Newbie Parents Guide on Teething in Baby's

Although the average baby gets his first tooth between the sixth and eight month, Baby may get his, earlier or later. There is no need to worry because there are such wide variations in the ages when the first tooth comes through. Some babies will be over a year before they have any.

There are some discomforts during teething even for a normal baby.Also teething sometimes lowers resistance and if the baby gets sick or develops fever, you should consult your doctor.

What Causes Teeth Grinding on Children and How to Stop Them

Teeth grinding or bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorder, as three out of 10 children grind their teeth. Thankfully, most outgrow it. The cause of bruxism is unknown. In children, teeth grinding may be a response to changes in the mouth, such as pain or erupting teeth.

Stress is also a recognized cause of bruxism. A tired child or once who worries about school test or arguing parents can experience enough stress to prompt teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques such as drinking a glass of milk before sleeping and listening to soft music can help calm a child and reduce stress. Hyperactive kids, those with certain conditions such as cerebral palsy or who are on certain medications can develop bruxism.

Bruxism usually goes undetected with no adverse effects. But it can cause the wearing down and sensitivity of teeth or chipping of their enamel. In extreme cases, it can cause severe pain and jaw problems. Wearing a mouth guard can help reduce further damage on the teeth.

Useful Tips for your Childs Teething Troubles

Most children will get their first tooth between the age of 5 and 7 months. Each time a tooth breaks through or erupts, the skin over the tooth will become red, swollen and shiny. Some children may find this painful. They may fuss and have trouble sleeping. To reduce the pain of teething, the following measures are useful:

• Gently but firmly massage or press on your baby's gum with a clean finger or soft cloth. But stop if this upsets your child more.

• Give baby something cold to suck or chew on. If he has started solids, a frozen banana or a block of ice may be soothing (don't leave a baby on his own with these). You may also try freezing moistened flannel or plastic teething rings.

• Rub teething gel on the gums if the child is very upset. Use as directed on the packet. Teething gels can be bought over the counter at local pharmacies. Paracetamol drops or syrups may also help.

Take your child to the doctor if teething troubles last longer than three days, or if he has high fever, diarrhea, sore ears, or refuses to drink.

Important Toothbrush Basics to Remember

Get your child to brush his pearly whites by giving him a toothbrush that he will absolutely adore: a "fun" toothbrush with brilliant colors and wacky shapes. But fun isn't the only requirement; here are other brush essentials to keep in mind:

• Choose a toothbrush that's small enough for your child to hold comfortably. A long one may strain his arm while brushing.

• Look for small, rounded head. A big headed brush may not reach the tight areas of his small mouth.

• Change toothbrush every three months. By then, the bristles are worn out, less effective, and may also harbor harmful bacteria.
  

Ten Foods That Dentists Hate

These are the ten foods dentists hate because they are sticky or sugary. Some of it get stuck between teeth or lower pH levels in the mouth. So if your kids eat them, be sure he brushes well after wards.

• Gummy candy(even vitamins)

• Caramel

• Taffy

• Carbonated drinks

• Fruit drinks with high fructose corn syrup

• Bubble gum (with sugar)

• Raisins

• Potato chips

• Hard candy
  

• Honey
  

Tips for Caring your child's teeth

Heres a nice article I found from a magazine, its about how to care for your child's teeth.

• Do not give your infant or small child a bottle of milk, formula, juice or any product that contains sugar when putting them to bed. The sugar causes tooth decay.

• Encourage your baby to start drinking from a cup around 9 months or shortly thereafter.

• Clean your child's teeth with a gauze pad or soft cloth when they first surface. Once they break through, use a soft children toothbrush with water only.

• Encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb or fingers. See your dentist if you're unsuccessful.

• Around 1-2 years of age a dot of toothpaste may be used on the child's toothbrush. Encourage your child not to swallow the toothpaste and rinse well with water.

• By age 3 or 4, children should be able to brush their won teeth. You should check your children teeth to ensure proper brushing.

• Have your child brush their teeth twice a day.

• Gently floss between your child's teeth until they learn the proper technique.

• Schedule regular dental checkup for your child as early as 2 years of age. (Make sure your dentist and hygienist work well with children).
  

• Be an example, brush and floss regularly and maintain regular dental appointments.

What do you look for in a dentist??

Ok my baby's teeth is not yet out, shes 8 months now, but when choosing a dentist for yourself and for your kids what do you look for? Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Ask a friend. Ask a friend or a relative or a co-worker. Ask if they have a dentist they would recommend.

2. Look for the dentist credentials. Look for diplomas and some certificate on seminars attended. joining seminars and organizations updates the dentist on new technology, current dental trends and techniques.

3. Location and space of the dentist clinic. Of course its important that your dentist is not that far away from your residence and that the dentist clinic is spacious and accommodating, some dentist have plenty of clients that there no space for you to wait for your turn.

4. Schedule. Yup its also nice that the schedule of your dentist corresponds with your's. Some dentist tend to have a clinic every M-W-F some everyday.

5. Be comfortable. Its very important to be comfortable with your dentist, my wife is very picky when it comes to dentist, she always look if the dentist teeth are good, she always said" why pick that dentist if he/she can't take care of his/her teeth( hmm she has a point there).