Hi and welcome to my dental tips blog. I have been in dentistry now for 25 years and prevention of dental disease through education is my passion. That doesn't mean nagging honest! I hope to produce useful dental information that will help the whole family.
So let's start with tooth care for babies.
0-20 in 18 months
Babies start to teeth at around 6 months old. They usually get the lower front teeth first, then the upper front teeth. By around two to two and a half, all 20 of their baby teeth (deciduous is what us dental people call them) have erupted. You should take them for their first visit at the dentist (free on the NHS) around 18 months to 2 years but it is a good idea to register before that in case of bumps to the teeth or mouth.
Teething
When babies are teething they tend to want to apply pressure to the area, chew on anything, they love a knuckle! Cool teething rings are good, and so are Bickiepegs or a decent chunk of carrot - not too small or it can be a choke hazard. Teething gel doesn't work too well, and there is not any evidence to say teething powders work, however some parents feel there is a benefit. Sugar free paracetamol can be used if the baby is really unsettled. Luckily it doesn't last forever, it just feels like it!!!
Cleaning those first teeth
Usually the first time you know that tooth has broken through is when your little angel bites your finger and it really hurts! We now have to start cleaning that tooth every day at least once a day, ideally once in the morning and once in the evening. When the tooth is only part through the gum, you could use a piece of gauze or clean muslin cloth to wipe it. That is easier on you and your little wriggly baby who doesn't get the need for holding that head still one bit. You can get wipes with xylitol on them, thought to discourage the bacteria that cause decay in our teeth.
Then you can progress to a silica finger brush which is really easy to use and gets your baby used to brushing. Don't use any toothpaste as of yet as they can't spit it out, but once 4 or more teeth are through you can start a very small smear of infant toothpaste. As soon as your baby can spit, usually around 18 months, move them on to an adult paste as this is the best for their teeth.
Drinks
Don't be tempted to give your baby juice in their water as they wean, if they have never had it they will never miss it! Same with sweets, keep them off them as long as you can. I know it is not easy with older siblings and those full party bags. Best for drinking is plain water and milk and once that first tooth is in try to get them out of the habit of falling asleep on the bottle or breast at night. I am a mum of 3 and know that is not an easy one, so wiping the tooth after before you put them down will work if they are not ready to give up that magic sleepy bottle just yet.
Let me mum!
As baby gets older Brushbaby do a great range and have a chew-able brush for baby from around 10 months to help with the teething of the back teeth. They can have a go themselves which starts to improve their dexterity ready to start learning how to brush.
I hope this was useful and feel free to share with any new mums.
Next time - toddlers teeth.
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