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Oct
Pediatric dentists do more than just clean your child’s teeth—they provide valuable guidance to parents on their child’s oral health, including teething. Want to learn more about baby teething? Drs. Sona Isharani and Shima Ghattan at Triad Dentistry are here to assist. Get the information you need about your little one’s baby teeth to ensure their healthy development.
Many babies have 20 teeth at birth; however, they are trapped beneath the gums. There’s a wide range of variability about when the first tooth erupts because some babies may not have their first tooth by age one. However, most babies develop their first tooth at six months. Typically, the lower front teeth are the first to appear, and most children develop all teeth by age 3.
Scheduling a dental visit within six months of your child’s first tooth eruption, but no later than their first birthday, allows the dentist to monitor tooth development and address any potential issues early.
Usually, teething doesn’t cause pain, but parents can tell when these little teeth are about to come in. Often, there may be swelling or redness in the gums, and the baby may drool more than usual. Although teething can cause fussiness in babies, one thing it won’t cause is fever. Your baby’s temperature may rise slightly, but anything over 38 degrees (100.4 Fahrenheit) could indicate an infection needing further treatment.
Before the eruption, the uneven edges of teeth push against the gums, and the baby may chew on toys, hands, and other objects to soothe the discomfort. Putting pressure or massaging the gums helps provide relief, so ensure you give your baby clean and safe items to chew on.
The following can help with tooth eruption discomfort:
Babies can develop cavities when the first tooth appears, so optimal oral hygiene is essential. Once the first tooth erupts, clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean water. When your baby is age two, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to clean their teeth but encourage them to spit. If your child is at risk of tooth decay, complement at-home oral hygiene with dental sealants or fluoride treatments.
Although baby teeth will eventually fall out to make way for permanent teeth, they are crucial in your child’s overall oral development. Baby teeth aid in speech development and are vital in chewing food. Crucially, these primary teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, ensuring they are properly aligned. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, it can cause spacing issues, leading to crowding or misalignment of the adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth set the foundation for lasting, healthy smiles.
Triad Dentistry is the premier destination for children’s dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Step up your child’s dental care by scheduling an appointment with our team. Call (336) 383-1482 to reserve an appointment.