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By
Lee Philips M.D.
PersonalMD.com
Advisory Board
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Molars
& Canines?
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Molars:
A
tooth with a rounded or flattened surface adapted for grinding;
specifically
:
one of the mammalian teeth behind the incisors and canines
sometimes including the premolars but more exactly restricted
to the three posterior pairs in each human jaw on each side
which are not preceded by milk teeth.
Canines:
A
conical pointed tooth; especially : one situated between the
lateral incisor and the first premolar.
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For
many parents, the appearance of the first tooth is an important
milestone in their baby's development. Teething in infants and toddlers
is perfectly normal. Somewhere between 3 and 6 months you will notice
your child's first tooth pushing the half a centimeter through the
gum. Babies actually form the first set of teeth before birth. The
primary teeth are inside the jaw just beneath the gums.
The
two bottom front teeth usually appear first, followed by the four
upper front teeth. The lateral incisors, next to the front teeth,
appear next. At about 15 months of age, back teeth used for grinding
food, the first molars appear. Next, the pointy eyeteeth or canines
appear in the space next to the incisors. Finally, the second molars
erupt. A new tooth will appear every 4-8 weeks until by the age
of 3 all 20 primary teeth are present, which means there will be
a lot of teething!
Teething
occurs in spurts so infants will have both good and bad days. Whenever
your child does begin teething, he or she may have increased drooling
and the desire to chew on things. The gums around the new teeth
are often swollen and may be sore for a few days. When the tooth
finally breaks the surface there may be a small amount of blood
on the gums. Many simple remedies are available to soothe the aching
gums. To help the baby's discomfort massage the gums where the teeth
are erupting with your finger. Giving your baby something to cold
to chew on can be helpful. In addition, the pressure seems to soothe
the gums.
Babies
often get relief from a teething ring, a frozen washcloth, a frozen
banana or popsicle. Ice acts as a local anesthetic by directly numbing
the baby's gums. Wiping the drool off of your baby's face often
will prevent rashes from occurring. Mild irritability and low grade
fever are common responses to teething pain in young children. A
common belief is that teething causes a high fever. A fever over
101 degrees should be evaluated by a doctor. When discomfort is
at its worst, an infant dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may lessen
pain. Consult your pediatrician before giving your baby any medication
and if there is a high fever present.
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How
to Take Care of your Teeth
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Good
oral health is important for your total well-being.
The
condition of the tissues and structures of your mouth affect
your general physical condition, ability to chew and speak,
appearance, and personal relations.
To
prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it is important to see
your dentist regularly. Also, it is essential that you know
how to keep your teeth clean.
Proper
brushing and flossing techniques are important. During your
next dental visit, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you
proper brushing technique.
Learn
More....
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Don't
they just fall out anyway?
Even
though, the first set of teeth are not permanent your child's baby
teeth are important. The first thing we often notice about a person
is there smile. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their
food and to develop jaw bones and muscles. The teeth are also important
in helping your baby learn to talk. Dental care should begin as
soon as your child's first tooth appears. Teeth can begin to decay
soon after they first appear in the mouth. Clean the teeth as they
erupt, using a damp washcloth to wipe the teeth after feeding. Around
18 months, your child may be ready to learn to brush his teeth.
Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars that
are present in the diet, producing acids that attack the teeth.
Both
breast milk and formula contain sugar which pool in the mouth causing
tooth decay. To prevent cavities, never let your child fall asleep
with a bottle, either at nap time or bedtime. By the time decay
is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. Tooth decay can
cause a child to lose a tooth too soon, leaving gaps before the
permanent teeth are ready to come in. Baby teeth should not fall
out until around age six. The remaining primary teeth may shift
in an attempt to fill in the gaps. When it is time for the permanent
teeth there might not be enough room to come in. Without proper
spacing the permanent teeth will be crowded and out of place.
ORAL
FIXATIONS
It's
a normal desire and need for children to suck their thumbs, or a
pacifier. Some infants even suck their thumb before they are born.
Babies derive considerable satisfaction from sucking during their
first year of life. Most children, as they develop, will outgrow
their need to suck. If your child continues sucking after the age
of 6, or you notice changes in the shape of your child's mouth or
teeth consult your dentist.
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