It seems like he’s been teeth forever now. He started rubbing his gum around 5 months. Then the drooling and fussing. He never spiked a temp, but he was visibly agitated. Fast forward… he only has two teeth. Because I had my first son’s experience, I found it odd. But turns out, everyone’s teeth erupt at different paces.
See the Oragel baby chart below:
https://www.orajelkids.com/en/resources/teething-chart-see-when-your-babys-teeth-will-come-in
In true MommyGuilt fashion, my research led me down a rabbit hole. Is there something wrong with my baby? Long story short, I have an appointment with his pediatrician next week. It’s probably nothing but shrugs.
Even though he only has two teeth, we have quite the oral care routine. We brush twice even thrice. As a newborn, I would take a wash cloth and rinse his mount out before naps and bedtime. I also included him in my oral routine by having him sit at the sink and watch me. I tried not to skip these moments so oral care became normalized for him. Just like anything, frequent exposure helps build habit and we’re all about building good habits.
I recently took my three year old to the dentist for the first time and a was shocked to learn that I was behind the eight ball. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies see the dentist by their first birthday. Who knew?
I prepared him for his appointment by finding videos of his faves going to the dentist and reading stories like Peppa Pig Goes to the Dentist. I also took him on my own dentist appointment and let him sit on my lap so he can experience it and see all the instruments the hygienist used to clean my teeth. The hygienist even gave him his own tooth brush. I have found that these little things helped decrease the fear of the unknown.
What have you tried? Did you find it helpful? Have you been waiting on your little one’s teeth forever, too? Let’s open the discussion. I’d love to hear from you!
Mommy Guilt 
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