One of the first hurdles we face when it comes to our teeth is when they are first growing in. For any parent, seeing your child in pain is the worst. Here are some tricks and tips to help your little one get through this difficult stage!
One of the first painful things you might experience as a parent is to watch your little one suffer from the pain and discomfort of teething. Some babies may not experience this pain or any symptoms. Both most will experience this growing pain. It is important to pay attention to their verbal and nonverbal signs of being irritable and being in pain once teething begins. It’s important when to expect the arrival of your child’s first tooth, and how to be ready for that. Teething can start as early as 3 months and continue as late as 30 months, but it is most commonly seen between 4 and 7 months.
When this journey begins, your little ones won’t be able to actually say what’s bothering them or what hurts. So keep watching on their actions and the sounds they are making. Some of the most common signs that teething has begun are:
- Drooling
- Coughing caused by thick drooling
- Rash caused by excess moisture
- Biting
- Fussiness
- Irritability
- Crying
- Problems feeding
- Waking up Often
- Pulling on their ears
- Tender Gums
- Low-Grade Fever
- Chewing on random objects
Any of these signs or a mixture of a few are sure signs that the tooth fairy is going to be paying a visit to your home sooner rather than later. But until then, your baby might be having a hard time with this extra pain and pressure. Here are two different lists of how to make your little one feel better!
Items that can help with Teething:
- Chilled Fruit
- Cool metal spoon
- Cold washcloth
- Chilled non-gel teething toys (come in wood, plastic, and silicone form)
- Popsicle’s (with parental supervision!)
- Sippy cup full of ice water
- Teething necklaces
- Pediatrician approved pain medicines
Actions that can help with Teething:
- Wipe excess droll away to prevent irritation
- PLENTY of cuddles
- Distract them from the pain; go for a walk, go to the park, go for a ride in the car
- Playtime in the kitchen! Play with those utensils and pots and pans or chew on those silicone spatulas and spoons
- Use a clean finger or wet gauze pad to rub on the gums. The pressure can ease discomfort.
And of course – along with the “Do’s” come the “Don’ts”
- Don’t use frozen teething rings
- Don’t use homeopathic teething tablets or medications that contain Benzocaine or Lidocaine
- Never tie a teething object around your baby’s neck
- Teething necklaces are great but do not use an amber teething necklace
- Don’t use teething gels or tablets
- Only use teething biscuits and cold foods when your child is developmentally ready
- Don’t disregard a fever
- Don’t expose the gums to cold for too long
- Don’t let your baby chew on anything small enough to choke on
Once those little teeth begin to show that means it’s also time to seriously keep those little gums and teeth clean. It is also time to start thinking about regular dentists visits. The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first appointment after the first tooth arrives and no later than their 1st birthday. We will be here and ready for you when that begins!
And most importantly parents, don’t lose hope. This is a hard journey, but it won’t last forever! Your child will soon be smiling again with their first full set of baby teeth before you know it!