teething 101:

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When your child starts developing their very first set of teeth it is a very proud yet daunting moment for parents. Knowing how to care for them is vital as early routine and consistency would prevent issues in the future.

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Trying to clean a baby’s mouth can be quite challenging. To try and make the process easier here are some general tips and advice.

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The first set of teeth will usually come through between the ages 6 months to 12 months. Parents are recommended to try and look into their baby’s mouth to help identify any changes in the mouth.

 

Teething can cause your baby to be quite irritated. They might also experience:

• Increased drooling

• Flushed/red cheeks

• Decrease in appetite

• Disrupted sleep

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To help control the discomfort we recommend:

• Children’s Panadol (check with your GP before use)

• Bonjela teething gel to rub on the gums where the tooth is erupting

• Cold teething ring

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Oral hygiene instructions for kids:

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Newborn – 18 months:

Wiping the gums and teeth with a dampened soft cloth early will help your baby get used to having something in the mouth. When multiple teeth are present we can start brushing with a suitable soft baby’s toothbrush and toothpaste.

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18 months – 4 years old

We still recommend parents to help brush two times a day. As children get older we can slowly let them brush by themselves but I would still recommend parents to be supervising both morning and night sessions.

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TIPS:

• Brush for 2 minutes. Sometimes it is good to find a suitable toothbrushing song from youtube.com It will make brushing a lot more fun and interactive!

• It is good to let kids watch you brush and clean your teeth! Kids love to copy adults, hopefully they will be inspired to brush after seeing you 😊

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Written by: Ashley Barnes

Edited by: Dr Phil Fulia