Having a new baby is always an exciting time. It seems at first, all they do is sleep, eat, and poo. However, within weeks, you begin to notice a definite personality, characteristics, and physical changes. Although you certainly do not want for your baby to grow up too fast most parents become very excited to see the first tooth. Somehow, the discovery of a white tooth in the mouth is a great accomplish for both child and parent.
Keep in mind that babies teeth at different ages although most will begin to develop the first teeth around six months. These first teeth, known as “baby teeth”, can cause fever, crankiness, and fatigue. Thank goodness, we do not remember all the “new experiences” as a baby. For us, these are just teeth but for the baby, the development of a tooth means skin being broken to make room, which can be a long and often, painful process. Therefore, if you notice your child drooling excessively, chewing on everything, and being fussy, chances are he or she is in the process of getting a tooth although you may not see the tooth for some time.
The interesting thing as mentioned is that while six months is the average age for teething, some babies get teeth at two or three months and others not until age one. However, the majority of babies will have all 20 teeth by around the age of three. Another interesting thing about your baby’s teething is that teeth grow in a particular sequence. For starters, your baby will get the two central incisors, which are the two front teeth on the bottom. For everyone, this is a big deal and very cute. Followed by the bottom front teeth are the four upper front teeth, the two lower lateral incisors, first molars, four canines, and finally, the other molars.
After the baby has all his or her temporary or baby teeth, these will soon fall out at which time they are replaced by permanent teeth. Like most of us, we have seen pictures or known a child around the age of six who smiles only to reveal a huge open gap where the front teeth are missing. For the child, this time can be traumatic and embarrassing but everyone has gone through it. Therefore, remind your child that if his/her friends have not yet lost their teeth, they will.
While the development of permanent teeth can also be uncomfortable, kids usually handle them better than the development of baby teeth. One of the most important things you can do for your child, even a little baby, is to teach good dental hygiene. When your baby first gets the two bottom teeth, use a wet washcloth to wipe the teeth off after eating. Soon, your baby will expect this practice so when it comes time for a toothbrush and toothpaste, it will be no big deal.