It’s a rite of passage for every parent—seeing your baby lose their teeth. But even though it’s common, it can still be a bit jarring (and a little gross) when it happens. So, what should you do when your baby starts to lose their teeth? Here are a few tips on what to expect and how to help your baby through this exciting—and sometimes difficult—milestone.
It’s normal for your baby to lose their teeth
As your baby grows, they will start to lose their teeth. It’s normal for babies to start losing their teeth around 6 months old. By the time they’re 3 years old, they will have lost all their baby teeth.
Don’t worry if your baby starts to lose their teeth a little earlier or later than 6 months old. Every child is different and will lose their teeth at their own pace.
If you’re concerned about your child losing their teeth too early, talk to your doctor or dentist. They can help you determine if there’s anything to be worried about.
When should you be concerned?
If your baby is around 6 months old and starts to lose their teeth, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. This is because it’s normal for babies to start losing their first teeth (known as primary teeth) around this age. However, if your baby is younger than 6 months old and loses a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist or medical professional as soon as possible, as this may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
What can you do to help your baby through this process?
The teething process can be tough on both babies and their parents. There are a few things you can do to help your little one through this tough time:
1. Offer them a cold, wet cloth to chew on. This can help to soothe their gums and provide some relief from the pain.
2. Give them a teething ring or toy to gnaw on. This can also help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with teething.
3. Use an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce any inflammation or pain associated with teething. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.
4. Apply a topical numbing gel to your baby’s gums as directed by your pediatrician. This can provide temporary relief from the pain of teething.
5. Keep your baby hydrated by offering them plenty of water or breast milk to drink throughout the day.
6. Try not to let your baby get too overtired, as this can make the discomfort of teething even worse. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible during this time.
How to prepare for your baby losing their teeth
When your baby starts to lose their teeth, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your baby losing their teeth:
1. Stock up on soft foods: When your baby starts to lose their teeth, they may not be able to eat hard foods like they used to. So, it’s a good idea to stock up on soft foods that they can easily chew and digest.
2. Get a teething toy: A teething toy can help soothe your baby’s gums as they lose their teeth. Look for one that is made of soft material and is easy for your baby to hold onto.
3. Be prepared for the bleeding: When your baby starts to lose their teeth, there may be some bleeding. It’s a good idea to have a clean cloth or gauze handy in case you need to wipe away the blood.
4. Have patience: Losing teeth can be a painful process for your baby. So, it’s important to have patience and understand that they may be cranky or irritable during this time.
Conclusion
If your baby has lost their teeth, there are a few things you can do to help them. First, make sure they’re eating soft foods and drinking plenty of water to avoid any discomfort. You can also use a cold compress to numb the area if they’re in pain. Finally, keep an eye on their gums and teeth to make sure they’re healthy and if you have any concerns, be sure to consult with your dentist.