How can I prepare for my baby’s teething?

Baby teeth are important for the health of a child’s mouth and so it is essential to take good care of them, even before they appear.
She can’t walk yet, but baby is already teething, with tons of drool to prove it. Everybody is anxiously awaiting the appearance of her baby teeth. This important stage in a young child’s development, which usually takes place between four and seven months, is often accompanied by several symptoms of discomfort.

• baby drools a lot
• baby bites everything he finds
• baby has red cheeks or an irritated bottom
• baby has less of an appetite
• baby is irritable

Fortunately, several little tricks can be used to help baby get through this necessary stage of development, without too much pain. Teething toys can be helpful. Not only are they a good distraction, some of them can be placed in the refrigerator to cool the non-toxic gel inside; as baby chews on the toy, the coolness provides some relief, as it cools her sore gums. You can also rub the gums with a small facecloth or a toothbrush designed for babies.

Although they will eventually be replaced by permanent adult teeth, the baby teeth are of great importance. In fact, they are the ones that give shape to the young face of a child and that guide the permanent teeth into their proper position later on.

It goes without saying that parents play an important role when it comes to a child’s dental health. Cavity prevention begins at home at a very young age. Consequently, it’s necessary to take good care of the teeth for good dental health.

• Starting from birth, clean baby’s gums with a facecloth.
• As soon as the baby teeth appear, brush them at least once a day with baby toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for little ones.
• Don’t let baby fall asleep with a bottle.
• Consult your dentist about the best age for a child’s first visit.

Young children should brush their teeth with the help of an adult, until they are about five or six years of age. Before the age of three, an adult should brush the child’s teeth. The job can be made easier by singing songs together during brushing or setting a timer to show how long the brushing will go on for. Some families find it easier to brush a young child’s teeth while the child is lying down, with the head tilted back slightly.

The age of the first visit to the dentist varies. Some dentists recommended a consultation within six months following the appearance of the first tooth. At this first meeting, the dentist will do a quick examination and try to detect any eventual problems. As well, this first visit will familiarize the child with the dental clinic. Professional cleanings by a dental hygienist can begin taking place around the age of three. A sealant can be applied to the molars around the age of six in order to prevent cavities and protect the adult teeth.