Caring for Babies’ Gums and Teeth

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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It is necessary for mothers to start helping their babies in practicing oral hygiene even before their first tooth has come out. Mothers can make use of a clean gauze material or a soft washcloth whenever they have to clean the gums of their babies. They may simply wrap it on their index finger and then wipe the gums of their babies by rubbing it gently. Although there are no teeth yet where bacteria may accumulate, it would be better to start early so the babies get used to the routine of cleaning their gums and mouth. Mothers would find it easier later to introduce the use of the toothbrush to clean their teeth.

It is also important that mothers select a toothbrush that is appropriate for babies. Some babies have their first tooth by the time they reach 6 months old while others may have it when they reach about a year. Mothers may use only a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride to clean the tooth or teeth of their babies. They will also have to clean the tongue part in order to remove any bacteria that may be thriving because it can cause bad breath later on when left on its own. Mothers may use dental floss if the surfaces of the teeth of their babies are touching each other but if they see that the teeth are still away from each other, there is no need to do it.

Babies will need enough fluoride to strengthen their tooth enamel in order to prevent the development of tooth decay. Mothers can give their babies water with fluoride and they can also use toothpaste that contains this mineral as well. However, mothers have to take note that babies below six months old do not really need to drink water with fluoride as they can get proper hydration from their breast milk or from their infant formula. They may use water with fluoride when preparing the infant formula. However, mothers should also be aware that too much fluoride is not good for their babies. Babies may develop fluorosis which shows as white spots on their teeth when they reach adulthood.

Mothers who are not sure whether they are giving their babies the right amount of fluoride may consult with their doctors. Medical experts may determine the amount of fluoride that should be given and they can also recommend some fluoride drops in case it is really needed by the babies. There are still other things that mothers should know especially in maintaining the oral hygiene of their babies. Mothers may start early in caring for the gums and for the first teeth of their babies in order to help them become healthier and stronger.

 

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Baby Teething Problems

October 21st, 2011 Posted in Babies
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Most often, parents may find it difficult to deal with baby teething problems. Their babies may also feel all the discomforts every time a new baby tooth erupts from their gums. This may be a bad time for parents as well as with their babies. Babies may keep on crying and are unable to eat or sleep. They become irritated and restless. As such, parents have to know how to relieve or lessen the pains that baby teething problems bring. Parents have to be ready by the time their babies reach the age between three and seven months. They may expect any baby tooth to erupt from the swollen gums of their babies.

Baby teething problems start when the gums of the babies become swollen. The first two lower front teeth come out first usually. This would then be followed by the four upper front teeth. At this time, parents need to be very patient with their babies. They can cuddle them most of the time to ease their babies’ discomforts. This may reassure their babies that everything will be alright and they may be able to sleep better. Parents may also try to rub the gums of their babies with some teething gel to soothe their aching gums.

To ease baby teething problems, parents may also give them some cool drinks and food. This may help to numb the gums which will help the babies not to feel the pain so much. Parents may also give their babies some teething toys or teething rings. They may put these inside the refrigerator until it is cool enough for soothe their babies’ gums before they are given to them. Aside from massaging their gums with teething gels, infant medicine such as analgesics may be given. However, parents have to be careful and they have to read instructions very well. It may be better for them to consult their babies’ pediatrician for some medical advice before giving their baby any medicine.

Though baby teething problems may be decreased by teething toys, parents have to choose the most suitable and the safest one for their babies. They will have to choose the kind of material it is made from. They also need to check the texture and the firmness of teething toys. They should not be too hard for the babies to bite their gums on it. They will have to make sure that the materials are not toxic especially those that also have some flavor included. Parents have to expect their babies to drool a lot at this stage. It may be one of the baby teething problems that parents have to think about. They may protect the skin of their babies by letting them wear some bib especially at this stage. Parents need to be ready when baby teething problems start to emerge.

 

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