Development of the milk teeth

While babies are still in the womb, milk teeth develop. Newborns have a complete set of 20 baby teeth hidden in their gums. In most babies, teeth begin to appear between 6 and 10 months of age. In some children, the teeth appear as early as three months of age. In others, they don't come until they are about 12 months old. Children get teeth at different times. A very small number of children are born with 1-2 teeth. The baby teeth can come in any order, although the central lower teeth often come first. By the time your child is three years old, all 20 baby teeth are usually there. The 32 adult teeth replace the baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 20.

When babies teethe

When a baby tooth reaches the surface of the gums, the gums open to let the tooth through. Babies sometimes rub their gums together as new teeth begin to come m through the gums. This is usually not a problem.

When babies are teething, they often draw attention to themselves as follows:

• they cry more
• they eat less
• they suck on objects such as toys, pacifiers and bibs
• they have dirty diapers more often
• they pull their ear on the side where the tooth comes through.

These signs may be caused by teething - or they may simply be a normal part of development or a result of minor infections and illnesses. If your baby isn't feeling well, it's always best to take your baby to the pediatrician, especially if he or she has a fever or diarrhea, or if you're worried about other symptoms.

Dental care for milk teeth and gums

Dental care for baby teeth can begin before your baby's first tooth appears. Once your baby is about three months old, you can wipe your baby's gums twice a day with a damp, clean face washcloth. This will help your baby get ready to brush when the first tooth appears.

As soon as the first tooth appears, brush the teeth with a soft infant toothbrush that is suitable for children under two years old. If your baby does not like the toothbrush in his mouth, you can continue to wipe the front and back of each tooth with a clean, damp face washcloth.

Tips for cleaning baby teeth:

• Position your baby so that you can see the baby's mouth and the baby feels secure. It may be helpful to sit on a bed or the floor with your baby so that the baby's head is on your lap.
• Take your baby's chin in your hands with the baby's head against your body.
• Lift your baby's lips to clean the teeth with soft, circular motions.
• Be sure to spend time on the front and back of each tooth, as well as the gum line.



Dental care for babies online store

You will find a wide range of dental care products for babies in our pharmasana online shop.