The excitement of your baby’s first tooth is often paired with uncertainty: when should you start brushing, and how do you soothe teething pain? As that tiny tooth breaks through, it marks a crucial milestone in your child’s development, but it also signals the start of a new dental care routine.
You can make this journey easier with expert tips from a top dentist in Shepherdsville, KY, ensuring those first teeth are off to a strong start.
Let’s go through what a dentist in Shepherdsville, KY, recommends when your baby’s first tooth emerges.
First Tooth Guidance: Recognize The Signs of Teething
As your baby grows, the teething process can be a challenging, yet exciting milestone. Recognizing the signs of teething early on helps you prepare and respond to your baby’s needs. Teething generally begins around six months.
Some babies might show signs earlier or later, but there are several common symptoms to watch for. One of the earliest signs is increased drooling. As your baby’s teeth start to push through the gums, their salivary glands may produce more saliva than usual, leading to a wet chin or drool on their clothes.
This is completely normal, but you can help by wiping your baby’s face frequently to prevent rashes and discomfort. Another key symptom is irritability or fussiness. The pressure of the teeth coming through can cause swelling and tenderness in your baby’s gums, making them feel uncomfortable or unsettled.
During this time, your baby may be more sensitive than usual and seek extra comfort from you. They might also experience difficulty sleeping, as teething pain can worsen at night, disturbing their rest.
Chewing on Things
Your baby may also begin chewing on hands or objects. This behavior is their way of trying to relieve the discomfort in their gums. While it’s natural for babies to put things in their mouths, it’s essential to ensure that the items they’re chewing on are safe and clean. Teething rings and soft toys are good options that can provide some relief.
Swollen or Tender Gums
You may notice that the gums around the emerging tooth appear red and inflamed. In some cases, the tooth may even be visible beneath the gums, ready to break through. You can gently feel your baby’s gums to check for any bumps or soreness.
Invest in Baby Dental Care
As soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s important to begin thinking about oral hygiene for babies
Early dental care sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth, and investing in this care from the start can make a significant difference. While that tiny tooth might seem small and insignificant now, it’s the first step toward a lifelong beautiful smile.
Brushing Baby Teeth
One of the first things you can do is invest in a soft-bristle, baby-sized toothbrush. Even though your baby’s teeth are just coming in, it’s never too early to start cleaning them.
Gently brushing their teeth with water (and a tiny smear of fluoride-free toothpaste if they’re old enough) helps establish a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing removes plaque buildup and prevents tooth decay from the outset, creating habits that will stick as your child gets older.
Baby’s First Dentist
It’s also important to schedule your baby’s first dental visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Many Kentucky parents are surprised to learn that dental visits should start early. However, they’re a crucial part of ensuring your child’s teeth come in healthy and strong.
During this visit, your kids’ dentist will check for any potential issues and discuss Shepherdsville dental tips for your baby.
Watch for Warning Signs
Most of the time, teething simply causes discomfort, but there are other problems to be aware of that could affect your baby’s health and dental development. One issue to watch for is fever. A mild fever is common during teething, but if your baby’s temperature rises too high or lasts for more than a day, it could be a sign of an infection or another health concern.
In these cases, it’s best to contact your pediatrician to rule out any conditions unrelated to teething.
Diarrhea can also occur during teething, although it’s typically mild. If your baby experiences persistent diarrhea or other symptoms, such as vomiting or dehydration, it may be caused by something other than teething, like a stomach bug.
Be sure to monitor your baby closely and consult your pediatrician if the diarrhea lasts for more than a day.
Bottle Decay
Another concern is bottle decay, or early childhood cavities, which can develop if your baby frequently falls asleep with a bottle in their mouth or is allowed to drink sugary liquids throughout the day. The sugars in milk, formula, or juice feed harmful bacteria that can cause cavities in your baby’s developing teeth.
This condition often affects the upper front teeth, but can impact other teeth as well. To avoid bottle decay, never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle, and try to offer water instead of sugary drinks.
Irritable Babies
Cleaning your baby’s teeth or gums after feedings can help remove sugar residue and bacteria. If you notice excessive irritability or crying that doesn’t subside with typical teething remedies, it might indicate that your baby is suffering from something more than just teething pain.
For example, ear infections are common during teething, as babies often experience congestion in their ear canals. If your baby is tugging at their ears, has trouble sleeping, or seems especially uncomfortable, a visit to the doctor is warranted.
Work With a Dentist in Shepherdsville, KY Today
Clearly, a dentist in Shepherdsville, KY, can be helpful after a baby’s first tooth comes out.
Are you looking for the best pediatric dentist in Kentucky?
Taking care of your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone, and at Kentuckiana Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through every step. From early checkups to developing healthy dental habits, Dr. Matt Mitchell and our friendly team ensure a positive, stress-free experience for both you and your child.
Book an appointment today at our Shepherdsville or Mt. Washington locations to get personalized advice and care for your little one’s growing smile.
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