Infant with teething toySo you’re a new parent, and there’s a lot to think about as far as what happens next for you and your baby.  One of the first milestones is the appearance of her first baby tooth.  You may not know when it’s normal and healthy for the first white caps to appear, and while your baby may develop her first baby teeth at a different rate, the majority of us sprout our first teeth somewhere between 4 and 7 months old.  

Teeth actually start developing while you’re baby’s still in the womb, but they don’t start coming in fully until around the fourth month.  An early bloomer may get his first tooth as early as 3 months, while others may be a year old before it shows up.  Either way, by the time your kiddo’s three years old, the full set of 20 baby teeth should’ve come in.  When that first tooth does make its appearance, celebrate the milestone by taking pictures (post to Facebook if you must), and then be ready for what’s next.

About 6 months after your baby’s first tooth comes in, it’s time to make an appointment with your Arizona infant dentist.  Even if your child’s a late bloomer, your baby’s first appointment should occur before her first birthday.

Once your child starts teething, be aware that she could be a little extra irritable.  The growing teeth are causing pressure on her gums, and she’ll be sure to let you know about it.  Other common signs of teething include:

  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
  • Gum swelling and sensitivity
  • Gnawing or chewing behavior
  • Refusing food
  • Sleep problems

Your Phoenix pediatric dentist can give you tips on how to deal with the symptoms of teething and how to ease your baby’s discomfort.