That first tooth is a huge milestone, but how much do you know about your baby’s teeth? Here are five helpful facts and tips.
- Most babies get their first teeth between 6 and 12 months, but some will get them earlier or later. Most children will have all 20 baby teeth by age 3.
- When your baby is teething, try gently massaging their sore gums, or offer them something cold to chew, like a clean, chilled washcloth to relieve their discomfort.
- Stay away from teething tablets or gels containing belladonna or benzocaine. These are added to numb the pain but could produce harmful side effects. Amber necklaces are potentially a strangulation or choking hazard, and there is no evidence they work.
- As soon as your child has a tooth, start brushing it gently with a baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Book your baby’s first dental appointment by age one or when they get their first tooth. This first checkup is merely to make sure their teeth and jaws are developing normally, but we can also offer lots of useful and practical information and advice about how to care for your baby’s teeth.
