Here’s What You Should Expect During Your Baby’s Teething Process

A few months after your bundle of joy has arrived, you should expect them to start teething. And no, it’s not going to be the smoothest ride, as your baby will most likely be in some pain due to the eruption of newly formed teeth from the gums. Here’s what all parents need to expect during the teething process.

The First Tooth

A baby’s first tooth can emerge anytime from six to twelve months of age. However, some babies may experience this earlier, around the age of four months. A note to all parents is that there’s nothing to worry about if your baby is not developing teeth right away. All babies have varying ages of developing their teeth, and most have a few by one year.

The Use of Fluoride

What all parents should know is that their babies are prone to tooth decay as soon as they start teething. This is why parents should introduce fluoride to their baby in some way, as it’s a mineral used to harden the tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is generally present in tap water, so ensure that you’re giving a few sips of water to your baby every day.

Massage Sore Gums

As mentioned earlier, your baby is going to experience a little (or a lot of) pain while they’re going through the teething process. Their gums might swell up a little due to the pressure of the teeth breaking through. Make sure to wash your hands, then use your finger to give your baby a gentle gum massage. This will help relieve some of the pain from their sore, swollen gums.

If your baby has just started teething, it’s advised that you visit Little Smiles of Delaware and meet with our pediatric dentist, Dr. Ben Kwok, to understand more about what you should expect during your baby’s teething.