John Myers
The breakthrough of the first tooth is a big moment in your child’s life – and unfortunately also associated with some pain. But don’t worry: With the following tips, you can help your offspring with teething and optimally care for the young teeth!
How to recognize the first teeth
To help your child’s teeth, you must first recognize the signs of coming teeth. This process begins long before the milk teeth erupt.
Typical symptoms of teething are frequent whining and crying, loss of appetite, swollen gums, reddened hot cheeks, increased salivation, or increased body temperature. Also typical: Your child often puts their hands in their mouth and likes to chew on food or objects.
These signals show you with relative certainty when the teeth are coming. The typical age for this process: six to seven months.
How to relieve the pain of the first teeth
When teething, the teeth make their way through the jawbone to the outside. A process that is associated with some pain.
Help your child through this developmental step by providing them with objects to chew on. This measure relieves the pressure in the maxillary sinus and also promotes the eruption of the teeth. Use a classic teething ring or a piece of raw vegetables or bread. Cool compresses also help to relieve painful swelling. Place wipes on throbbing cheeks as needed.
Also useful: a gum massage. This special form of baby massage also releases the pressure in the jaw. Simply massage the affected area gently with your bare fingers.
By the way: Amber necklaces are also said to calm teething children. However, the effect of this home remedy has not yet been scientifically proven.
How to care for the first teeth
Like the big ones: Even the youngest should brush their teeth at least twice a day. It is best to introduce fixed times for this new process and clean it together with your sprout. This is how your child internalizes the process.
It is best to use a toothbrush for cleaning instead of a fingerstall. In this way, your child learns how to use the right tool right from the start. Use special children’s toothbrushes or a toothbrush for adults. Provided it has a small head and soft bristles. A drop of fluoridated children’s toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is enough to clean and care for your teeth.
