When the first teeth appear, it can be uncomfortable and downright painful for baby and parents. Usually, around six months, your baby’s first tooth breaks through. Your baby’s teeth gradually begin coming in around their sixth month, and sometimes even earlier. However, some babies smile, delightfully toothless, up to their tenth or eleventh month. Some lucky parents even find that teeth are suddenly there, without a cranky teething baby, sleepless nights, pain, or crying.
How Do I Know if I Have a Teething Baby?
It’s not always easy to understand why a baby is unhappy or uncomfortable. Do you have a teething baby, or is an infection looming? For you to be able to help your baby, it is important to interpret the symptoms correctly. Some babies have minimal symptoms, but others may drool, become fussy, and have trouble sleeping. If your baby develops diarrhea or a rash, these are not signs of teething, and you should call a healthcare provider.
A teething baby requires lots of energy and patience. You can also try the following tips:
- Soothing Gum Massage
You can soothe your teething baby with a gentle gum massage. The pressure provides pain relief and gets them accustomed to a daily cleaning ritual. This works best using your own clean fingers or a small washcloth. You can even try using a small toothbrush with bristles made of soft rubber. Most babies find pleasant relief in a gum massage while they’re teething.
- Teething Ring or Vegetable Sticks
Teething rings (chilled, not frozen) are highly recommended. These are safe for babies, and your little one can bite into them. If you don’t have a teething ring on hand, a chilled spoon will do the same. Many babies also find it enjoyable to bite on a cucumber piece or a carrot, especially if the veggies have just come out of the refrigerator and are nicely chilled. This should only be done under constant supervision so that your teething baby doesn’t choke.
- Pain Relief Medicine
Even for the very youngest of teething babies, there are appropriate over-the-counter drugs for pain relief. Ask your pharmacist if you aren’t sure which medicine provides the best pain relief for your little one. You can also speak to your pediatrician or dentist. The experts at Danville Family Dentistry are happy to advise you.
- Distract and Cuddle
Love is the best medicine. Go for a walk, sing, cuddle, or play. If you entertain your teething baby, they’ll likely forget the nasty toothache for at least a brief moment. A lot of closeness, an extra dose of snuggling, and time spent playing distracts your baby from the pain and helps their cognitive and physical wellbeing. Over time, you’ll undoubtedly find out what helps you and your baby most. Even if you are at the end of your rope, keep in mind that your baby will soon be able to nibble their first solid food enthusiastically.
- Brush, Brush, Brush
Brushing your baby’s teeth is a must from the first tooth, and this even applies during teething. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends picking up a tube of fluoride toothpaste as soon as you see a little bit of the tooth peeking out. They even have a handy shopping list filled with products for kids that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Dental Care is Important—Even for Babies
Dental care and toothbrushing are essential from the very first tooth. By around 18 months, your child should be gradually learning how to brush their teeth. Our dentists can talk to you about proper oral hygiene for your baby and older children.
Is it time to make baby’s first dental appointment? Give us a call us today at 317-745-4400 to schedule a wellness visit.
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Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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