References:
What is Teething?
- Teething occurs when your baby’s first set of teeth break through the gums
When Does Teething Start?
- Usually begins around 6 months of age
- Can begin anytime from 2 months of age to 12 months of age
- The lower front teeth usually come first
- The upper front teeth usually come in 1-2months after the lower teeth
Signs and Symptoms of Teething?
- Usually occur begin 3-5 days before the tooth breaks the gums and disappears when the tooth breaks the skin
- Swollen or red gums
- Desire to chew on solid objects
- Drooling
- Crankiness, irritability, bad temper
- May bite their fingers or toys to relieve pressure in the gums
- May refuse to eat or drink
How Can You Help Your Baby Be More Comfortable?
- Use a clean finger or cold teething ring to gently rub your baby’s gum for 2 minutes at a time
- Many babies find this soothing but they may protest at first
- Provide safe objects for your baby to chew on such as teething rings
- Avoid teething toys that you freeze
- Avoid providing your child with teething biscuits due to the added sugars
- Wipe your baby’s drool as the drool can irritate the baby’s skin
- If needed give your baby an over-the-counter pain reliever labelled for their age
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen is recommended, never give your baby acetylsalicylic acid
- Always read and follow the instructions on the package
- Avoid over-the-counter teething creams
- Unless recommended by a doctor avoid teething medications that can be rubbed directly on the gums
When to See a Health Professional?
- Your baby has a persistent fever, teething does not cause a fever
- Your baby should see a dentist at 12 months of age or when their first tooth appears
Mouth Care and Cleaning:
- Start cleaning before the first tooth appears
- Use a damp wash cloth to clean their gums
- When your child has 1 or more teeth brush using an infant size toothbrush for 2 minutes, twice day
- From 0-3 years old use a rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- 3+ years old use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing can be introduced as soon as your child’s teeth touch
- Children under 6 years old should not use mouth wash
- Avoid juices and sugary drinks
- Do not allow your baby to go to bed with a bottle filled anything but water
- When your child is 3 or 4 years old, teach them to brush for at least 2 minutes twice a day
- Parents and caregivers should apply toothpaste to the toothbrush for children under 6 years old
Available Dental Services/Programs for Children:
Niagara Region Public Health – Dental Program
- Free preventive dental services for children and youth 17 and under
- Provides dental assessments, fluoride varnish, cleanings, sealants and oral health education
- Contact:
- Dental Health Line: 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399
- Live chat
Healthy Smiles Ontario
- Government-funded dental program that provides free preventive, routine and emergency dental services for eligible children and youth 17 years of age and younger
- Services covered include:
- Regular visits to a dental professional of your choice
- Dental services include check-ups, cleaning, sealants, fluoride treatments, x-rays, fillings and extractions
- Urgent or emergency oral health issues
- For more information and to apply online, visit ontario.ca/healthysmiles
Canada Dental Benefit
- Intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year
- Parents and guardians may be eligible if they pay for dental care for a child under 12 years old who does not have access to a private dental insurance plan
- Payments vary from $260, $390 or $650
- Maximum two payments per child
- To apply or for more information:
- Visit Canada Dental Benefit
- Call: 1-800-715-8836
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