When your baby starts teething, you can be sure you’ll know it right away. Most babies are born with 20 teeth below their gum line, just waiting to pop out just after the six month mark (back molars come in typically around 14-18 months). How much they are going to suffer through the baby teething process will vary from one little boy or girl, depending on their tolerance levels.

Baby teething is a fairly predictable process, as far as what teeth you can expect to see. The lower middle incisors will first show around 6 months and the molars start soon after a baby’s first birthday. The canine teeth typically come between baby’s second or third birthday. Be prepared for at least a few sleepless nights. Some parents are lucky enough to sneak through the process without, but at least preparing yourself for the possibility can make things less stressful for you and your spouse during those long nights.

While baby teething pain cannot be avoided, there are plenty of tried and true remedies that can ease them through their discomfort. Teethers are a must to have around and are very inexpensive. Have two or three, with a couple in the freezer during times when your baby’s teeth are really bothering them. You can also count on chilled baby food, frozen carrots, or any cold object they can’t swallow. Also talk to your baby and let them chew on your fingers if they need to. The pressure from chewing on a soft object helps to numb the gum area where pain exists. While it’s tempting to try over-the-counter pain relievers, try to avoid them, as they don’t last very long. Acetaminophen formulas for babies are a better alternative.

Prevention of gum disease involves methods to control and prevent the amount of tartar and plaque build-up on the teeth. These steps include proper dental hygiene, good nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices and regular visits to the dentist.

Proper dental hygiene: Brushing your teeth well at least twice a day, helps keep plaque and tartar build-up at bay. You should preferably use soft-bristled toothbrushes as they are less abrasive and make sure the bristles are in good condition. Make it a habit to change your toothbrush every three months.

Good nutrition: Eating a wide variety of foods from the different food groups, such fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, poultry, meat, fish, cereals and grain will ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Healthy lifestyle choices: Starches as well as sugary foods and drinks cause more harm to the teeth when they are eaten in-between meals. Also foods that stick to your teeth or tend to stay in the mouth for a longer period of time, such as jellybeans, caramels, mints and hard candies cause prolonged and continuous attacks on the teeth and should be avoided.

Regular visits to the dentist: Dentists and dental hygienists are vital in helping prevent any kind of dental decay or gum erosion. Regular check-ups stop tooth and gum decay from progressing further. The dentist can offer helpful advice depending on the health of your teeth and gums. Scaling and polishing of the teeth can help remove tartar that is hardened and cannot be removed by mere brushing and flossing.