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Category: Parenting - Teething: About Baby Teeth
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 Teething:
About Baby Teeth
Healthy
teeth allow a toddler to enjoy a nutritious diet, aid in speech
development and enhance the child's appearance. Baby teeth also
help to maintain the space for the permanent teeth, guiding them
into
their correct position. Early loss of a baby tooth can reduce the
space for the permanent tooth, resulting in crowded permanent teeth.
The
timing of the appearance of the baby teeth can vary greatly.
Some
babies and toddlers may experience "teething problems"
such as:
The
teething problems are temporary. If pain causes sleeplessness, try
using sugar free paracetamol for infants.
Mild
teething problems may be eased by the baby chewing on clean, chilled,
hard objects e.g. teething rings from the fridge. Rubbing your child's
gums with a clean finger or the back of a cold spoon may help ease
the pain. A chilled teething gel containing a mild analgesic may
also provide some relief.
Baby's
teeth should be cleaned as soon as they appear in the mouth, using
either moistened gauze or a small, soft toothbrush. Use no more
than a pea-sized amount of low fluoride toothpaste, or a smear of
normal strength fluoride toothpaste, to minimise the quantity of
fluoride swallowed.
Remember:
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Baby
teeth are important, so take good care of your child's teeth.
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Teething
does not cause severe illness. If your child has a fever or diarrhoea,
see your doctor.
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Avoid
choking by always being present when your child is eating.
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A low fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children under 6
years of age.
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Low
fluoride toothpastes are available
Source:
Perth Dental Hospital
m Perth
Dental Hospital & Community Dental Services Dental Health
Education Unit March 2002 DH
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