Q- How should one take care of baby’s milk teeth?

The first question which arises in the mind of first parent is when my child will start teething.First tooth usually appears around when the baby is 4 to 6 months old and that too generally the front Central teeth of the lower jaw( called Central incisors), then the upper frontal incisors and the lateral incisors in lower jaw…..

Teething symptoms
The common symptoms are swelling or inflammation of gums ,mild temperature, gum rubbing, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep ,crankiness increased biting, diarrhea( increased saliva in mouth make the stool loose actually, the Saliva should be wiped to avoid mouth fissuring and rash forming)……
Some babies experience more symptoms and some experience anyone

Teething Care
As this tooth is about to appear the gum opens up.
Rub the baby’s gums with finger ( clean).
Use a cold teething ring- it is soothing

Oral Care while Teething
Baby teeth from the normal facial appearance ,help the baby to eat and form the sounds and speech.
Good oral care helps to set the good dental habits and healthy teeth which otherwise can lead to infection ,diseases or other oral problems
Clean baby’s gums and teeth with a wet washcloth aur gauze at least once a day or if possible after every feeding.
One can use a small soft toothbrush designed for babies if the baby feels comfortable.
Use only water on the toothbrush until the baby turns 18 months old.

How to clean the milk teeth ?
Position your baby in such a manner may be on your lap or cot so that you can see the whole mouth and the baby is also comfortable.
Hold the chin softly with the head resting properly then clean teeth with the gauze or cloth or soft toothbrush or finger brush *in soft circular motions.
*don’t use the baby brush which has become rough or is more than two months old as bacteria can begin to build up.

Be careful that front and back of the tooth and also the gum line should be cleaned properly.

You can elevate and distract the mood of baby by singing a song or playing music, using colourful brush or while showing toys so that the baby is comfortable and occupied and will gradually learnt that brushing is a normal daily routine.

Milk teeth are equally important for the baby as decaying or cavities in milk teeth can harm speech development and as milk teeth form a proper place for permanent teeth in the jaw- not taking proper care and cavities can result in crooked permanent teeth .

Healthy baby teeth are vital for a child’s confidence and appearance