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Oral Care for Babies During The First 9 months Teething Time Planner It doesn't take parents long to realize that a child's development does not always stick to given timeframes. For this reason, the following plan is only an approximate guideline for teething: •	In the 6th week of pregnancy the formation of the dental ridge is already underway; the substances for baby teeth develop. •	Between the 4th and 6th month of pregnancy hard tooth structures develop; at birth, the tooth crowns are already finished. •	In individual cases babies are born with a visible tooth – don’t worry, even this is within normal boundaries. •	Generally, the preparation for teething starts from 4 to 6 months. •	Between 6 and 8 months of age it is likely that an incisor (bottom middle) will appear first. •	Followed shortly by the top middle incisors, then the side ones. •	Around 14 months the first molars arrive, then the canines. •	Finally, the second molars can be expected from the second birthday. •	The complete set of baby teeth consists of 20 teeth – 8 incisors, 4 canines and 8 molars What babies need now When new tingling, itching and pushing sensations are suddenly felt due to growing teeth beneath the surface, babies particularly like to put things in their mouths and chew on them. This provides relief. Everything that cools feels good, usually the next best object within reach, is chewed on until it reaches body temperature. There are household remedies and medicinal products, but they have their down side:

•	Bread crusts don’t look particularly attractive to babies, and attention must always be paid that they are only chewed and not swallowed (risk of choking). •	Cooling, pain relieving gels or teething suppositories from the chemists are medicinal – okay for occasional and brief usage, but definitely not a long-term solution.

Oral care accessories developed especially for infants are better for the job. Babies like them and they offer good relief.

0–3 Months Even if shortly after birth there is nothing to see: the teeth are already there, almost complete in the dental ridge. In addition, when baby teeth are examined in laboratories you can even tell when they too were born into the world: during birth, the cells responsible for enamel production (Ameloblasts) take a break – and this can be seen in the enamel as the so-called birth, or neonatal line.

4–6 Months

For most children their first tooth comes through at about 6 months. Under the surface however, preparations are underway. Especially now, when babies are enjoying discovery with their mouths – they are going through the so-called ‘oral phase’ – they strongly feel the sudden new tingling, itching and pushing sensations. Parents can also notice the change when baby kisses become wetter - teething causes increased saliva production.

7–9 Months

Baby teeth: they only last a few years, yet are important for a lifetime.

It will probably be an incisor, in the middle at the bottom that appears first. This first tooth and the 19 other baby teeth need plenty of care from day one – not only because the enamel-mineral coating is thinner than that of the second, permanent teeth. They also fulfil many important functions that last into adulthood.

Having a healthy set of baby teeth influences the development of facial features as well as the child’s ability to learn to talk properly. The first teeth are indispensable ‘place-keepers’ for the second, permanent set; especially the canines and baby molars: they ensure that in the final set of teeth, everything will be in its proper place.

It is really worth taking care of the child’s baby teeth from now until puberty when the ‘last of the first’ fall out. In addition, the dentist bills quickly add up if problems with baby teeth have to be treated orthodontically.

The MAM Massaging Brush is not only ideal for cleaning the very first teeth. Parents can also use it to give their child an oral massage, which helps combat itching and tingling. The shape and brush head make it possible to reach all parts of the mouth and the right spots accurately. The long handle invites babies to hold on and join in.

The MAM baby toothbrush is developed with dentists to ensure that babies get used to regular oral hygiene for healthy teeth. For more information on the best baby toothbrush for your child, visit http://www.mymambaby.com.