Teething

There is a lot to learn when you are a new parent. When it comes to your baby’s teeth, you may have many questions. Babies are born with 20 teeth below their gums that have not yet erupted. When the teeth start to erupt, or break through the gums, your child will officially be teething. Once your child starts teething, you need to start thinking about scheduling a visit to a pediatric dentist. Here are a few of the questions that you may have about pediatric dentistry and teething.

When Does a Baby Start Teething?

Most babies start teething between 6 and 12 months. Teething typically continues until a child reaches the age of 3. At around three years old, most children have all 20 of their baby teeth in place.

What Are the Signs That a Baby is Teething?

Teething can be uncomfortable for your child. As such, you may see many signs that they are teething. Most children will drool a lot when they are teething. They may also try to place toys or fingers in their mouth frequently. Some children have other symptoms of teething, such as ear pain, a runny nose, a mild fever or trouble sleeping. If you suspect your child may be teething, you can place a clean finger in their mouth. You may feel a small bump or lump on their gums where the erupting tooth is trying to make its way through the gums.

When Should a Baby First Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

It is recommended that you bring your baby to visit the dentist once they get their first tooth in or by the age of one, whichever comes first. Visiting a dentist when your child gets their first tooth in is important for a few reasons. First, a dentist can check your child’s teeth and ensure they are coming in properly. Secondly, they can advise you on how to best care for new teeth that are coming in, helping to keep the teeth healthy.

Should You Stop Using a Bottle When Your Baby Starts Teething?

One of the questions that many parents have is whether they should stop using a bottle when their child starts teething. Most dentists and pediatricians agree that you should stop using a bottle around 12 to 18 months of age. If your child is teething and still using a bottle, you want to try to clean their teeth after they finish a bottle, to remove any residue from their teeth. You should also avoid placing sugary drinks or milk in a bottle prior to nap time or bedtime. These tips will help you avoid your child experiencing cavities at a very young age, which is a fairly common dental issue with young children.

When and How Can a Pediatric Dentist Help With Teething?

If your child is experiencing extreme dental pain when a tooth is coming in or if your child’s gums are showing signs of infection, you should bring your baby to a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist can determine what the dental problem is and how to best help your child.Bringing your baby to a pediatric dentist is important for a number of reasons. A pediatric dentist will ensure your child’s teeth are coming in correctly and that there are no infections. They can also provide you with teething advice, dental care advice, and answer any questions you may have. As you look for a dentist, you need to find one that you can trust and rely on. Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can help you with your child’s first appointment, and their pediatric dental needs thereafter. Call us today to schedule your appointment.