let you know) but here are a few things to look out for :
• Increased fussiness.
• Nighttime crying.
• “Clingy" behavior.
• Excessive drooling.
• Chewing on fingers, teething rings, etc.
• Swollen, red, inflamed gums.
• Increased demand in breast or bottle-feeding.
• Rejection of breast or bottle because sucking hurts the gums.
• Poor appetite.
• Interrupted sleep.
Despite some stories you may have heard, teething does not cause a fever, sleep problems or diarrhea.
There are things you can do to help baby with the discomfort of teething :
-- Gently massage baby's swollen gums with your finger. Obviously, you need to be sure that your hand is clean when you do this.
-- Give baby something cold to suck on, like a frozen lollipop or a chilled teething ring.
-- Soak a clean, soft cloth in apple juice. Wring the cloth out, tie a small knot in it and put it in he freezer for about thirty minutes. Don't worry; it won't freeze hard like water. When frozen, give it to baby, placing it gently in baby's mouth.
-- Baby Ibuprofen or other child-safe over-the-counter medications can be used for a few days if teething is particularly painful for baby.
Never rub alcohol in to baby's mouth and avoid teething ointments for babies under four months old.
It's important that baby teeth are looked after, even though they will be replaced by adult teeth later. Baby teeth allow baby to learn to eat and speak properly and they reserve space in the jaw for the adult teeth to follow. When the new teeth are fully out, clean them with a very soft baby toothbrush or a piece of gauze. Never let baby fall asleep with a bottle or use a bottle as a pacifier; prolonged exposure to any liquid other than water can encourage tooth decay. Gently clean baby's teeth and gums after each feed.
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