Baby’s First Year and Oral Health Milestones
Aug. 23, 2023
Here are some handy guides and worksheets to download and explore at home, or in the classroom! Explore the infographic depicting tips and stages of a baby’s dental development including the newborn stage, drooling stage, teething stage, and the two teeth and beyond stage, all leading up to the baby’s first birthday.
The newborn stage includes the first three months of life, before the baby even has teeth. At this stage, babies often put their hands in their mouths, which often signifies hunger. After this is the drooling stage, including the third through sixth month of life, where the baby creates more saliva, acting as a sign that their first tooth is coming. Teething, when the baby’s first teeth begin to emerge, often occurs between four and seven months, and it can be a very uncomfortable time for them. Rubbing their gums is a good way to soothe them. The stages after this are dependent on the baby, but, overall, it is important to clean their mouths both before and while they are developing teeth.
These provided tips will allow for the baby to have a healthier, more comfortable experience as their first teeth begin to come in as well as informing the parent about what is normal in each stage.
Then, use the discussion questions as guides to talk with children about their teeth so that they can better understand the importance of dental health and encourage them to make healthy choices. The questions work to give children more of an understanding of their body and give them valuable information that they might not get until they’re already having trouble with their dental health while also preparing them for future dental milestones. Together, learn about a baby’s dental development and help a child acquire the proper knowledge to motivate them to maintain good dental hygiene and form healthy habits that stick so their next trip to the dentist is cavity free.