Safety Information
Teething usually begins around 6 months of age. But it is normal for teething to start at any time between 3 months and 12 months of age. It is a process in which the first set of teeth, called primary teeth or milk teeth, erupt and break through the gums. Teething symptoms may begin about 3 to 5 days before a tooth breaks the skin, causing pain and discomfort to the child.
Babies can get their first tooth anytime between three and fifteen months, but commonly between four and nine months — although discomfort may start earlier.
Dribbling at three months is usually a result of your baby learning to put things in his/her mouth, which is part of normal development.1,2,3
Pain management and what can you do to help?
Rub your baby’s sore gums gently with your finger
Give your baby a teething ring – either a soft rubber one, or the plastic type that can be kept in the refrigerator
If you think your baby is in pain, consider giving acetaminophen, such as Children’s Panadol®, as directed for the child’s age
Avoid hard sharp-edged toys that could damage teeth and gums.
Don’t dip dummies or teething rings in honey or sweet foods, as it may lead to dental decay (honey shouldn’t be given to babies under 12 months).
Don’t suck your baby’s dummy and give it back to them, as you will transfer bacteria from your mouth to theirs.
Note: Generally, teething does not cause a fever. If your baby has a high temperature, consult your doctor.2,3
What many parents don’t realise is that emerging baby teeth need to be looked after as carefully as we look after our own teeth.
As well as their obvious importance for chewing and speaking, they help proper jaw development, and reserve the spaces for the permanent teeth to come through later.1
The front teeth will last until the age of five to seven years.
The back molars last until about 12 years.
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