Teeth and teething.
The child drools and chews starting at 2 months but this is not a sign
of teething. We have seen them born with teeth already out and the latest I've seen them
erupt was 18 months old with no teeth yet. Usually it is 6 to 12 months old. The later
they erupt the stronger they are and less cavities. Teething does not cause fever or wake
them up at night crying. Call the office for an appointment if that occurs. If
they are fussy with teeth, then give Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
http://www.rogerknapp.com/medical/dosage.htm for dosage. Do not
use numbing gels below 2 yr old. You need to
start cleaning them when they come out. Use a baby tooth brush or a washcloth on your
finger to clean them. They sell a rubber thing to fit over your finger for
cleaning the teeth but I think it doesn't do a very good job. Use any tooth paste
without fluoride. Do not put them in bed with
a bottle of milk or juice or it will rot out their teeth quickly. Just do not start that
bad habit and you won't have to break them of it. They do not have to see the dentist till
3 years old. If you see any blemishes in the teeth, then make an appointment with the
dentist.
Here are the usual published ages of teething:
|
Teeth |
Nickname |
Average Eruption
Age of Baby
Teeth (+/- 6 mo.) |
Average Eruption
Age of Permanent
Teeth (+/- 1 yr) |
| Central Incisors |
Front Teeth |
6 months |
6-8 yrs |
| Lateral Incisors |
Beside Front ones |
8 months |
7-8 yrs |
| Canines |
Eye Teeth |
18 months |
9-12 yrs |
| Premolars |
Behind eye teeth |
--- |
10-12 yrs |
| First Molars |
First year molars |
12 months |
6 yrs |
| Second Molars |
Second year ones |
24 months |
12 yrs |
| Third Molars |
Wisdom teeth |
--- |
17-25 yrs |
They always cut the bottom two incisors first so just feel the bottom
ridge of gums with your finger and you will feel the sharp teeth. The
swellings come and go and does not indicate the teeth are coming in.
The next teeth are usually the top center two incisors but 5% of the time
they cut the outside two incisors and looks like fangs. Those are not
the canine eye teeth.
No not lay them in bed with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice or
this will happen:
Yuck....
Dr. Knapp
