My Baby’s First Tooth

There are babies who do not have their first tooth until they are 12 months old, on the other hand, others already have it at 6 months of age. 

From 3 months of age, when a baby puts his hands and everything in his mouth, salivates profusely and cries easily and even whiny, it is possible that this is because it will soon appear your first tooth.

Usually, a baby’s first tooth erupts from 6 months of age. However, teething does not occur the same in all cases. There are babies who can have it as early as 3 months and others can have it at 4 or 7.

How do you know if your first tooth is coming out?

If, when you open the baby’s mouth and check the gum, it is red or swollen and also has symptoms of breakage, it is possible that the discomfort is due to the next tooth exit.

Teething may not be painful in all cases. However, it is normal for certain discomforts to occur, such as those already mentioned. Be careful, if the breakdown becomes a fever higher than 38ºC, it is possible that the baby has some type of infection that should be treated as soon as possible with the doctor.

It should be noted that the first to emerge are the lower or central incisors. Then, the upper ones (central and lateral) will come and later, the lateral ones.

Then, the reason for the crying, irritability and constant complaint is due to the discomfort caused by the tooth exit. To alleviate them, it is best to follow the indications of a pediatric dentist. 

Some tips to ease discomfort

Here are some of the tips that pediatricians usually give when discomfort occurs due to the emergence of the baby’s first tooth.

• There is no need to worry if the baby is born with a tooth, it comes out at the fourth, seventh or twelve months. Each one is different.

• To relieve discomfort, your gums can be massaged with sterile gauze soaked in mineral water at room temperature. The movements should be smooth, slow and continuous so that the baby feels progressively better.
• In order for him to have something to chew and suck safely, it is best to give the baby a teething ring (always clean). These are made of soft materials that are suitable for the teething process.
  • It is recommended to clean and refrigerate the teething ring for a while so that it is fresh and can provide greater relief to the baby.
• If the baby manifests symptoms such as persistent fever, extreme pain, among others, it should be taken immediately to the doctor.

Pacifier use is one of the most controversial issues when it comes to child development. There are those who think that if it deforms the teeth and gums and there are those who consider that this is nothing more than a myth. The truth is that many parents use it, along with the ring, to calm crying, reduce stress and help children fall asleep.

what not to do?

• Give you pain relievers and other medications without consulting your pediatrician. Nor is it advisable to resort to natural remedies, homeopathic medicine and the like.
  • Rub his gums with ice or a few drops of the pain reliever you use to lower his fever if he is in pain. There are also analgesic ointments, even homeopathic ones.
• Pressing on the baby’s gums with objects or even your hands. This can increase the risk of infection and other complications.
• Give the baby food or objects that could be dangerous, for example, a peeled carrot, a spoon, etc.

Aspects to consider

After the exit of your first tooth (lower central incisor) your partner will appear. Then the upper central incisors will erupt, the lateral incisors, the canines and finally the molars will follow around 30 months (some will achieve it in less time, others in more) when they will complete 20 pieces.

The care of the milk teeth will determine in part the health of the definitive ones. For this reason, after 12 months, when the child has about eight teeth or more, it is recommended to start using a toothbrush and toothpaste and to create oral hygiene habits.