How to take care of your child’s teeth

In general, teeth begin to appear in children between the ages of 4 and 7 months, but every child is different. The 2 lower front teeth usually erupt first.

The process of teething in some children can be painless, but gums tend ache and children may be fussy. Other symptoms of teething include loss of appetite and trouble sleeping.

These few tips may help ease your child's discomfort:

• Give your baby a cold teething ring or a cold washcloth to suck or chew.

• Ask your doctor if your child can take acetamine. Don’t give your child aspirin, as it can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to death in children under the age of 18.

• Ask your doctor before using teething gels or tablets.

• Also remember to always hold your baby when giving a bottle. Don't leave a bottle in the crib, as milk can accumulate in the baby's mouth and cause cavities.

You can give your baby a pacifier, but only if necessary. Try to give up the pacifier by 2 years old. This same principle applies to children who suck their thumbs. Prolonged use of a pacifier or thumb sucking can cause teeth alignment issues.

Talk to your doctor about which type of pacifier you should use, and always use a clean pacifier. Don’t immerse it in honey or other substances with sugar.

Our doctors are ready to speak with you by phone or come to your home whenever you need it.