Help Your Teething Baby
Sometimes teething can be a very difficult part of your baby’s young life. Understanding how to help your teething baby can also help you avoid some sleepless nights and ease the pain for both your baby and you.
Knowing What to Expect
Teething commonly begins around 6 months although teeth development begins much earlier. The first to appear are usually teeth 41 and 31 (lower central incisors) and then 11 and 21 (upper central incisors). See “Dental Vocabulary” to understand tooth numbering.” The first 4 teeth usually are less symptomatic than the next set that erupt usually around 12 months. But again, timing and intensity can very widely.
When teething, you can expect:
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Irritability or crankiness
- Sore or tender gums
- Slight increase in temperature — but no fever
Caution – Parents often link fever and diarrhea to teething, but experts say these are NOT symptoms of teething. If your baby experiences diarrhea or has a temperature of 38 degrees C or above, see your doctor.
How to Soothe Sore Gums?
The term “erupting” is used to describe what your little one is going through when teething. Their teeth literally erupt through sensitive gums and tissue. Although a gradual process for them, some days may feel like a volcanic eruption in their mouth. As it’s new to them, it also creates confusion and mental distress. What is the best way to sooth your baby’s sore gums and help your teething baby?
- Gently massage your baby’s gums. Use a clean finger, wet clean gauze, or a baby finger brush to rub your baby’s gums. Light pressure can ease their discomfort.
- Swelling or inflammation can cause discomfort, so reduce this by cooling the area. A cool not frozen spoon or teething ring can really help. Sugarless popsicles can also be good but be careful to monitor anything frozen on sensitive baby lips or skin.
- If needed, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin and others have children’s versions that if taken correctly can be safe and effective for pain relief. These are all personal decisions but speaking to a doctor can ease your mind and help you make an informed decision. Most teething issues can be managed at home, but if your baby is exceptionally uncomfortable or stops eating or drinking see your doctor ASAP.
Once Teeth are Visible
Start cleaning them as soon as your baby’s teeth are visible. Read “Brush Baby Teeth?” Regular childhood dental care sets your child up for a lifetime of excellent dental health. Your baby is smart and is working things out. Show them that dental health is important by beginning a good routine. Get them to know their dentist and hygienist early in life. This makes them more comfortable around them, and they soon see their dentist as a friend who cares about their health. Some make the first appointment on or around their first birthday. Erbsville dental is kid and baby friendly.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
