What is more exciting to a parent than the arrival of your baby’s first tooth? This joyous occasion is a developmental milestone that should not be overlooked. Your baby’s first tooth is a sign that your precious boy or girl is starting to grow up! When your baby first starts cutting teeth, you need to be prepared for what comes next.
Before your baby’s first tooth actually appears, there may be signs that they are starting to come in. Early symptoms can include heavy drooling or mouth pain. These symptoms can start a month or two before the arrival of the first tooth. This can be a difficult time for both the parents and the child as they wait for the tooth to finally break through. However, not all babies have these early symptoms. In fact, some babies experience no pain whatsoever! If your baby is experiencing teething pain, try to make them as comfortable as possible. Give your child a teething ring that they can chew on or something cold that will help to soothe their gums.
So, when will your baby’s first tooth actually appear? Well, not all babies teethe at the same time. This can vary dramatically from child to child. Generally you can expect your baby’s first tooth to arrive when they are six months. However, some babies start cutting teeth at two to three months, while others don’t start until nearly twelve months. A baby’s first cutting of a tooth may happen quickly and without pain, or it may end up being a very painful experience. These factors all depend on the individual child.
After your baby’s first tooth appears, their gums may appear fuller or swollen. This is a common result when children begin to cut teeth, so try not to worry about this too much. Once your baby’s first tooth comes in, however, it is important that you learn to care for them. It is up to you as a parent to keep them clean! You won’t need to brush your baby’s teeth right away, but you will still need to keep them clean. Be sure to wipe them with a clean, wet cloth after meals and before bed. Also, be aware that once your baby’s first tooth comes in, you shouldn’t leave your baby in their crib with a bottle. This can actually lead to a condition called baby-bottle tooth decay.
While the arrival of your baby’s first tooth signals the beginning of an important milestone, it doesn’t happen all at once. It takes approximately three years for your child’s teeth to come in fully. The first tooth typically shows at six months, or about the same time that their diet will start to include solid foods. It starts with the bottom front teeth, followed by the top middle teeth, and then the teeth along the sides and the back of the mouth. Keep in mind that tooth development is a hereditary process, so ask your parents about your own experience teething as a child – it just may shed some light on what you can expect with your own baby.
Take the time to celebrate the importance of the arrival of your baby’s first tooth! This is an exciting time for parents, so take lots of pictures and write down the date in your baby book.