No teeth still?? Part 3

Yes, finally made it to the clinic! Well, guess I had overly-rated my expectations prior to the visit coz it was nothing exciting nor eye-opening! I have no one to be blamed but myself!

"What is it?, what is it?", you may ask... But oh well... nothing extraordinary happened. Reached the clinic almost 9am and for the first time, couldn't get a parking lot there. Why did every parents decide to bring their 'lil ones there on the same day..?? So, being the responsible road user I always am, I politely parked next to the motorcycle park illegally but made sure that I didn't obstruct the traffic. Very thoughtful, wasn't I? Thankfully, I managed to persuade the security guard to let me go. Not surprising, right? Who on earth will not sympathise to a helpless, semi-incompetent-looking mom with a toddler strapped on the car seat - without any other human being at sight to assist her, right? "Cheh eh ho liao ha?" ("Just for a short while, ok?" in Hokkien), requested the security guard.

The visit lasted about one and a half hours. I do hope it is considered "short" for the kind security guard...

Anyway, it was just another regular check-up. Checked her weight - 9.5kg. She only gained 100g since her last 2 months visit. It's considered a low increase... But nothing to worry about as long as she's still gaining weight progressively. She was measured height for the first time, though.. 77.4cm. Oh, another first time - dental check, the moment I've been waiting for!

"Buka mulut, Leia..." ("open your mouth" in Malay), the nurse asked her. "Mai..." ("no" in Hokkien), she retorted. This happened for a few times until everyone gave up. So, I explained her progress to the nurse. According to her, some babies are late bloomers. *Duh.... They will usually refer the late bloomers to doctors if there's still no sign of teeth by the age of 2. So, Leia "failed the test" to get the chance to meet the doc. Remember I told you earlier, one tooth on the upper gum is showing...

So, there we were... listening to some dental care advise given by the nurse. I find it hard to believe that I need to start cleaning her hardly visible tooth! and gum. No more pacifier. Fact or myth?? That babies may develop imperfect teeth if they continue chewing on their pacifiers.

Want to know our progress thus far? Well, Leia has successfully lived her last 2 days without pacifier. Easy-peasy. No violent protest required. But....but... as for cleaning her tooth and gum, no action has been taken yet. Blame it on my lack of urgency. Hmmm... maybe tonight.

No teeth still?? Part 2

Hehehe.... I see something in there....!

Yup! I'm seeing sign of teething! Leia's first tooth is struggling to pierce through her toughen gum. Counted. 1/4 tooth is out. Meaning, the first one is not totally out yet. But, it's ok. I can heave a sigh of relief now...hai..... :)

Hubby's right. We've not heard of cases of toothless child, right? And I'm pretty sure Leia will not place her name in Guinness World Records...if you know what I mean....

Nevertheless, I can't wait to visit her doctor this coming Thursday. Counting down!

No teeth still??

Ok, ok, ok...there I go again... getting all paranoid with Leia's teething issue. Just great! I just got a weekly baby update from one of the baby's website that I subscribed to - Babycenter.com this afternoon... And guess what I've been informed..?

Quote
If your child still doesn't have any teeth by 15 to 18 months, schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist
Unquote

Haha! See, I knew something is not alright...! Leia's 14 months old now. Pretty close to the age range given above, don't you think?

Ok, should I get panic now? Her next regular medical check-up is in next 2 weeks time. So, I think I'll stay sane till that d-day (she'll turn 15 then!) and interrogate the doctor!

How many teeth does Leia have?

None!

She's going to be 1 year old by this end month and yet... "takda" (Malay word for none). I can see her bottom 2 middle teeth showing in her gum already. In fact, they have been there for a few months now and yet still not willing to come out!

The proof - shot taken a few days ago

Everyone have been asking and some couldn't comprehend why. Some had having negative thoughts in their heads. Abnormal baby? Of course, not! According to experts, baby's milestones vary from one individual to the other. Some babies could have their teeth sprouting out as early as 3-4 months. Some late bloomers will insist that it will only happen pass their 1 year old. I guess Leia will join the latter group.

The older generations from the Hokkien clan even have their own version of baby's milestones. It goes like this;

Chit chieh (7 - sit)
Peihk peh (8 - crawl)
Kow huat geh (9 - sprout teeth)

* 7, 8, and 9 refers to specific month

So, obviously Leia is out of the league. Hahaha... well, nothing much can be done. Just have to wait and see. Look at the bright side. I don't have to start worrying still about how to care for her gums and emerging teeth, the best way to brush her teeth, when to take her to the dentist, which brand has babies best toothbrush technology, etc, etc...