7 common preconceptions about baby’s teeth
Does teething cause all children to suffer? Can milk teeth get cavities? Spotlight on all common preconceptions on your baby’s first teeth
Common preconception 1: teething makes all babies suffer
Common preconception 2: if baby’s teeth have not come through by 6 months, you should be worried
Common preconception 3: Your baby cannot have teeth at birth
Common preconception 4: Your baby cannot get cavities on milk teeth
Common preconception 5: Your baby will need braces if they have a gap in their milk teeth
Common preconception 6: it is when the tooth pierces the jaw that baby suffers
Common preconception 7: there is no solution to relieve teething
Common preconception 1: teething makes all babies suffer
When we talk about teething, the first word that springs to everyone’s mind is pain. However, some parents discover a tiny tooth in their baby’s mouth without them having shown the slightest sign of discomfort or pain. No false hopes though: it’s not because one tooth comes out smoothly that the others will do the same. For example, eruption of the first incisors is often less painless than eruption of premolar teeth. Always pay attention if there is fever, soft stools and any other teething symptoms.
Common preconception 2: if baby’s teeth have not come through by 6 months, you should be worried
Like a lot of information issued by healthcare professionals or found on Internet, the first milk teeth at 6 months is only an average! Each baby goes at their own pace when learning to talk, walk or potty train. It is the same for teething! The first teeth may very well show up at around 9 months or even 12 months. After that, if you have any doubts or questions, contact your paediatrician or dentist.
Common preconception 3: Your baby cannot have teeth at birth
It is very rare but can happen! The legend has it that it was the case for Napoleon, Louis XIV or even Julius Caesar… The sign of a future historical figure? You are free to decide, but attention all the same if it is the case for your baby. If the medical staff see a milk tooth at birth, an x-ray is usually carried out to determine how the tooth came about. If it is a supernumerary tooth (additional tooth), it is likely you will be offered extraction to prevent it falling out before the real milk teeth arrive and to prevent your baby swallowing it. Sometimes however, it may be an actual milk tooth! Your dentist will check it is securely attached to the jaw in this case.
Common preconception 4: Your baby cannot get cavities on milk teeth
Like permanent teeth, milk teeth can also get cavities.
This is why it is essential to ensure good oral and dental hygiene from the earliest age. At some point, your baby will necessarily need a toothbrush, but before that: use a slightly damp, clean finger and gently rub the milk teeth after each meal.
You should be particularly aware of potential cavities if your baby is used to napping or sleeping with a bottle. Milk naturally contains sugar which may cause early cavities.
Common preconception 5: Your baby will need braces if they have a gap in their milk teeth
No. It is not because baby’s milk teeth have a slight gap that they will necessarily need braces as a teenager. This gap is perfectly normal since it corresponds to the physiological development of the jaw. Over time, these gaps will be filled by the permanent teeth, which are larger.
Common preconception 6: it is when the tooth pierces the jaw that baby suffers
It’s not the piercing of the gum which can be painful but the entire process which takes place before tooth eruption. During teething, your baby’s milk teeth form inside the bones of the jaw and move down slowly before emerging from it. They then pierce the gum. It is this whole step which can cause your baby pain.
Common preconception 7: there is no solution to relieve teething
There are several ways of relieving baby’s teeth, including Calmosine SOOTHING TEETHING GEL which is a 100% natural teething gel!
Its soothing and emollient action on the gums reduces discomfort related to teething and promotes eruption of the first teeth, thanks to its complex of 100% natural organic active ingredients enriched in:
Aloe vera
This succulent plant is used externally or internally for its protective and soothing properties. Especially useful for taking care of the gums, studies have shown Aloe vera to significantly reduce gum inflammation.
Liquorice
Humans have used liquorice for thousands of years for its many virtues. Many babies have chewed on liquorice to relieve and soothe during teething, without any contraindication for their health.
Iris
Iris root is known to soothe babies’ teething troubles while facilitating eruption of the milk teeth.
Propolis
It is the purifying properties of propolis that are useful in little ones’ teething troubles. It also helps reduces sensations of discomfort in often swollen gums.
As you will have guessed, teething raises many questions and there are many common preconceptions on the subject. Don’t forget, if you have the slightest question, the best person to answer it is a healthcare professional!
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