Usually, the growth of teeth begins when the child is six months old. But it happens that the teeth begin to grow earlier, and for some, on the contrary, they appear only by the year. It depends on various factors: heredity, the amount of calcium in the body, the characteristics of intrauterine development, and even the sex of the child (girls develop teeth faster).
Teeth in a child up to a year old begin to appear gradually. At first, you will notice swelling of the lower gums, slight bleeding. Then two white stripes become noticeable in the center. The child's front teeth began to erupt. Next in line are the two upper central, then the lower lateral incisors. After a couple of months - again two incisors at the top. Three months later, the most painful process begins: simultaneously teeth appear from the sides on both jaws. The teeth are wide, it is more difficult for them to cut through the gum tissue than the front ones. At about a year and a half, the third front pair grows - these are fangs.
The teething time is indicated very approximately, it is individual for each child. But if the teeth of a child under one year old have not begun to grow at all, you should consult a doctor. At three years old babyhas full twenty teeth, which are called milk. These teeth are whiter and brighter than permanent teeth. After the age of three, children's teeth stop growing.
How to help your baby
Almost all adults know what a toothache is. Teething is no less painful process. During the period when teeth are being cut in a child under one year old, more attention should be paid to him.
- Take the baby in your arms more often, show something, tell, distract from the pain.
- Wash your hands well and massage the inflamed gums with your fingertips.
- Let's have toys that aren't too hard for him to chew on. For the same purpose, purchase a special ring for teeth in advance.
- Don't give your baby hot food when the gums are inflamed, feed cold food. Yogurt or fruit puree can even be chilled in the refrigerator.
At about the age of six, permanent teeth are formed, and milk teeth begin to fall out. This usually happens in the same order as the teeth of a child up to a year old. If the molar begins to grow, and the milk tooth has not yet fallen out, you should contact a pediatric dentist. Removing a baby tooth is not at all difficult. But an unextracted tooth can create many problems: a permanent tooth will grow uneven. Many children are forced to wear braces during their teens or young adulthood to straighten their teeth.
Hygiene for the little ones
As soon as the teeth appear, they should be looked after. And the mother will teach this to the baby. First try wiping the cavitymouth with a soft sterile cloth. After a year and a half, try to teach your child to brush. The first brush should be silicone so as not to injure the gums. The kid will learn to brush his teeth with a soft brush without paste. Then, by the age of three, explain how to rinse your mouth and spit out the paste. At this age, the child should already be able to brush their own teeth.
Habits are born from early childhood. Brushing your teeth before bed or after eating is a good habit. Children love to repeat everything after adults. If mom and dad brush their teeth together, a three-year-old child will definitely do the same. Getting a 10-year-old to brush their teeth regularly if they haven't been taught to do so by the age of 3 will be much more difficult.
The appearance and growth of the first teeth is a natural process. Everyone has gone through it. There is no reason to worry, just be attentive to your baby. Help him get through this difficult time!
