Baby Teething Comfort Tips

It is bittersweet for many parents when their babies start teething. For many, teething can be a challenging time. However, there are many tips to help soothe your child when the time comes!

When Do Babies Teeth?

No two babies are the same, so the timing for teething varies. Babies can generally start teething anywhere around six months to one year, beginning with their bottom two middle teeth (lower central incisors). Then they follow up with their two top teeth (upper central incisors) and break new teeth every few months.

Signs of Teething

There are several things to look for if you think your baby might be teething. Classic symptoms of baby teething include:

• Sore or tender gums
• Excessive drooling and/or drool rash around the mouth
• Irritability or fussiness
• Chewing
• Diarrhea 
• Slight increase in temperature (but no fever)

What You Can Do

If your baby’s teething seems to be bothering them, there are a few things you can do to help soothe them.

• Massage your baby’s gums- After washing your hands, lay your baby down and use your finger to gently put pressure on and rub your baby’s gums. Doing this This may soothe your baby enough for them to fall asleep. If they wakeare waking in the middle of the night because of their teething, you can also do this to help them fall back asleep.
• Keep it cool- If your baby uses a pacifier, cooling/refrigerating it can be soothing on the sore gums. You can also chill a teething ring to help numb the gums a little bit to ease the pain. You can also refrigerate a cool washcloth and give it to your baby to chew on. Whatever you decide to do, keep an eye on your baby because anything can be a choking hazard.
• Freeze milk popsicles- Oftentimes, when a baby is teething, they do not eat as much because of the discomfort of their gums. Freezing breastmilk or formula in popsicle forms can be a great way to help your teething baby eat asa well as soothe their gums. It might be best to keep them in a high chair with a bib because as the milk popsicle melts, it can get very messy.
• Help them relax- Sometimes, all a baby needs is some extra cuddle time, especially when they are uncomfortable. Whether it be snuggling in a rocking chair, or carrying them around the house in a baby carrier, that extra bonding time could be all you and your baby need.
• Pain medications- If nothing else seems to work you may decide to go with some over-the-counter medications to help soothe their gums or sleep. Make sure to talk to your baby’s pediatrician, as they will have the best recommendations and proper dosage for your baby.

How Long does Baby Teething Last?

Every baby and every tooth is different, so there is no set timetable for teething. Teething could last anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on how close together each tooth decides to grow in. After a tooth breaks through the gums, the pain usually subsides and there is usually a break until the next tooth. 

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Caring For Your Baby’s Teeth

As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, oral hygiene and tooth care are very important. To clean their teeth, use a soft, clean washcloth and wipe their teeth twice a day. You can also use a soft-bristled finger toothbrush twice a day on their teeth with water. Fluoride toothpaste should be limited to a small pea-sized amount smeared into the bristles.. 

Dentist Near Me

Regular dental checkups for your child are a must! The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first dental appointment when they are about one year old. Early dental checkups and appointments set the stage for your child’s tooth health and oral hygiene for the rest of their life! For more information about dental checkups for children, check out this blog! For the best pediatric dentist near me, call Apple Tree Dental for all of your child dentist needs! Our friendly staff is eager to help!