Ways to Comfort Teething Babies
Babies who are teething can’t communicate with you when their teeth and gums hurt. Their non-verbal communication gets the message across to you loud and clear. If you have ever had a toothache, you can understand why your darling baby has suddenly turned from being your precious infant to a tearful, inconsolable drooling baby who can’t be comforted. Following are some tips for ways to get through this difficult phase of your baby’s life.
When Do Babies Begin Teething?
Teething varies from baby to baby, but you can expect it near the 6-month mark. Usually, the bottom front teeth emerge, followed by the top two front teeth. Eventually the whole mouth will fill in and the discomfort will give way to a happy, babbling baby.
The first tooth may take you by surprise. Besides having an extra grumpy baby, the first time you know for sure there is a tooth is when you hear the clinking sound of the spoon on the tooth while feeding your baby.
Signs Your Baby is Teething
- Fussiness or irritability
- Gnawing and chewing on everything in sight
- Dribbling and Drooling
- Swollen, tender, gums
- Slightly elevated temperature
These Simple Tips Should Help Bring Comfort to Your Teething Baby
- Massage your baby’s gums with your clean finger or some wet gauze. This can help ease your baby’s discomfort.
- A solid rubber teething ring that has been refrigerated gives him or her something to chew on, and is soothing to their gums.
- If your baby is especially uncomfortable or feverish, consider giving him or her children’s over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol.
- A clean, cold washcloth is another item that can relieve swollen gums.
- Cold applesauce or yogurt will bring relief to their gums and cool the swelling.
- Munchkin® Fresh Food Baby Feeders can be filled with cold fruits for your baby to gnaw on, which provides nutrition and relief.
Gum Treatments to Stay Away From
- There are some products for teething babies, including teething bracelets and necklaces, that should be avoided. These products pose the risk of choking, strangulation, and infection. Watch for products made from BPA, PVC and phthalates, which might be harmful to your baby. Make sure any teething rings can be cooled or heated for soothing and cleaning purposes.
- Avoid using teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These pain relievers can be harmful, and in some cases even fatal to your baby despite labels that seem to contradict that idea.
- Over the counter homeopathic teething tablets contain belladonna, which can cause seizures and difficulty breathing.
- Frozen teething rings have proven to be hazardous. They are made of various materials and filled with substances that break and cause a host of problems.
How To Care for Your Baby’s New Teeth
Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean his or her teeth twice a day. You can also use a piece of gauze to wash off the food residue left behind after eating.
Now’s the time to make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS for his or her first dental checkup as recommended by the American Dental Association.
The First Dentist Appointment for Your Baby
Your baby has lots of “firsts”. Give our office a call at (720) 409-0008 or contact Dr. Evanson online to make the first dental appointment for your child. All too soon these baby teeth will make room for permanent teeth.
It’s never too early to begin routine childhood dental care near his or her first birthday. This will help establish habits that lead to a lifetime of having healthy teeth and gums.
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