The Secret Behind Baby's Toothy Smile

Teething is a baby’s growing up pain. Imagine your baby’s gums thickening before her tooth cuts through ! How terribly unpleasant can that be! Some "lucky" babies sail through what we locally know as ‘pagngingipin’ with just flushed cheeks and red butt-butts. Others may suffer more.

Here are some things to chew on, Mommies, while baby is teething --- interesting bits of info, easy pain relief advice and helpful tips for healthy baby teeth.

When can I expect to see the first big toothy grin?

On the average, the first tooth cuts between 6 to 12 months, most often in the lower front gum area. But this is not a standard rule as the first tooth could come out at different times. Other babies will not get their first tooth until they are 18 months old!

The usual order of appearance is :

1. Central incisors or front teeth (6 to 12 months)
2. First molars (around 12 months)
3. Canines (around 24 months)
4. Back molars (around 3 years)

Children cut teeth at different times so don’t worry if your baby is three months behind her cousin who is of the same age.

How do I know that baby is teething?

Teething often comes with unpleasant signs. If baby dribbles or makes laway, is grouchy, and puts her hand or anything she finds in her mouth…then, she is possibly cutting teeth!

Some moms also note these other symptoms on baby such as a red buttocks, soft stools and flushed cheeks. Don’t panic --- these are not serious and should not last more than 48 hours.

Easy solutions for soothing baby

If your baby is in pain and you want a quick, effective treatment, you may consult with your pediatrician. But here are a number of things you can do to help take away her discomfort. Find out which ones baby likes best!

• Lightly massage baby's gums with your clean finger to help lessen her pain.
• Rub her gums with a touch of cold butter on your finger to provide a flavorful relief.
• Give your baby a teething ring to chew on. Soft plastic or liquid-filled teethers cold straight out of the ref are better.
• Cuddle therapy always works when your baby is having a hard time teething. Extra cuddles and kisses go a long way!

A sparkling smile is hard work

Once all your baby's milk teeth are out, they need to be cared for even if they are only temporary teeth. Young kids can easily get tooth decay. Left untreated, this may delay the appearance of permanent teeth and even weaken them.

Here are tips for a healthy set of white baby teeth:

• Do not give your child sweets or sweet foods.
• As soon as a few baby teeth appear, let your little one bite into a wet piece of cotton cloth as a way to wipe them clean. Do not give an oral fluoride supplement. Ask your pediatrician for advice.
• At age of 1 or 2, brush your child's teeth at night or ideally, after each meal. Choose a specially designed baby toothbrush and low-fluoride toothpaste  (under 440 ppm) suitable for her age. Teach your kid not swallow the toothpaste water, but instead to rinse her mouth, after brushing.
• Take your child for her first dental check-up when she is around 6 months. This allows your dentist to check if baby’s teeth and gums are developing properly and to provide you with advice on how to maintain your child's oral health. It is also a good time for your child to meet her dentist and to make her familiar with the dental clinic environment. Kasi mula ngayon, she will need to go back for a check-up regularly!