One of the milestones of any baby's growth and development is the day when your baby gets their first tooth. You know that when your baby gets their first tooth, there will be many more to follow. If you're a new parent, you may need some information about how to clean and care for your baby's new teeth.
When Do Babies Get Their Teeth?
Believe it or not, there is no exact age when a baby gets teeth. Most babies get a first tooth, usually one of the lower teeth, at around 6 months. However, many babies do not get their first teeth until they are a year old or even older. You shouldn't worry about when your baby will begin to get teeth until your baby is at least 18 months old.
Cleaning and Caring for Baby Teeth
You can begin cleaning your baby's mouth after they eat or drink from the time they are newborns. Use a wet washcloth to clean your baby's mouth after feeding. You don't need to put anything on the washcloth to clean your baby's gums. Once your baby begins to get teeth, you can use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for infants.
A First Dental Visit
Whether your baby has teeth or not, you need to make them a dental appointment around their first birthday. Your baby's first dental visit gives the dentist a chance to take a look at your baby's teeth, mouth, gums, and tongue. You can also take time with the dentist to ask questions about caring for your child's teeth and gums. If you aren't sure where to look for a pediatric dentist, you can do your research. Ask your friends that are parents for the name of a children's dentist. Once you have some names, you can then begin to look at reviews about the dentist and how they care for children. That way, you'll be able to take your child to a dentist you and they will be comfortable with.