Watch out for:
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay -- The health of your infant's baby teeth is important to the healthy growth of their permanent teeth. To keep your infant's teeth healthy and help prevent baby bottle tooth decay be sure to clean them after feedings, and avoid putting your baby to bed with formula or fruit juice (these contain tooth decay-causing sugars); use water instead.
Signs of Teething -- Your baby's first tooth can erupt, or "cut," as early as three months and as late as a year. On average, babies experience their first tooth at about 7-months old. The symptoms of teething can vary greatly from child to child, but if your baby becomes increasingly irritable or starts drooling, biting and coughing more than normal he or she could be teething. Try giving your baby a teething ring or bottle of cold water for relief. If the symptoms don't subside, ask your pediatrician about using Infants' Tylenol® or Baby Orajel®.
Excessive Pacifier Use -- Pacifiers are great for soothing your baby, helping your baby sleep and providing them with a harmless distraction. But if your infant uses a pacifier for more than three years, he or she may develop dental problems such as slanted teeth or a misaligned bite later on. If you have a difficult time weaning your baby from pacifier use, ask your dentist about alternative ways to give the comfort your child craves.
