20 Jul Teething: What to expect
Did you know that about 1 in 2000 babies are born with teeth? These teeth are called a “natal teeth”. If your baby is not one of these rare babies, he or she most likely will experience teething some time in the first year of their life. This experience is very different for every child: from the time the first tooth erupts to how painful it is. We will talk today how to notice the signs that your baby teething and what can be done to soothe and relive the discomfort.
Typically, the first teeth come in around six months of age, but babies can start teething anywhere from four to 15 months. At two or three months, you’ll notice your baby start to drool and gnaw on things, including her fingers, your fingers and anything she can get her tiny little hands on.
Now you’ve probably heard that fever and diarrhea can be signs of teething, but they’re not.
Most common signs of teething are:
- Drooling (which can cause a facial rash)
- Irritability or fussiness
- Swollen, sensitive gums
- Trouble sleeping
- Trying to bite, chew, and suck on everything
- Refusing to eat
- Rubbing face and ears
If your baby suffers from these symptoms, here are some pediatrician dentist-approved teething solutions:
- Chewing on something cold. Put a clean, wet washcloth in a plastic bag and let it cool in the fridge—your baby will love gnawing on that.
- Teething rings. This teething remedy is a classic for a reason: It really works! A teething ring gives your baby something to chew on, and that pressure can help soothe aching gums. “Parents can put a teething ring in the refrigerator to cool it down,” says Bourne. “That’s always very useful.”
- Teething toys. You should definitely buy a few teething toys. Pay attention to what teething toys are made of and how easy they are to wash: your baby will be putting this toy in her mouth, so you want to be sure that it’s made of safe materials and easy to clean so you can prevent mold from growing inside.
- A hard, not sweet teething cracker can be helpful. For older babies cool water from a sippy cup might be comforting.
- Massage baby’s gums by gently rubbing them with your clean finger. If the teeth haven’t come in yet, you can let your baby gnaw on your finger.
- Pain medicine. Some painkillers are perfectly safe to use as a teething remedy for babies six months and older. Among them: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advin, Motrin). It’s best to give it at bedtime if your baby is fussy. Always check the label for the safe dosage for your baby’s weight.
Keep your infant’s maturing mouth clean by applying a moist washcloth to the gums every day. This washcloth can keep bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth, especially if he continues to bite into toys and other household items. Teething can be rough for you and your baby at first, but it’ll get easier as you both learn how to relieve each new tooth that pops out.
Don’t forget that American Dental Association recommend scheduling first dental visit after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday. If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’ teething, please give us a call: 972-727-0011. Dr. Lisi at Kids Pediatrics Dentistry in Allen will help you and your baby enjoy their first toothy grin!
Related Links:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/teething-symptoms-remedies
https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/teething/everything-you-need-to-know-about-teething/
https://www.babycenter.com/0_teething-signs-and-symptoms_10357437.bc