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Early pearly whites

All you need to know about baby teeth -- from when they sprout to when they fall out

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Originally published in Today's Parent June 2005


From that first snowy kernel peeking above the gum to a seventh-grader’s grin, teeth give a child’s face unique appeal — no wonder toothsome means agreeable or attractive! But these nuggets of dentine and enamel are no idle beauties — they also help kids speak properly and grind up good, nourishing foods like fruits and vegetables. So how can you keep your child’s smile healthy and handsome? Today’s Parent asked five experts for the answers to this oral exam.

Q: How can I tell if my baby is cutting a tooth?
A: Classic clues include drooling (which can cause a rash around the mouth), irritability and restless sleep. Sometimes low-grade fever (below 101.3°F/38.5°C), diarrhea (which in turn, can cause diaper rash) and even vomiting appear around the same time, though the latter symptoms may not be caused by teething itself, since they don’t occur when larger permanent teeth erupt. Sahza Hatibovic-Kofman, chair of orthodontics and paediatric dentistry at the University of Western Ontario in London, offers one explanation. “The gums are very itchy during teething, so children put everything in their mouths,” which increases a baby’s chances of picking up viral infections. If vomiting, diarrhea or fever persists longer than 24 hours, contact your child’s doctor.

Soothe sore gums by gently rubbing them with a clean finger. Or give your baby something soft and safe to chew on — a chilled wet washcloth or teething ring is ideal. If these comfort measures don’t help, you can try children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Over-the-counter teething gels should only be used in consultation with a health professional because these products occasionally trigger allergic reactions. Limit teething biscuits, which contain enamel-endangering sugar.

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