Remember to clean your baby’s mouth and gums daily from the start. This is good preparation for the onset of erupting teeth, and gets baby used to oral hygiene habits. Teething generally begins at four to six months. One tooth per month will appear until about 2½ years.

In promoting good dental care, avoid giving baby sugar or bottles of juice or milk at bedtime as this can promote tooth decay. Some professionals advise that toothpaste with fluoride be avoided unless the water supply in your area isn't fluoridated.

It is also advised that baby have a first visit with the dentist at about one year. This is a good way for you to learn if your baby’s teeth are developing well or if additional precautions or care needs to be taken (i.e. fluoride drops) and get answers to any questions you have.

At about 18 months, your child may be ready to start learning to brush his/her own teeth.

Tips for teething babies:
* Carrot sticks are great for a teething baby. They are not too hard, so babies will not cut their tender gums, and any pieces that budding teeth grate off will not do any harm. Baby carrots are even better for teething because they are already peeled and are a good size for baby to hold.

* Many parents freeze rolled up wet washcloths and give them to baby to chew on.

* Be careful when using teething gels that numb baby’s gums. Use very small amounts to prevent baby from swallowing too much and numbing their tongues or back of throat. This could impede baby’s ability to swallow. (It's best to wait until the numbing wears off before feeding baby any soft or solid foods.)

Contact: If you have a great idea to help ease the pain of teething, let us know about it. We'll add it to out tips list!