Eruption of teeth

 The second year sees arrival of many teeths.

The first molars, or back theeth, come in around 12 to 15 months. These teeth may cause teething discomfort. The second molars appear as the second birthday approaches. and also may be painful.The canine teeth that erupt in between the first and second molars usually dont cause discomfort.

 With teething pain comes happiness and irritability. You may find that your toddler's sleep is disturbed. Sucking and biting, which normally are comforting behaviors, now may cause pain. Rubbing the gum with your finger often provides relief. Letting your toddler drink from a cup instead of a botthle also may help, as sucking from a bottle often makes teething pain worse. The chilled teething ring also may help.

 Caring for your toddler's teeth

 Continuing the daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is especially important now that there are many teeth, side-by-side, in your toddler's mouth. The bumpy surfaces on the molars give food and plaque more places to stick, and should be brushed regularly. Use the same gentle, up-and-down motion to brush each tooth and around the gums.

 Do the evening brushing after dinner so that food debris does not habe a chance to stay in the mouth overnight. If you do the evening brushing just before bed, avoid ending dinner with a starchy, sticky food. Rinse your toddler's mouth with plain water after eating to help wash away food particles that might stick to her teeth.