Teething

  Teething can be a cause for concern for anxious parents as it signals constant drippling, crying and sleepless nights for infants and their parents as the teeth cuts through. I remember being armed with a tube of 'bonjela' soothing gel to rub into my babies' sore gums throughout the day. There are better remedies available now.

  The usual sign is excessive drippling but the real baby teeth don't appear until 6-7 months or even 15 months of age and will continue to emerge until the infant reaches about two and a half years of age.

Appearances of Teeth:

• around 6-7 months the 1st lateral and central incisors teeth appear
• around 12 months the 1st lower molar teeth appear
• around 14 months the 1st upper molar teeth appear
• around 20 months the 2nd lower molar teeth appear
• around 24 months the 2nd upper molar teeth appear

Some signs of teething include:

• irritability
• sleeplessness
• excessive drippling
• not feeding well
• red gums

  Seek advice from your health professional for the best advice or treatment.

Care for babies' teeth:

  Once babies' teeth are through, clean them with a clean soft cloth and later use a baby toothbrush when they are fully emerged. Only use boiled water in a bottle if needed as a settling aid during baby's sleep time as any juice or milk may cause tooth decay when left on baby's teeth for prolonged time as they sleep.