ParentingHub

Expert advice on baby teething problems from SA Childcare and First Aid Centre founder, Daniele Milner.

When to call the doctor
Vomiting, diarrhoea and very high temperatures

When to use . . .

Iced lollies: Use the safety net spoons and mash fruit and freeze it to make your own fruit lollies. You can add yoghurt as well.

Baby Biltong: Has less salt and no msg. The salt acts as a local disinfectant and babies love to bite and suck on the biltong. Be careful of small bits after they have chewed on it and when it gets too small rather give them a new piece.

Homeopathic remedies: Rescue remedy, chamomile 30x, and the pegasus range. There are a range of teething products available at the pharmacies, as well.

However, try not to expose your baby to too much medicine. Try rubbing your baby’s gums.

Caring for teeth

When teeth appear, clean morning and evening and after he/she has eaten something sweet.

Wipe the tooth with the edge of a soft face cloth or a commercial tooth wipe.

Most of the leading retail baby stores stock a set of first tooth brushes which contain a gum stimulator and a first tooth brush which is very soft.

Remember to stay away from too much sugar and undiluted fruit juices.

Take baby to the dentist twice a year from the age of two.