With those chubby little cheeks and tiny button nose, there’s nothing that can light up a room quite like a baby’s smile. That gummy little grin will soon start to sprout teeth, but caring for a baby’s smile starts well before the first tooth arrives. As a parent, your baby’s happy, healthy smile starts with you!
Keeping your baby’s mouth clean, even before the first tooth appears, will help keep your baby’s mouth healthy.
Many parents wonder when their babies’ teeth will come in, and some even start to worry if their baby hasn’t cut a tooth by a certain age. All babies begin teething at different times, but in general, babies usually get their first tooth around 6 months and usually have all 20 “baby teeth” by the time they’re 2½ years old. If your baby seems to be drooling more and acting a little fussier than usual, it may be a sign the first tooth is on the way!
The truth is, teething isn’t much fun for anyone. It can be a painful process for babies and exhausting for parents. Just remember, it’s not forever!
Common symptoms of teething can include:
Here are a few things that can help with your baby’s discomfort:
Your baby needs healthy baby teeth in order to chew food and learn how to talk. Taking good care of baby teeth can also help adult teeth come in straighter.
Not taking care of baby teeth can lead to tooth decay, a dental problem that can harm your child’s teeth and cause cavities. It can be painful for your child, and if left untreated, can cost a lot of money to fix.
Here’s how you can help prevent tooth decay and keep your baby’s mouth healthy:
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Side-Lying Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cross-Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Clutch or “Football” Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Laid-Back Hold
This hold is useful when: