How I Respond

• I pick up things, shake them, and then listen to the sound they make when I drop them.

• I play games with people I know.

• I get upset when I’m around grown-up strangers, but I’m friendly to children I don’t know.

• I coo, hum, or stop crying sometimes when I hear music.

• I keep very busy doing something all the time.

Baby’s First Tooth

Some babies are born with one or more teeth; others do not get teeth until after their first birthday. Because the average age for the first tooth is 7 months old, your baby may begin teething soon.

Your baby’s first teeth will probably come in easily. She may have slightly inflamed gums, some drooling, and quite a bit of chewing as the first teeth come through. To comfort your baby, rub her gums with your clean finger or give her a cool safe teething ring she can chew.

When teething, your baby may have a runny nose or a rash on her face and neck. She also may be fussy. Teething does not cause high fever above 101 degrees, vomiting, or diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, call your doctor.

After teething, the first tooth is a welcome sight. By the time your child is 2 to 3 years old; all 20 baby teeth should be in. Many people believe that if children lose their baby teeth, the teeth are not important. This is not true. See the next story for reasons baby teeth must be protected.

Take Care of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth do five important things:

• Chew food
• Help child speak clearly
• Guide permanent teeth into place
• Add to general good health
• Make a nice smile

Tooth decay and gum disease are the two major dental diseases. They are caused by germs naturally found in the mouth. Sugars from breast milk, infant formulas, all sweetened drinks, and juices are the main sources for these germs. Half of American children have cavities by the time they are 2 years old.

Baby tooth decay develops when a baby’s teeth constantly have sugar-containing substances on them. This often happens if a baby sleeps with a bottle in his mouth or stays attached to the breast and goes to sleep. To prevent cavities, remove the breast or bottle from the baby’s mouth after feeding and clean your baby’s teeth at least once a day. Use a moist soft cloth to clean your baby’s teeth after each feeding.