Teething Time Planner
It doesn't take parents long to realize that a
child's development does not always stick to given timeframes. For this reason,
the following plan is only an approximate guideline for teething:
• In the
6th week of pregnancy the formation of the dental ridge is already underway; the
substances for baby teeth develop.
• Between the 4th and 6th month of
pregnancy hard tooth structures develop; at birth, the tooth crowns are already
finished.
• In individual cases babies are born with a visible tooth – don’t
worry, even this is within normal boundaries.
• Generally, the preparation
for teething starts from 4 to 6 months.
• Between 6 and 8 months of age it
is likely that an incisor (bottom middle) will appear first.
• Followed
shortly by the top middle incisors, then the side ones.
• Around 14 months
the first molars arrive, then the canines.
• Finally, the second molars can
be expected from the second birthday.
• The complete set of baby teeth
consists of 20 teeth – 8 incisors, 4 canines and 8 molars
What babies need
now
When new tingling, itching and pushing sensations are suddenly felt due
to growing teeth beneath the surface, babies particularly like to put things in
their mouths and chew on them. This provides relief. Everything that cools feels
good, usually the next best object within reach, is chewed on until it reaches
body temperature. There are household remedies and medicinal products, but they
have their down side:
• Bread crusts don’t look particularly attractive
to babies, and attention must always be paid that they are only chewed and not
swallowed (risk of choking).
• Cooling, pain relieving gels or teething
suppositories from the chemists are medicinal – okay for occasional and brief
usage, but definitely not a long-term solution.
Oral care accessories
developed especially for infants are better for the job. Babies like them and
they offer good relief.
0–3 Months
Even if shortly after birth there
is nothing to see: the teeth are already there, almost complete in the dental
ridge. In addition, when baby teeth are examined in laboratories you can even
tell when they too were born into the world: during birth, the cells responsible
for enamel production (Ameloblasts) take a break – and this can be seen in the
enamel as the so-called birth, or neonatal line.
4–6 Months
For
most children their first tooth comes through at about 6 months. Under the
surface however, preparations are underway. Especially now, when babies are
enjoying discovery with their mouths – they are going through the so-called
‘oral phase’ – they strongly feel the sudden new tingling, itching and pushing
sensations. Parents can also notice the change when baby kisses become wetter -
teething causes increased saliva production.
7–9 Months
Baby
teeth: they only last a few years, yet are important for a lifetime.
It
will probably be an incisor, in the middle at the bottom that appears first.
This first tooth and the 19 other baby teeth need plenty of care from day one –
not only because the enamel-mineral coating is thinner than that of the second,
permanent teeth. They also fulfil many important functions that last into
adulthood.
Having a healthy set of baby teeth influences the development
of facial features as well as the child’s ability to learn to talk properly. The
first teeth are indispensable ‘place-keepers’ for the second, permanent set;
especially the canines and baby molars: they ensure that in the final set of
teeth, everything will be in its proper place.
It is really worth taking
care of the child’s baby teeth from now until puberty when the ‘last of the
first’ fall out. In addition, the dentist bills quickly add up if problems with
baby teeth have to be treated orthodontically.
The MAM Massaging Brush is
not only ideal for cleaning the very first teeth. Parents can also use it to
give their child an oral massage, which helps combat itching and tingling. The
shape and brush head make it possible to reach all parts of the mouth and the
right spots accurately. The long handle invites babies to hold on and join
in.
The MAM baby
toothbrush is developed with dentists to ensure that babies get used to
regular oral hygiene for healthy teeth. For more information on the best baby toothbrush for your
child, visit http://www.mymambaby.com.