In response to Nikki's comment-fluoride is not only important for developing teeth-but also to maintain lifetime health of teeth. If you live in an area w/out fluoridated water or use exclusively bottled water, fluoride drops should be started by 6 months of age. It is ok to begin to use a toothpaste with fluoride around 15-18 months.
Nice to hear from you Nikki. Hope all is well.
Most babies will begin to get teeth by about 9 months. Some earlier, some later. Babies will often begin to drool alot around 4 months and parents will often think that they are "teething." They may be, but usually it is a little later until the teeth come in.
The normal progression is the lower middle two teeth, the upper middle two teeth, then the teeth next to the middle teeth, lower and upper. However, not all babies follow these rules and some will get their "fangs" in first.
Now, there is alot of behavior that is attributed to teething. Fussy, agressiveness, fever, diarrhea, etc-are just a few. Numerous studies have not really shown any correlation b/w teething and other symptoms. I think occas. use of tylenol, cold teething rings, frozen bagels are safe for teething pain. Teething tablets are probably ok-but remember-theses are herbal supplements that have not been FDA studied. I would avoid use Oragel.
Care for teeth should begin when the first tooth erupts. Begin wiping down with a wash cloth at least once a day. As your baby gets older you can begin a toothbrush with water. Around 15-18 months, it is ok to begin a small amount of toothpaste. Try and brush one to two times a day. This will not always be easy. You may consider trying flossing about 2 yrs of age.
I think that your child should see the dentist around the age of 3. You may hear earlier than that. If either mom or dad has a history of "bad teeth" you should begin around the age of 2. The pediatric dentist that I like is Kerry Edwards, DDS-her number is 742-9810.
If you need a dentist for yourself-the following are dads in my practice-they are all nice guys and are good. The list is in no particular order:
John Mose-61st Memorial, Randy Segnar-44th Harvard, Jason Hall 65th Yale, Jerome Cha, 93rd Mingo, Hugh Do-43th Harvard.
I figured right after Halloween was a good time to talk about dental care. My kids cannot get enough candy!
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