Three Dentist-Approved Teething Tips for Your Baby
Has your baby already drooled through 3 outfits, gnawed the corner off of a board book, and fussed about everything since 4 a.m.? That sounds a lot like teething. It’s a natural process every baby goes through, but it can be really uncomfortable for your baby and hard on you. It’s also super exciting when that first little tooth emerges from the gums. Still, how do you and baby get through those difficult weeks (and months) of teething and stay sane? Our Victorville, CA pediatric dentist at [practice_name] has some tips that can help:
1. Is It Teething Or Something Else?
First, it’s a good idea to be able to tell whether your baby is undergoing teething discomfort or experiencing an illness that requires medical care. So, let’s separate the symptoms of teething from other, more concerning symptoms.
Teething symptoms include:
On average, babies will start teething somewhere around six months of age. The first teeth to break through are usually the bottom middle incisors, followed by the top middle incisors.
- Drooling a lot more than your baby is used to.
- Your baby wants to chew on everything, so be careful what’s in reach.
- Irritability from teething pain.
- Inconsistency of appetite.
- The drool can cause a rash on the chin and face.
- A very slightly elevated temperature.
- Redness or swelling on the gums in the area where the teeth might be expected to erupt.
Not Teething Symptoms:
Although a very slightly elevated temperature can happen during teething, if the temperature is 100.4 or above, you should contact your baby’s pediatrician. Also, diarrhea is famously touted as a teething symptom, but it isn’t. Again, this most likely indicates another illness that requires attention.
2. Alleviate the Teething Drool Rash
All of that excess drool can cause skin irritation that only adds to the discomfort on the gums, so our pediatric dentist recommends keeping a soft, absorbent cloth nearby to gently dry off the drool so that it doesn’t cause the rash. A terrycloth bib can be helpful here.
3. Keep Teethers and Foods Cool
Cooling teethers and cool foods can relieve the gum discomfort for your baby and give them something to satisfy their chewing needs. Keep a rotating, freshly cleaned collection of solid, rubber teething rings or toys in the fridge and switch them out regularly. If you’re introducing solid foods, refrigerated yogurt or mashed banana can feel comforting as well. After each meal, rub down your baby’s gums with a cold, damp, clean washcloth. This helps keep your baby’s mouth clean and also provides some relief.
Schedule Baby’s First Visit with Your Pediatric Dentist in Victorville
It’ll be an exciting day when that first little tooth finally peeks through. And that’s also the day you should schedule your baby’s first dental appointment! Until then, feel free to contact us with any other questions or concerns you have about your baby’s teething or new baby teeth!
