Henry's first tooth came in around the end of January, at 5 1/2 months, followed a week later by two more bottom teeth, the two right next to it. I originally thought that it was one tooth with an indentation in the middle, since there were two points sticking up. Then, we realized it was actually two teeth, just not square at the top, but angled and jagged. Interesting and different I thought, but nothing to worry about. In fact, I was glad that the two teeth erupted at the same time, since it saved me some teething issues! But, now that the teeth are fully emerged, a week ago or so I took a real close look and noticed that the two teeth are fused. So they are the width of two teeth, with a V in the middle. I called the pediatrician, who recommended a dentist, who wanted to see Henry. Thus, the dentist visit at only 7 months, not 2 years!
Henry was a great patient. He smiled a little for the dentist, let him poke around in his mouth. Basically, the dentist went over all the possible options for the two teeth. Fusion (two become one), gemination (one becomes two), supernumerary tooth (extra), or angenesis (missing) and the possibility of this happening to permanent teeth, which he said isn't necessarily a given. The whole issue is just wait and see what happens, since I decided not to have him x-rayed. We just have to pay extra special attention to cleaning the teeth, since the groove between the two fused teeth is prone to more decay. If it does become decayed, he says it might need to be filled with plastic, but hopefully that won't happen. I can bring Henry in and have the sharp ridge filled down if I want, but unless it becomes a problem cutting him, then I'm going to have the dentist leave it alone for now. And check-ups every six months starting now, not waiting until 2 years or so. So that is al pretty easy, I'm just very curious as to what the situation is under the gums! What will it mean for his permanent teeth and also for more baby teeth to emerge? I did a lot of research before I went, being the geek that I am, so pretty much everything Dr. Johns said was what I expected to hear. It is very reasurring though to have it checked out, and now I don't have to worry at least. Who knew that the girl who did her fifth grade science project on teeth and was a tech for a dentist in high school and started college with a pre-dental focus, would one day have a baby with some interesting teeth issues?
Henry's still working on the army crawl, although now he can hold his arms up for a little bit. Its hard for him to transfer his weight though, so when he tries to move forward, he falls down on his forearms. He's working on dadada - and lots of other baby sounds. I swear the other day he said "ta-pa" when I said tape (as I was taking it away from him so he didn't chew on it), and "ah" when I said apple (which he doesn't think taste all that wonderful yet). It might be coincidence, but we'll take it. At the very least, he's trying out all kinds of sounds and mouth configurations. Sometimes sound comes out, sometimes it doesn't. It's pretty funny when he moves his mouth but nothing comes out! His talking comes and goes, and right now, he's full of things to say.
Henry doesn't care too much for apples, he'll eat them but makes some funny grimaces. But, he does like avocados! Smooth, mild, soft, and another green we can add to the list. He makes a huge mess eating toast as well, which ends up in a gooey, sticky mushy mess. Gross. But cute! Next up on the list - pears, oat cereal, bananas, and prunes.
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