If your baby is unusually fussy, he or she may be teething. Teething is when baby teeth first begin to erupt—usually around six months of age. Dr. Greenfield can keep your child’s mouth healthy from the first stage of development.
What Happens During Teething?
During teething, primary teeth push up through the gums. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first teeth to appear. Teething can make your infant’s gums sore and swollen. As a result of the pain and discomfort, your child may become cranky or irritable. Babies may also drool more and bite on toys to relieve the tension on their gums. Dr. Greenfield offers these tips to relieve your infant’s teething discomfort and keep erupting teeth healthy:
- Rub your child’s gums with a soft, wet cloth to keep the area clean. Apply a gentle pressure or a cold rag to help soothe the pain.
- Buy your baby a teething ring. Biting on a teething ring can ease the pressure on their gums and jaws. Make sure you clean the toy each day to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Additionally, make sure your child doesn’t chew on anything that could be swallowed.
- Wipe your infant’s drool with a dry cloth to prevent skin irritation or rashes.
- As teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and water. Do not use fluoride toothpaste until around age three.
What Happens After Teething?
Take your child to visit Dr. Greenfield by age one. Your Lake Orion dentist will inspect your little one’s mouth for developing problems and introduce the process of regular oral care. Your child should have a full set of 20 primary teeth around age three. By age six, baby teeth will naturally begin to fall out and permanent teeth will grow in. If baby teeth fall out too early, adult teeth may not grow in properly. As children grow up, Dr. Greenfield may recommend dental sealants or fluoride supplements to keep their teeth healthy throughout life.
Lake Orion Family Dentistry loves kids! We can make your child’s dentist appointment comfortable and educational so your little one can have a healthy smile for life. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213 to request a Happy Visit for your child. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.
