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.

Orthodontic treatment is typically a long-term commitment – and a costly one. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your orthodontist, so it’s imperative you make the right choice in choosing a top quality orthodontist and avoid costly do-overs.Read on to learn how to choose an orthodontist. Here are simple tips to get the top orthodontics treatment that fits your individual situation.

1. Your orthodontic treatment should be done by an orthodontist. Any dentist can apply braces, but an orthodontist has not only gone to dental school, he has also gone for at least another 2 years to acquire additional skills, training and clinical experience in the specialized field of orthodontics.

2. Verify your prospective orthodontist’s credentials. Is he licensed by the American Association of Orthodontists? AAO members are screened to make sure they are well qualified and must follow high ethical standards.

3. Find out how long your potential orthodontist has been in practice. A well-established practice means a lot of successful outcomes and satisfied patients.

4. Your orthodontist should be current on the latest options and techniques. Does he keep up with the current research and treatment techniques? There are both tried-and-true techniques and many new ones: invisible or colored braces, as well as alternatives to braces, such as porcelain veneers.

Your general dentist might suggest a particular orthodontist he has worked with in the past. While his recommendation is a valuable one, you needn’t limit yourself to one choice. You should consult 2 or 3 potential orthodontists. Not only is this is an excellent way to get a second opinion, it gives you a chance to ask to see before-and-after photos of successful outcomes.