Should I stop my 9mo chewing stuff - could he be damaging his teeth?

[IceNoSlice]

He's got 7 teeth, and I noticed one of the bottom ones looks like it has a little notch in it. Maybe a chip?

He chews everything. I don't let him bite me/other people (he gets a stern 'no') and I take things off him that could be harmful, but pretty much let him chew his toys, spoons etc. His wooden blocks have little teeth marks in them. I let him because I thought it was an important part of him exploring his world, but what age should I stop this?

Should I be telling him off for chewing stuff he shouldn't be?

Thanks

[amazingmumof6]

yes, tell him off and put him on the naughty step! And DEFINITELY don't let him chew on people!



only kidding, just let him be, he's 9 months old!

they are only baby teeth, so even if they get a bit chipped (two of mine had that when falling over, one knocked a tooth really badly) they will fall out so no real permanent damage is done.

[IceNoSlice]

Thanks amazingmum. He had his 9mo check and the HV told him off for putting her wooden blocks in his mouth. Made me doubt myself a bit

[Lottapianos]

Normal 9 month old behaviour and a very import part of his exploratory play development. Keep an eye, make sure he's chewing on safe things and enjoy him!

[amazingmumof6]

oh ffs, stupid HV! don't listen to her!

if it hurts him he will stop!

[Lottapianos]

Oh and the HV should know better!

[HenriettaPye]

My 9mo constantly is chewing something! Anything in arms reach gets put in her mouth, if she can't get anything she pulls her socks off and chews her socks! Her poor brother sometimes gets his finger chewed too

It's all normal and important for their development, it's how they learn about things!

[IceNoSlice]

Thanks amazingmum, Lotta and Henrietta.

Good to get some reassurance sometimes, I thought it was fine but silly HV made me doubt. Good job there are lovely MNers to put things right again

[shoesontheglasslamp]

My 2.5 year old is still putting things in his mouth. I read recently that it'll stop by the age of 4...