Did you know? By the end of the third month of pregnancy, tooth buds begin to calcify. By birth, the roots of a baby's 20 primary teeth are largely formed, and the rudiments of permanent teeth are also present.Babies start developing their baby teeth inside tooth buds while still in the womb, which is why people say good teeth come from the mother's womb. This means expectant mothers need to pay special attention to nutrition and vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy. They should also get plenty of sunlight and eat foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, such as green vegetables and soy products, to provide ample "nutrients" for the fetus.
Introducing Solid Foods to Support Teething
When starting solids, new mothers should ensure babies receive minerals like calcium and phosphorus essential for tooth and bone development, along with vitamin D. Regular sun exposure allows ultraviolet rays to stimulate vitamin D production in the skin, which enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption.Timely introduction of complementary foods provides ample calcium, which is crucial. Thus, it can be said that "good teeth come from nutrition and sunlight."
Follow a specific sequence when introducing complementary foods: begin with liquid foods, then progress to semi-liquid foods (purees), and gradually transition to solid foods like toast or baked bread slices once the baby adapts.Introducing solids too late may hinder oral muscle development, while introducing them too early can burden the digestive system. New mothers should strictly follow this sequence. By the time teeth emerge around six months, the baby should be accustomed to solid foods, which aids teething. You can also let the baby hold and gnaw on firm foods to stimulate the gums and encourage tooth eruption.
Stop Thumb-Sucking
Thumb-sucking can cause upper teeth to protrude outward and lower teeth to tilt inward. Therefore, it's crucial to discourage this habit.This doesn't mean forcibly stopping them, but rather analyzing the reasons behind the habit to implement appropriate solutions. If sucking stems from unmet needs, extend breastfeeding sessions. If loneliness is the cause, spend more time playing and engaging with your baby.
Important Considerations
◆ Offering sugary drinks like sweetened water or feeding milk/juice at bedtime without immediate oral cleaning allows sugar to adhere to teeth, promoting bacterial growth. After feeding milk or solids, give your baby a few sips of plain water to rinse the mouth.◆ During teething, babies feel itchy gums and may want to bite or chew on anything they can get their hands on.However, newly erupted teeth lack fully formed roots and are easily dislodged. Avoid giving metal or wooden toys to prevent tooth injury. Also, refrain from using rubber pacifiers as substitutes, as excessive chewing can disrupt normal oral, jawbone, and tooth development.