Posted on Leave a comment

Baby’s First Tooth: Facts Parents Should Know

All good parents love it when their babies start teething. Nevertheless, no matter how anticipated and special this moment can be, it is sometimes painful – both for the parents and for the little one. So, if your baby starts crying more than usual or you notice a white bud growing in their gums, then the time has come for them to start growing teeth to give them a nice little smile. Nevertheless, no matter how excited you might be about your baby’s first tooth, there are certain things you must know as a parent. 

Teething can begin in babies when they are 2 months old. But while a baby could grow a tooth at an early age, the actual teeth would appear after they are six months old. So, as parents, you must be prepared during these months as you are the ones who will help your kids to pull through. 

Apart from helping your kid or baby to overcome the pain that comes with teething, another crucial factor that all parents must consider about a baby’s first tooth is the fact that they’re as important as an adult’s permanent teeth. Therefore, parents are advised to have a vivid understanding about their baby’s first tooth and how to take care of it as well. Below are 9 facts parents should know about their baby’s first tooth.

1. Having Healthy Teeth Is Good For Your Baby 

It is crucial for all parents to understand and  know that proper dental and oral hygiene is good even for babies and kids. And fully understanding this is important as it helps you (the parents) in managing and taking care of a baby’s first tooth.  

Bare in mind that the kind of dental and oral health care that they have been routinely given will either impact positively or negatively on their permanent teeth as adults. This will also affect the overall quality of their dental and oral health. It is for this reason that all parents must pay great attention to their baby’s first tooth. 

2. Fluoride Is Great For Cavity Protection

Almost all brands of toothpastes come with Fluoride as a key content. This is due to the fact that the element has proven to be a teeth protector. Also, fluoride helps in preventing tooth decay and cavities. Hence, parents should always prefer to purchase toothpaste that are made with Fluoride. 

Also, parents could seek advice directly from dentists on the best type of toothpaste to use on a baby’s first tooth. It is actually far better to be advised by a specialist than making such decisions all by yourself. 

3. Healthy Baby’s Teeth Will Last Even Till Adulthood 

If your baby’s first tooth is strong and healthy, then the chances of having healthy and strong teeth as a kid or an adult are heightened. And learning about oral and dental health at a tender age will also be beneficial to kids when they grow older. This is because they will apply what they have learnt when they grow up. As a result, they will be more keen on their personal dental and oral health even in the absence of their parents. 

As a matter of fact, there are research today that proves that people who have a healthy and strong baby teeth when they were kids no longer need to use any teeth whitening product of today as their teeth are good and healthy. 

4. Healthy Snacks And Meals Are Good For Healthy Teeth

Healthy snacks and meals are important factors for having strong and healthy teeth. This isn’t a secret; and this is one of the major reasons why most parents nowadays encourage a balanced and healthy diet for their babies.

Also, know that the kind of drink and food you give your baby to eat will be playing a major role in their first tooth growth. So, we are all advised as parents to provide our babies with only healthy diets as soon as they start teething. Not only will they get to enjoy the many physical health benefits that comes with having a healthy diet, but they can enhance other parts of their body including their dental and oral health as well.

5. Make An Appointment With A Dentist When Your Baby’s First Tooth Appears

Another fact all parents should know about their baby’s first tooth is that it must be given proper attention and guidance. So, it is very important for parents to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as their baby’s first tooth appears. 

This will be very beneficial and helpful, especially if you are having a baby for the first time. Dentists as we all know it, are experienced and know everything concerning all kinds and types of teeth. And having knowledge on the best oral and dental care practices can only be acquired from dentists.

6. Most Babies Start Developing Teeth Between Six to Twelve Months

As earlier mentioned, babies can get their first tooth in their second month. But it is only in the sixth month that the first tooth will appear fully. Subsequently, the following months will definitely be challenging for the infant as this is the time when he or she will grow almost all of their teeth.

Hence, it will be best if parents schedule dental appointments every month for the next six months. Also, learning how to care for your baby within his/her teething period will help prepare you for whatever might happen. 

7. Brush Your Baby’s First Tooth Once A Day

Brushing your baby’s first tooth is not the same as brushing their permanent teeth. Bare in mind that the tooth is still very sensitive and still undergoing development. It is for this very reason various toothbrushes have been designed for babies and infants.

In terms of the brushing intensity, your baby’s first tooth must not be brushed with force. It needs to be brushed gently and softly. Also, bare in mind that it must only be brushed once a day. You can brush your baby’s teeth after giving him/her the normal scheduled morning bath. 

8. Offering Acetaminophen Or Something Cold, And Massaging Sore Gums Can Help Reduce Your Baby’s Teething Pain.

Most times, teething does not cause children too much pain, however, most parents will know when their baby starts teething. Babies may display signs of discomfort or pain when they are about growing their first tooth. Also, the gums in that area may become swollen, resulting to more saliva secretion.

Parents can help to reduce the pain that comes with teething by gently rubbing their baby’s gums with their fingers, or buy solid teething rings for their baby. If you give your baby a teething biscuit, ensure you stick around and watch while he or she eats it. Chunks can easily get broken and may lead to choking. Also, these biscuits aren’t very nutritious and most of them contain salt and sugar.

The temperature of a baby may slightly rise during the teething period. However, according to a research that was done on pediatrics in 2016, a fever with a temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit isn’t associated with the teething process. It is a sign of an infection or illness and will need to be treated immediately. If your baby is in severe pain, quickly see your pediatrician to administer the correct dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol), or if more than 6 months old, such a baby should be administered with ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil). Ensure that you ask your doctor for the appropriate dose in milliliters (mL) based on the weight and age of your baby. Most babies, however, will have no trouble at all when they grow their first tooth.

9. Do Not Use Gels With Benzocaine, Teething Tablets, Homeopathic Teething Tablets, or Amber Teething Necklaces.

Stay far away from gels with benzocaine and  those teething tablets that are made with plant poison belladonna. Benzocaine and belladonna are sold to ease your baby’s pain, but the FDA has warned against them due to their potential side effects.

Additionally, using amber teething necklaces is not recommended. Necklaces placed around a baby’s neck can cause choking or pose a strangulation risk. Also, no research has shown the amber necklace to be effective. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to know the safest medication for your baby.

CONCLUSION / FINAL WORDS

All in all, your baby’s first tooth is as important as every adult’s permanent teeth. Most times, a baby’s first tooth will need much more care than those of a fully grown child. Bare in mind that babies and infants need full guidance and assistance when it comes to maintaining a healthy and great tooth. This is why every parent should think ahead and take these facts seriously. 

Also, seeking the advice and opinion of an expert is always a nice idea. Therefore, parents must always seek the opinion of their dentists before beginning any new treatment, routine, or practice that concerns their baby’s teeth management.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.