Some babies aren’t born with teeth but get them shortly after birth. Generally seen within the first month of life, teeth that emerge soon after birth are called neonatal teeth. However, according to the journal Pediatrics, neonatal teeth are even rarer than natal teeth. Natal teeth are teeth that are already present at birth. They are different from neonatal teeth, which grow during the first 30 days after birth.
Most babies will develop teeth between 6 and 12 months.
Typically, the first teeth to come in are almost always the lower front teeth (the lower central incisors), and most children will usually have all of their baby teeth by age 3
The lower (bottom) front teeth usually come through the gum first and followed by the upper (top) front teeth.
Teething
Many babies’ teeth come through without any problems. However, for some, the gums swell and become sore as teeth breakthrough. As a result, your teething baby may cry, have a slight fever, have red cheeks, drool, not eat or sleep well and want to bite something hard.
If your baby is upset, gently rub their gums with a clean finger or the back of a cold spoon. You can also wrap ice cubes in a washcloth and place the cloth on your baby’s cheek. Next, give your baby something to chew on, such as a clean teething ring. You can also buy teething gels from your chemist.
Caring for your baby’s teeth
These first teeth will help your baby to eat and speak well. Healthy baby teeth usually mean healthy adult teeth, too, so it’s important that you look after your baby’s first teeth.
Brush teeth twice a day
As soon as your baby’s teeth start to show, start brushing. Use a small, soft brush and a smear of regular-strength fluoride toothpaste twice a day. One brushing should be at night before your baby goes to bed.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride makes teeth stronger and reduces tooth decay (holes). Use a 1000 parts per million (ppm) regular-strength fluoride toothpaste for your baby’s teeth.
Lift the lip every month
Gently lift your child’s top lip once a month to check inside their mouth. It’s a quick and easy way to see if tooth decay (holes) is present.
The New Zealand Dental Association website has a video on how to lift the lip.
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