Your Baby’s First Tooth: What To Expect

Love comes first. Then comes marriage. Then there’s a baby and… a baby tooth? Wait, what? In our version, that is how things go. That is how all parents and babies interact. Teething is one of the initial developmental stages in their life. And for parents, watching their baby’s first tooth emerge is a significant milestone. However, as most parents are aware, your baby’s first tooth emergence is sometimes accompanied by some discomfort. Have no fear. We’ve outlined the first stages and what to expect below with the help of our pediatric dentist.

Baby’s First Tooth

Teething takes a few months to begin for the little bundle of joy. While you may not believe it is necessary, you may still care for their gums throughout that period. It not only keeps them clean and healthy, but it also sets up your baby’s dental care regimen. A regimen that will eventually lead to brushing, after which your child will take over in their late toddler/early primary school years. So, the sooner you practice, the sooner you’ll master it, resulting in a joyful and healthy smile.

Drooling more than normal is a good sign that teething has begun. Typically, your baby’s first tooth will appear between 3 and 9 months of age. Damp burp towels are useful to keep on hand to assist avoid the irritation that excess drool can cause. Typically, teeth come in pairs. Often, the lower front teeth appear first. Eruption charts might help them keep track of all 20 baby teeth. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist can provide guidance and support throughout this teething phase.

How to Tame the Teething Soreness

Aside from drool, there are numerous indicators of teething. They include:

• Excessive drooling
• Swollen gums 
• Excessive facial rubbing
• Loss of appetite
• Crankiness
• Trouble sleeping

Distracting your youngster from the pain and suffering is the most effective at-home teething cure. And they usually do so by putting something in their mouth. Parents all across the world have reported success with chilled teething rings or cold washcloths. If your infant is still unhappy, speak with your pediatrician about an over-the-counter pain reliever.

With Teeth Come Table Foods

Your baby’s diet has probably consisted of breastmilk, formula, and possibly some rice cereal. Now that your baby has at least one chomper, it’s time to start experimenting with them a little more. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that you start feeding your infant more substantial foods around the 6-month mark. Foods such as:

• Unsweetened cold foods during teething—applesauce, yogurt, and baby foods

• Strained foods include tiny fragments of unsalted mashed potatoes, bananas, and macaroni.

• Small chunks of cooked vegetables—carrots, peas, sweet potatoes.

• Tiny morsels of protein: chicken, pig, hard-boiled eggs.

Make sure that all of the morsels are little and soft enough for them to reach their little tummies. That’s important, mom and dad.

Now you know what to expect when your baby’s first tooth appears. You’ll be ahead of the game if you have teething tablets and basic, soft food on hand. Remember that excellent sense, instinct, and parental love are the most valuable resources you can have.

If you have any questions concerning your baby’s first tooth please contact our pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City, UT at Salt Lake Dental.