Every phase of your little one’s life has ups and downs, and by far, one of the most difficult is the teething phase.
Though it varies from child to child, teething generally starts around 6 months when your child cuts their first tooth and lasts until they reach 2.5-3 years old, when all of their baby teeth have emerged. Each new tooth can trigger a tsunami of drool, irritating rashes, intense gum pain, high temperatures, ear aches, diarrhea, and loss of appetite — which is bad news for everyone in the house.
There’s plenty of advice out there on how to best help your child through the worst of teething, but if you want to protect their oral health and help them get relief, make sure you’re taking your cues from our expert dentists at Lifetime Dental Care in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Here’s your ultimate guide to pediatric dentist-approved teething tricks.
Teething isn’t painful for the reason you think it is. It appears as though your child’s teeth are shoving their way through the gums, but, in reality, hormones have already prepared the way for the teeth to pop through.
So why is teething so painful? It’s those hormones. As they work on your child's gums, they cause swelling, tenderness, and pain.
It’s also important to remember that not every child experiences pain during teething — sometimes, even siblings have different reactions. Regardless of how your child responds to cutting a new tooth, though, it’s best to have more than one trick up your sleeve.
With a clean finger or soft rag, gently rub your infant’s tender gums. They might like to gently chew on your finger for comfort, as the slight pressure relieves discomfort and tenderness.
Finding the right teething toy for your tot might take some trial and error, but these toys come in handy when you can’t be there to massage their gums.
We recommend teething toys that are solid rubber and not filled with liquids. If the toy is plastic and/or filled with liquid, it may break open or leak and become a choking hazard. You should also avoid teething devices that tie around your baby’s neck, like teething necklaces.
Remember that teething toys don’t always have to be toys. Some babies are content gnawing on a baby spoon, their pacifier, or a clean, wet washcloth. Whatever your baby prefers, always make sure the teething toys are clean before offering them to your child.
Literally. Chilling your child’s teethers in the fridge (not freezing them) helps gently numb tender areas in their mouth. Some parents have found that a wet washcloth tied in a knot and chilled in the refrigerator is a great natural remedy. Breastfed and formula-fed babies enjoy sucking and chewing on frozen milk pops you can make at home.
If your child is old enough for solid foods, cold applesauce and yogurt can also have a soothing effect.
If your child is really having a hard time with their new teeth, consider offering them some gentle pain relievers. Babies at least 2 months old can have small doses of Tylenol, and babies 6 months and older can have ibuprofen.
Steer clear of over-the-counter products that contain benzocaine, which the FDA says can trigger serious side effects in children under 2 years old.
Certain teething gels that numb your child’s gums can wash away quickly and numb the back of their throat, making it hard for them to swallow. If you’re not sure about a certain teething medication, call our office or your child’s pediatrician to get some answers.
Whether you make them at home or buy them at the store, babies and children old enough for solid foods will love chewing on a tasty snack that doubles as a pain reliever. Always watch your child as they eat, and make sure the biscuits are soft enough to dissolve and not break off in chunks that can choke them.
Above all else, it’s important that you keep an eye on how your child’s teeth are developing. If you notice any wayward teeth, severely swollen or red gums, or any other sign of an oral health problem, make an appointment with us right away.
Even if there’s no problem, you should schedule a visit once your child sprouts their first tooth. We want to see them early on to establish care and make sure their teeth and gums are healthy.
If you’d like more guidance on your child’s oral health, call our office at 703-499-9779 or use our online booking tool to talk with one of our experts today.