Baby's teeth are on their way, and it's time you start taking care of them. The first appearance of teeth varies from baby to baby - but it usually starts between 4 and 7 months of age. Excessive drooling at around 4 months of age may be the first sign of teething and the first teeth to come in are usually the two front teeth on the lower jaw.

Taking care of baby's teeth is important, as healthy teeth are vital to baby's overall health. They help your baby chew food and form words and sounds when speaking. Teeth also affect the way your baby's jaw grows.

Tips on caring for a teething baby
Though teething is usually painless, it can however make some babies uncomfortable and fussy. Here's what you can do to help:

• Give your baby a cold teething ring to chew or suck
• Use teething gels sparingly as too much is not good for baby
• Teething does not cause fever. So if your baby has fever, talk to your doctor.
• Continue to breast-feed as it's good for baby
• Start cleaning your baby's teeth twice a day as soon as (or even before) the first tooth appears
• Use a wet washcloth or gauze to clean your baby's teeth and gums - until she's one year old
• At about 1 year to 18 months, start using a soft baby toothbrush and a small dab of toothpaste that does not have fluoride in it
• Watch-out for cavities. The first signs of cavities in baby teeth are discoloration and minor pitting
• Never put baby to bed with a bottle of milk (or juice). It's notorious for causing cavities.
• Give water after every meal. Most infant foods easily wash off baby's teeth with just a drink of water
• Take your baby to the dentist around the first birthday, to check for cavities and the overall dental health

Overall Rating

Currently 1.5/5 Stars.