When you have a teething baby, you’ll want to do everything you can to comfort them, alleviate their pain, and simplify the process. It is also incredibly important to ensure that you provide them with the dental care necessary to protect their teeth. Taking these steps will help to give them a firm foundation to optimize the health of their smile throughout their lifetime.
Symptoms of Teething
Babies begin teething at different times, making it difficult to identify whether their symptoms are due to teething or something else. On average, most babies’ teeth start coming in around 4 and 7 months of age. However, it is still possible for a baby to begin teething before or after this timeframe.
Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of teething can help you provide the best care. Babies often begin to exhibit high fussiness or irritability when their teeth come in. They cry more frequently and tend to drool excessively. They will usually show a desire to chew on hard objects because the pressure helps reduce pain.
Swollen and tender gums are another common sign that your baby is teething. They may also have a low fever. However, it is important to know that if your baby has a fever above 100.4 degrees, you may want to consult your pediatrician. Diarrhea and vomiting are also not symptoms of teething and may indicate that your baby has an illness.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Now that you know the symptoms of teething, let’s talk about how to best support your baby during this transitional time.
#1. Implement a Regular Routine
Babies often have difficulty sleeping when their teeth start coming in. When you provide them with a regular routine, it can help them rest easier. For example, you should put them down for a nap at the same time every single day. You should also ensure that your baby wakes up and goes to sleep at the same time every day. This can help your baby to sleep, even when they are experiencing discomfort.
#2. Wipe Drool Away
When your baby is drooling more than usual, it can collect around their mouth. If this drool is allowed to sit there, it can lead to skin irritation and rashes. When you ensure you wipe the drool away, you can help prevent these uncomfortable symptoms. However, make sure you dab the drool away gently and not too often because frequent wiping can also cause irritation.
#3. Massage Gums
You may be able to help alleviate some of your baby’s discomfort by massaging their gums. This process can improve blood circulation and reduce their pain. Ensure that you trim your nails and wash your hands thoroughly before doing this to prevent harmful bacteria from entering their system and avoid accidentally scratching the surface of their gums.
#4. Give Them Attention
Sometimes, the most effective strategies are also the simplest. When your baby is teething, spending some time giving them attention can be helpful. This can go a long way toward providing comfort and an opportunity for valuable bonding time. Spending some time cuddling and hugging your baby can often alleviate their discomfort.
#5. Teething Toy
A teething toy can be a great tool to reduce discomfort; however, it is extremely important to do your research to find the most suitable products. Avoid teething toys that have been shown to be dangerous for your baby, such as those that have been made into accessories. You can chill the teething toy in the fridge to maximize its effectiveness. Remember not to put it in the freezer, though, because frozen objects can harm your baby.
#6. Care for Their Teeth
Many people underestimate the importance of dental care for infants. It is important to take your baby for their first dental visit around the time they turn one to minimize their chances of developing oral health problems. You should begin caring for your baby’s teeth as soon as they are visible. This can be accomplished by gently brushing their teeth with a specialized toothbrush. When you take care of their teeth early on, you can help to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay.
#7. Medications
Various medications may be utilized to help reduce your baby’s discomfort while they are teething. However, it is always incredibly important to talk to your child’s care provider before you do so to confirm that it is safe to use those medications for your baby.
Care for Your Baby’s Teeth at Leavitt Dentistry
When you provide the appropriate care for your baby’s oral health, you can help to keep their teeth in the best possible condition. This ensures their teeth remain healthy for a lifetime. At Leavitt Family Dentistry, our experienced professionals are happy to offer various services that can protect the oral health of your entire family. To learn more about the importance of caring for your baby’s teeth, contact us at Leavitt Dentistry today!
