Taking care of your baby’s teeth

Without a healthy set of milk teeth, young children will experience trouble chewing and forming words and sounds, when learning to speak. They also affect the way a child’s jaw grows. That is why it is important to take care of their teeth from the time they start teething.

Teething troubles

Generally, teeth start appearing between four months and seven months of age, but every baby is different. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth. Some babies are also born with teeth. Named natal teeth, they occur in approximately one in every 2 000 to 3 000 births. These teeth normally develop on the lower gum, are attached with soft tissue and do not have strong roots.

Making babies uncomfortable

Parents tend to think that teething causes a fever, but it doesn’t. It makes baby fussy and uncomfortable. This can be relieved through offering a cold teething ring or a cold washcloth to chew or suck on, as well as rubbing the gum with a clean finger. No matter how tempted you may be to soothe the child using aspirin, don’t as it can cause serious illness that can lead to death in children under 18 years of age.

Caring for baby’s gums

Parents should commence caring for baby’s gums right away. At first, the care will not involve a toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, use a soft, moistened washcloth or piece of gauze to gently wipe baby’s gums at least twice a day. Especially wipe gums after feedings and before bedtime. This process will wash off bacteria and prevent the micro-organisms from clinging to a child’s gums. Bacteria can leave behind a sticky plaque that damages infant teeth as they erupt.

Brushing first teeth

When the first baby teeth start to appear, a soft toothbrush with a small head and large handle should be used. At first, just wet the toothbrush. At around the age of one year, parents can begin using a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. Wait to introduce fluoride toothpaste until children are at least two years old. Brush gently all around the baby teeth – front and back. Parents need to stay vigilant for any signs of baby tooth decay — brown or white spots or pits on the teeth. Even if there are no visible problems, children should attend their first paediatric dentist visit by the age of one year.