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How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Emerging Teeth
Your baby's dental journey starts with the right baby teeth care. Learning to brush your baby's teeth right can make a difference to their dental health in the long run. Start cleaning your baby's teeth the minute their first tooth appears and be aware of the basic practices involved in oral hygiene. Here are a couple of tips on how to clean baby teeth:
When Do Babies Teeth Start Appearing?
Babies' teeth start appearing, in general, when they are between four to seven months old. The first set of teeth which appear in babies is the two bottom front teeth.
When to Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth?
Taking care of your baby's teeth as soon as they appear is important as it can affect their speaking skills and help in the formation of their jawline. Further, taking care of their teeth will prevent infections and other teeth problems which result from poor infant oral health care.
Do You Need to Buy a Special Toothpaste and Toothbrush?
At first, you may clean your baby's gums directly using your finger or a soft-bristled brush to let them get used to the sensations of brushing. Using a toothbrush for baby teeth care is ideal when signs of teething are revealed.
If you are using a toothbrush, use one with a small head and soft nylon bristles. Ideally, pick a colourful brush or one with cartoon characters so that your baby looks forward to his brushing sessions and make toothbrushing times a fond memory.
Regarding special toothpaste, it is generally not recommended to use toothpaste before the baby turns three years old as they don't learn the motions of spitting fluids until then.
What Kind of Toothpaste is Right for Your Baby?
Before your baby turns three, use non-fluoride toothpaste, if you must, according to the doctor's recommendations, otherwise, simply use a soft washcloth, gauze or muslin to wipe your baby's gums and clean their mouths with water.
You can begin using normal toothpaste after age three and above on the baby's teeth once they learn how to spit. Change toothbrushes regularly, every one to three months as soon as the bristles start spreading.
How Much Toothpaste to Use?
According to the American Dental Association, you can use a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste for ages three and below.
Once the baby turns three, you can begin using a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste for baby dental care.
How to Brush Your Baby's Teeth?
During the first 5 months, use a damp washcloth and wipe your baby's mouth clean after feeding times. This gets him/her get used to baby dental care routines and establish proper oral hygiene habits from the start. This helps remove food buildups and prevent cavities from forming on their tooth.
Around 6 months, when your child's teeth begin to first appear, start cleaning or brushing with a toothbrush which has soft nylon bristles and a small head. At this stage, brush lightly with water. You can use a soft finger toothbrush which consists of a rubber sheath with small nylon bristles. Moisten the brush with a pea-sized dab of fluoride-free training toothpaste on the toothbrush.
Seat yourself on a chair or sofa and cradle your baby on your lap in a feeding position. Glide your finger over his/her gums using the finger brush and wipe both sides of each tooth. You can use a toy to keep your baby engaged if he is the fidgety sort. For rinsing, swipe a wet washcloth all around his teeth and gums.
When back molars start popping up around his first birthday, switch to a soft-bristled toddler toothbrush with training toothpaste.
Start brushing in a circular motion, going towards the front of the tooth to the back and work your way towards the chewing surfaces on the bottom. Repeat similar motions for the bottom.
Sweep over the roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks and over the tongue. Rinse with a swipe of a wet washcloth.
Take care of your baby's teeth right away when they first start appearing. The first set of teeth is vital as they preserve the spacing and arrangement of upcoming permanent teeth which they get soon replaced with. If they are not cared for properly, it results in tooth decay and can interfere with the formation of permanent teeth
When your baby is three and above, start using fluoride toothpaste but make sure the amount you use is not more than pea-sized. Brush gently on the inside and outside of their teeth and even their tongues (if they'll let you) to remove traces of bacteria and clear away bad breath.
Up your baby's fluoride intake after they turn 6 months old. Fluoride prevents tooth decay and even though you're not using toothpaste at this stage, it's important to supplement fluoride through other sources. Tap water contains fluoride in traces and is a great source, however, some water supply companies remove fluoride content from tap water. Consult your doctor regarding fluoride supplements once your baby turns 6 months old.
Start brushing their teeth with a toothbrush from the age of two. You can use a smear (the size of a rice grain) of fluoride toothpaste or low-fluoride toothpaste as per doctor's recommendations at this point. Brush twice a day.
Avoid cavities by not leaving your baby with a bottle of milk or juice once feeding is done.
While brushing teeth is something most of us do when we are almost half asleep, brushing a baby's teeth may need more of an effort. Here are a few tips to help you get started
Learning how to clean baby teeth is vitally important before you begin cleaning their teeth. Make sure you clean your baby's gums too along with their teeth!
Your baby may feel discomfort and be reluctant to let their teeth get brushed in the beginning. A good workaround for this is making fun little games and demonstrating how toothbrushing is important by doing it yourself. A cold teething ring or a cold washcloth which the baby can chew on helps too.
Before using special teething gels and creams, consult your doctor.
Clean your baby's gums with a washcloth at least once a day, including their gums, after the feeding process to exercise proper baby dental care. Slowly start flossing their teeth once they get comfortable with the sensations of toothbrushing.
Teaching Your Baby to Brush
Your child will begin brushing when they turn six to eight years old. When teaching your baby to brush, it is important to turn it into a fun-filled experience. You can sing favourite songs associated with brushing and gently allow the baby to get used to the motions and sensations of brushing. Toddlers must be guided to spit the toothpaste after brushing and you may use an electric toothbrush to help your toddler get used to brushing. Brushing must be encouraged twice a day for optimal oral dental care.
Should you brush your baby's gums?
Yes. Brushing baby's gums will eliminate bad breath and signs of bacterial, thus preventing dental infections. Clean your baby's gums with a washcloth at least once a day, including their gums, after the feeding process to exercise proper baby dental care.
Once teeth appear, clean your baby's mouth twice a day minimum. You may switch to a soft baby brush once your child turns 1 to 2 years old and add a small dab of fluoride-free toothpaste which is absolutely safe for infants. Slowly start flossing their teeth once they get comfortable with the sensations of toothbrushing.
How to Prevent Cavities?
During the first 5 months, use a damp washcloth and wipe your baby's mouth clean after feeding times. This gets him/her get used to baby dental care routines and establish proper oral hygiene habits from the start. This helps remove food buildups and prevent cavities from forming on their tooth. Adding fluoride supplements or using a dab of fluoride toothpaste helps fights against cavities as well.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that's found in tap water and toothpaste. Fluoride helps prevent teeth decay by strengthening the developing teeth of children, hardening enamel and preventing dissolution through demineralization processes in the baby's teeth.
How to Know if Your Baby is Getting Enough Fluoride?
Tap water sometimes contains fluoride which may reduce the need for fluoride supplements in the beginning, however, check with your doctor regarding this since too much fluoride content can damage your baby's teeth.
Is It Safe to Give Fluoride Supplements to Your Baby?
Babies must not be given fluoride supplements during the first six months. After six months, based on doctor's recommendations fluoride supplements can be given to your baby based on overall fluoride intake through tap water and toothpaste content.
What to Do if a Baby Hates Brushing Time
Your baby may feel discomfort and be reluctant to let their teeth get brushed in the beginning. A good workaround for this is making fun little games and demonstrating how toothbrushing is important by doing it yourself. A cold teething run or a cold washcloth which the baby can chew on helps too.
When to Contact a Dentist?
If your baby has teething troubles consult a doctor or a dental specialist. Before using special teething gels and creams, consult your doctor. Do not give your baby aspirin as it can cause Reye's syndrome and lead to death for children under 18 years old.
Brushing your baby's teeth is not as hard as one expects. By following the above tips and keeping fluoride intake in mind, you'll be strolling through motherhood lane and help your baby establish perfect oral hygiene habits, thus safeguarding their teeth and their dental future.
Also Read: Bathing Your Baby - Procedure and Tips Read more
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7 Tips To Help Preschoolers Build Positive Peer Relationships
Not all children are outgoing in nature and don't feel too comfortable initiating conversations and making new friends. Parents and teachers need to step in and help bring them out of their shells. Only then can they build peer relationships in childhood.
Making friends and building positive relationships with people happens over time, just like learning to hold a pencil, and reading or writing. However, the ability to build relationships differs from one individual to the next too. It can take time for introverts, but may be easier if a kid is outgoing. Nevertheless, it’s possible for quiet and introverted children to forge relationships.
7 Tips on Helping Kids Build Relationships with Peers
1. Encourage Your Preschooler’s Efforts
Every time you see your child with peers of the same age group, encourage him to play with them. However, you should also show support if his first few attempts of making a new friend are unsuccessful. You don’t want him to feel discouraged to try again.
2. Make Him Feel Good About Himself
Speak to your child about his positive qualities. If he’s generous, tell him so. You could suggest that he shares his toy by letting a potential friend play with it. It’ll teach him how to break the ice and will prevent him from becoming demotivated in case his offers of friendship are rebuffed.
3. Let Him Know Making Friends Takes Time
Initiating a friendship is a matter of seconds; however, building a solid relationship takes time. You need to help your child understand the difference. It’ll keep him motivated.
4. Educate about the Qualities of a Good Friend
Kids should be taught the meaning of being a good individual and a good-natured human being. It’ll help them to make better choices as they interact and grow. Here are some of the traits you can list:
Being compassionate and kind
Being honest
Willingness to share happiness and empathise with sadness
Loyalty
A good sense of humour
Sharing similar interests
Positive attitude towards life and people
Joyful in nature and should be fun to be with
Cooperative
Not possessive
Not needy or greedy
5. Character above All!
Teaching kids that it’s the character that matters when choosing friends is very important. Teach them that physical appearance and wealth do not make any difference to a person’s character and shouldn’t affect children’s peer relationships.
6. Initiate Conversations
There are many children who struggle to make new friends because of their shy nature. Parents and teachers need to help them initiate conversations. Organise simple games and activities where every child has to introduce himself to the people in the room.
7. Give Compliments
Kids love to be complimented. Who doesn’t? Compliments make people feel good about themselves and remind him of their positive qualities. Take your kids to a play area and encourage them to approach other children. Compliment them when they do. They can then progress to playing with them.
Peer relationships in child development is a very important concept, one that every parent and teacher needs to focus on. It not only helps kids move well in social circles but also builds confidence and self-esteem. Read more
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How My Little Gem Changed My Life
My journey to motherhood was not easy. I was a rough girl, then I became a loving wife, and then I became an excited mom. After a few months of trying, we got an epiphany from God to change our doctor which seemed his way to make us reach to his plan. After going through the toughest periods in my life and waiting for a child, one fine day, I came to know that a life was growing inside me. Yes, I was pregnant.
From that moment onward, I started dreaming about holding my little one's hands and walking around. Whenever I thought about my baby, I felt it was a boy. It was like a sixth sense.
During the last months of pregnancy, despite my physical weakness, I was eager to see him. But God made me wait another four days in the hospital after I experienced pain. That was a false alarm. After some days of waiting in the hospital, we returned home wondering when our little hero was going to make an entry. Even those days in the hospital gave me sweet memories as my husband and I kept planning about how to bring up our baby. Two days later, my water broke, and again I was taken to the hospital.
In the hospital, they gave me medicines for pain. It was a strange feeling when my loved ones and I waited for the pain to come. After some time, the contractions started and intensified. But my uterus was not expanding as expected. That was when my doctor decided to do a C-section.
In the operation theatre, I had the most beautiful and unforgettable moment of my life. Looking at the face of my little boy, I forgot about my tiredness. After a few minutes, I was sleeping in the postnatal ward, waking up now and then, and thinking about when I will get to take my little one in my arms. After observation in the NICU, my husband held him and gave him to me in my arms, and that was the moment he loved me the most. I realised how my husband watched me lovingly each time I fed our son. He just made us love each other more. Not only my partner but all my dear ones loved me.
My world became as small to me as my little one's smile. His cries bothered me than anything else or more. Each and every moment spent with him was my dream come true. Waking up each morning to watch this little one sleeping beside me made me realise that this was the life I longed for.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Breastfeeding is healthier for both mom and baby as well
Hi Mommies,
As we know Breastfeeding is equally important for baby and mother too.And it's True
One must know about the importance of Breastfeeding along with health benefits for both mother and baby it do not require any preparation ,anytime ready ,no handling required so less chances of infection,Cheap even no cost comparative to formula feed.
Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development.
Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in those tender, early months.
This particularly applies to colostrum ,the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies
Physical Benefits for Mother:-
Uterus contraction stimulation after birth and help in bringing back to normal size
Natural and faster weight loss after birth
Lower chances of Anaemia
Decreases postpartum bleeding
Decreases the chances of postpartum psychosis and more positive mood
Lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers
Lower risk of diabetes and hypertension
Emotional Benefits for Mother: -
Reduces strees and enhances positive feelings in mother
Enhances self Esteem and confidence
Emotional bonding between mother and baby
Health Benefits for baby: -
Boosts Immunity
Improved brain development
Lower risk of respiratory and skin diseases.
Lower risk of immunosuppressive diseases like leukemia,sclerosis etc
Less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Less likely to develop heart disease in adulthood.
Less illness , less hospitalization
Less diarrhea and constipation.
Breast milk provides abundant and easily absorbed nutritional components, antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties, and live antibodies from mother. Mother’s more mature immune system makes antibodies to the germs to which she and her baby have been exposed. These antibodies enter her milk to help protect her baby from illness. Immunoglobulin A coats the lining of the baby’s immature intestines helping germs and allergens from leaking through. Breast milk also contains substances that naturally soothe infants Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. At what month does the baby go from breech position to cephalic position?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. hello nearing your delivery it will happen.any concern then it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly which would be better and also safe
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. @ the time of birth baby weight 2.475kg but after completed 6weeks baby weight approx 3kg, why baby weight gain very slow, till breast-feeding milk and urinate 6-7 times and potty 2-3 times. can u please suggest why slow in progress in weight gain???
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. the average birth weight of neonates is about 3 kg.
during the first few days after birth, the newborn loses
extracellular fluid equivalent to about 10% of the body
weight.
most infants regain their birth weight by the age of 10 days. subsequently, they gain weight at a rate of
approximately 25 to 30 g per day for the first 3 months of life.
thereafter they gain about 400 g weight every month,
for the remaining part of the first year. x
an infant usually doubles his birth weight (taken as 3 kg) by the age of 5 months. the birth weight triples at 1 year and is four times at 2 years of age.
the weight of ca child at the age of three years is usually
five times that of the birth weight.
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
55 mins ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
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