Isn’t it fascinating that your baby’s milk teeth start developing while still in the womb? Milk teeth usually begin to pop through the gum line during their first year, but some babies are born with their first teeth, and others don’t see any come through until after 12 months. 

Teething is an important milestone in your child’s development and the beginning of being able to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Nevertheless, it is sometimes necessary to provide your baby with teething relief during this time, as their gums swell and are extra tender to touch before a tooth breaks out.

When this happens, you might see their gum slightly split to make way for the emerging milk tooth. What splits are the cells in the gum over a tooth dying off, creating a path for it to emerge. With the molars (and sometimes the incisors), you can sometimes see blisters on the gum or a smooth bluish swelling before the tooth appears.

Remember that every child is different, but generally, between the ages of 5-10 months, you will find their teeth erupt in pairs, usually starting with the two bottom teeth and the first incisors. Each tooth or pair should only cause your little one pain for just over a week – five days before appearance and three days after. A toddler is most likely to have a full set of teeth by the age of two and a half to three years old. But again, don’t be alarmed if teething isn’t constant from five to 33 months. 

Ways to Provide Teething Pain Relief

Teething may make your infant super-grumpy, which is tough on you, too. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to ease their discomfort. This is what dental in Parramatta clinics often recommend to parents for teething relief: 

• Massage the baby’s gums gently with a clean finger, as the pressure can help alleviate discomfort and soothe the pain of teething.
• Regularly wipe off any drool with a soft, clean cloth to help keep their delicate skin healthy and comfortable during the teething process and prevent rashes from forming on their baby’s face, neck, or chest. 
• Allow the baby to chew on safe objects. Common choices include a chilled rubber teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth chilled in the freezer. Nevertheless, oral practitioners advise using care with either option to avoid injury. 
• Only children who eat solid foods should be given teething biscuits or cold or frozen food. Parents must watch their child closely when using solid foods, as pieces breaking off could become a choking hazard. 
• Painkillers should be an absolute last resort for when your toddler is in real distress. Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen are effective painkillers and can give your child teething relief quite quickly. Make sure to check the dosage information on the packet and consult your dental in Parramatta or pharmacist about how much to give your child.
• Stay patient when it comes to helping your baby with the pain and discomfort, as it may take a few tries before you figure out what works for you.

Establishing Good Dental Health with Your Dental in Parramatta Clinic

While it may seem like pain management is the main concern going into the teething stage, it is important to remember that taking care of your baby’s gums is just as important as starting a foundation for good dental habits. From birth, cleaning your baby’s mouth once per day can prevent the build-up of bacteria left from formula or breastmilk and get your baby accustomed to the sensation of brushing their teeth in the future.

Your infant’s first check-up with a dentist in Parramatta should ideally be after the first tooth appears and no later than three years old. Getting your infant familiar with dental visits very early in life is always beneficial, as it helps them become accustomed to the environment and comfortable and overcome potential fears. 

For older children, consider orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign Parramatta to ensure proper teeth alignment and oral health as they grow.

Parramatta Dental Avenue offers a welcoming atmosphere for children and a comprehensive paediatric service. Contact our clinic today to schedule your infant’s first appointment!

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