Primary teeth are just erupting and my child has pain. How can I help him/her?
When new teeth begin to erupt, some babies may have sore or sensitive gums. Fever is not normal when teeth erupt. If your baby has an unusually high or persistent fever, call your doctor. Rub your baby's gums with a sterilized wet gauze to relieve the pain. A clean teething ring - do not dip it in sugar, syrup, honey or other foods - can also relief sensitive gums. If the child is still anxious or very distressed, consult your dentist or doctor.
Why are new teeth important for a child's health?;
New teeth are important for children to chew food properly, speak properly and have an aesthetic smile. In addition, they keep the space in the child's jaw for the eruption of the permanent teeth in the right position, thus preventing orthodontic problems.
At what age do children's teeth erupt?
A baby's front four teeth usually come first when the baby is about six months old. Do not worry if the teeth have not erupted exactly at the age of six months. Some babies may not have a single first tooth until they are 12 or 14 months old. By the time they are 3 years old, most children have completed the eruption of 20 primary teeth. As the child gets older, the jaws grow, making room for adult teeth that begin to appear around the age of 6 years. By the age of 12 to 14, children usually have 28 of their 32 adult teeth. The other four molars, often called wisdom teeth, erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
Should the child sleep with the bottle?
Once the teeth erupt through the gums, caries can also occur. Toddlers often have baby caries due to prolonged exposure of baby teeth to sugary liquids such as milk, juices, and sugar water. Even breast milk contains sugar.
Baby bottle caries occurs when the baby sleeps with the bottle or when the bottle of milk is constantly used to calm the crying baby. The milk remains on the teeth surfaces all night long when the baby is asleep and causes tooth decay.
Is it bad if my child sucks his finger in the mouth or uses a pacifier?
Sucking is a normal habit of babies that makes them feel safe, calm and happy. It also relaxes them and helps them sleep. The duration, frequency and intensity of this habit also determine whether orthodontic problems will develop (ie problems with the position of the teeth or problems with the development of the jaws). Sucking should stop after the age of 2 years. If it has not stopped by the age of 4, discuss it with your dentist.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
When your child's first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling your first visit to the dentist. Although this may seem early, prevention is the key to dental health. During the first visit, the dentist will:
- Examine growth, oral hygiene, any dental injuries, cavities or other problems
- Determine your child's risk of developing caries
- Brush baby teeth and suggest instructions for daily care
- Assess the child's need for fluoride
- Determine eating habits that can lead to tooth decay
- Discuss with parents about pacifier use, or finger sucking
Finally, the pediatric dentist will discuss treatment if needed and the frequency of check-ups needed depending on the child's needs.