Dentists recommend taking your child to their first dental appointment within six months of getting their first tooth or by 1 year old. Kids can start getting teeth as early as 4 months old, starting with the front teeth. Typically, the front bottom teeth come in first, but each kid is different & it’s nothing to worry about if the teeth arrive in a different order.
Those first teeth can be difficult for both parents & child, but knowing what to expect can make it a little easier.
Symptoms
Teething can be very uncomfortable & even painful. Children typically experience symptoms a few days to a week before & after the teeth break through the gums (also known as “cutting” or “erupting”). That’s up to two weeks of discomfort.
Common symptoms include drooling, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability & slight increase in body temperature. While you may have heard that fever is common with teething, if your child has a temperature above 101, it’s more likely they have something else going on. Always consult your pediatrician if your child has a fever.
Treatment
It’s tough to watch a child struggle, but thankfully there are many ways to relieve their teething symptoms. Chewing can put soothing pressure on their gums. The safest teethers you can buy are solid rubber or silicone ones. Avoid amber beads, plastic objects & fluid-filled teethers. Or, a fantastic budget-friendly option is a clean, wet or frozen washcloth.
There are also some gel soothing products, which can be effective for some children. However, the FDA recommends parents avoid products containing benzocaine, which is a numbing agent, for children under 2.
After Teething
Once those teeth break through the gums & your child is feeling more comfortable again, it’s time to find a pediatric dentist. Your child’s first dental visit will be more of an informational meet & greet. It’s important to start building a dental home for your kid. Plus, your child’s dentist will be able to give you advice on brushing your child’s new teeth, which can be a different experience for each kid.
Appointments Before & After Work or School & on Saturdays & Sundays!
Request Online or Call Today!
Related Posts
The Role AI plays in Dentistry
The world of dentistry is always changing, taking on new & more advanced technologies to better care for patients. One technology has recently stood out in the news: Artificial Intelligence (AI). How this will affect dentistry will depend on the technology’s refinement but here are some preliminary possibilities & applications.
Healthy Gums are the Foundation of a Great Smile
Healthy gums play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of your teeth & mouth. Poor gum health can lead to various oral problems, including bad breath, tooth decay & gum disease. Poor gum health can also lead to more expensive care. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy gums.
How to Encourage Your Child’s Passion for Dentistry
You might be one of the lucky parents who never has to remind your child to brush & floss. Since early childhood, they’ve been fascinated with teeth, examining their fallen-out baby teeth, sad when the tooth fairy looks away, always pointing out new dental facts. It may be that a career in dentistry is in […]