Teething normally starts at around 5-6 months. The first tooth that usually starts to pop out is the lower central incisor, which may be as early as 3 months old, and the last teeth to show them selves are usually the second molars, around about 2 years old. The rate and order of emerging teeth varies between babies. Most of the time teething can be a really difficult time for both babies and parents alike. The early symptoms of teething include drooling, swollen red gums and a fair amount of pain. It is a common believe that teething causes illness, like babies suffer from fevers or diarrhea, but according to medical practitioner it is not the case it is more likely that they have caught a bug at the same time. A teething baby will be more restless than usual, and more prone to nasal congestion and ear infections. They will want to bite on hard objects, drool, and may have trouble sleeping. Sore and inflamed gums, a low-grade temperature, and increased irritability are also signs of teething. Adult teeth, which start to nudge through from the age of six or seven, do not cause anything like the same discomfort.
Natural Remedies
To relieve sore gums, dilute one drop of clove oil in 1-2 tablespoons of safflower oil, dip your clean forefinger in this mix and gently massage the affected area. Repeat this 2-3 times a day. This gives a lot of relief from pain.
Dental Care for Babies
It is important to keep your babies teeth clean. For the first year there is no need to brush the teeth, but it is important to keep them clean, so it may be a good idea to give them a wipe with gauze once a day, perhaps at bedtime.
At about 18 months will be a good time to start using a toothbrush on your baby's teeth. You will have to do this for him for the first few times, not only so that they can learn how to brush their teeth correctly, but also because they probably won't have the concentration and dexterity to brush them self.
When your baby turns 3, you should make an appointment with a pediatric dentist for a check up.
