Dictionary For Dads

You will likely notice that your child begins to drool more and seems to want to chew on things. For some children, teething is almost painless. Other children experience brief periods of irritability, and some children seem miserable for weeks. Your child will likely experience crying episodes and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. Teething can be very uncomfortable but it will pass and you and your baby will be glad when it does. As always, it is best to seek professional medical advice when you see your child experiencing any difficulties as stated in our disclaimer.

In some rare cases, children are born with one or two teeth or have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. Unless the teeth interfere with feeding or are loose enough to pose a choking risk, this is usually not a cause for concern. If you have any concerns it's a good idea to talk to your child's doctor.

Third Month: Teething usually begin as early as three months and continue until a child's third birthday.

Four to Seven Months: Somewhere between the forth and seventh month, parents will notice their child's first tooth pushing through the gum line. The first teeth to appear in children are usually the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors.

Six to Nine Months: Four to eight weeks after the two bottom front teeth come weeks Parents will notice the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors) beginning to erupt and come in.

Ten to Eighteen months: Now the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear. Next to break through the gum line are the first molars (the back teeth used for grinding food), then finally the eyeteeth (the pointy teeth in the upper jaw).

Primary Teeth: Children usually have all 20 of their primary teeth by their third birthday. This is a general rule; if your child experiences significant delay, speak to your child's doctor/dentist.Remember oral hygiene is an important part of your childrens health care.

• Wipe your baby's face often with a cloth to remove the drool and prevent rashes from developing.                                                  
• Give your baby something to chew on. Make sure it's big enough so that he or she can't swallow it and that it can't break into small pieces. Also be sure to wash it after each use.
• Rubber teething rings are also good, but avoid the ones with liquid inside because they may break.
• If you use a teething ring, be sure to take it out of the freezer before it becomes rock hard - you don't want to bruise those already swollen gums!
• Rub your baby's gums with a clean finger.
• Never tie a teething ring around a baby's neck, as it could get caught on something and strangle the baby.
• If your baby seems irritable, acetaminophen may help - but always consult your child's doctor first.
• Never place an aspirin against the tooth, and don't rub whiskey on your baby's gums.