It is difficult to imagine that little gummy smile showing any teeth but it absolutely will happen. As soon as your baby’s first teeth appear your baby will look so much more grown up. You will be able to feel them as they chomp on your finger (ouch) and they may even damage their soothers or bottles while they practice their new chewing skills. This is a huge milestone in your baby’s life. 

It is difficult to imagine that little gummy smile showing any teeth but it absolutely will happen. As soon as your baby’s first teeth appear your baby will look so much more grown up. You will be able to feel them as they chomp on your finger (ouch) and they may even damage their soothers or bottles while they practice their new chewing skills. This is a huge milestone in your baby’s life. 
Believe it or not your baby’s first teeth (milk teeth) begin to grow while they are in the womb although it may be quite a number of months before you see those pearly whites. That is unless you are the parent of a baby that is born with their first teeth. It actually happens. Every baby is different but in general, most babies begin to get their first teeth when they are about six months old. 
You may have an idea that a tooth is about to emerge when your baby shows signs of teething – however many parents notice teething behaviour several weeks or even months before the teeth actually appear. Some babies do not show any great signs of teething. Others will show clear signs of discomfort and pain. Common signs that your baby is teething include 
  • A temperature that is slightly raised
  • A change in appetite and showing fussiness during feeding times
  • Irritability
  • Gums that appear red and inflamed
  • More dribbling than normal
If your baby is teething and experiencing discomfort there are a number of things that you can do to help them. Teething gels that are specifically designed for babies can offer relief. You might also offer a teething ring to your baby. Many parents find it helpful to leave the ring in the fridge so that it is cooling on their gums when it is given. Offering plenty of cool drinks may also help. Your baby may prefer their bottle at a lower temperature than normal if their gums are painful. Pain medication is also an option. Paracetamol for babies is something to have in the house as you can be sure that a difficult teething day will come when you least expect it so it is good to be prepared. 
Your babies first teeth to emerge are usually the bottom front teeth which are also known as incisors) followed by the top front teeth (also incisors). Molars (back teeth) are usually the last teeth to come and by the age of 2.5-3 years of age, your baby should have all of their milk teeth. 
It is recommended that you start to brush your baby’s teeth as soon as they emerge. A small soft baby toothbrush can be used twice per day. Toothpaste is not recommended until your baby is two years old. You can just use tap water until then. 
While your baby is unlikely to be eating sugary foods when their first teeth emerge, it is important to be aware of the other risks your baby may be exposed to. Dipping your babies soother into any kind of syrup or juice that contains sugar can cause tooth decay as their teeth are being exposed to acids. Adding any kind of sugar or sweetener to a baby’s bottle is also not a good idea. 
According to the HSE babies are not born with a sweet tooth and the taste for sugar is simply developed when they are given it from a young age. 
Written by Tracey Quinn staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.loveofliving.ie.

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