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How to Comfort Teething Babies

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How to Comfort Teething Babies

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The teething stage is inevitable and can be a hard phase for parents to navigate. If you have a teething baby, our team at Mountain Aire Dentistry is here to give you advice on what you can do to ease the pain of your teething babies and make them more comfortable during the process. 

Teething Babies 

All babies are different, and that’s no different when it comes to how they begin teething. Some babies may begin teething before they are 4 months old, while some may not begin teething until they are 1 year old. However, the average age babies begin teething is around the age of 6 months old. 

Symptoms of Teething Babies

While some babies may show no pain while teething, others can show signs of pain and discomfort. The common signs that a baby is teething include: 

  • Their gums are sore and red where the tooth is coming through.
  • One cheek is flushed.
  • They are rubbing their ears. 
  • Your baby is drooling more than usual. 
  • They are gnawing and chewing on things a lot.
  • Acting fretful more than normal. 

How to Treat Teething Babies

When your baby is beginning to show signs of discomfort while teething, we know that you want to help them feel better. If your baby seems uncomfortable, try these simple tips from Mayo Clinic

  • Rub your baby’s gums. Use a clean, wet finger or wet gauze to gently massage your baby’s gums. The pressure can help ease their discomfort. 
  • Use cold therapy. A cold spoon or chilled, but not frozen, teething ring can help soothe a baby’s gums. To avoid cavities, these should not be dipped in sugary substances.
  • Try over-the-counter remedies. If your baby is especially irritable and cranky, talk with your dentist about giving them infants’ or children’s over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Motrin. 

How to NOT Treat Teething Discomfort

To make sure your baby stays safe, Mayo Clinic recommends that you do not attempt using the following: 

  • Homeopathic teething tablets. The benefits of topical gels and teething tablets haven’t been demonstrated. In recent studies, it’s been shown that these homeopathic remedies found greater amounts than labeled of the ingredient belladonna, which can cause seizures and difficulty breathing. 
  • Teething medications that cause benzocaine or lidocaine. These pain relievers can be harmful, or even fatal, to your baby. 
  • Necklaces, bracelets, or anklets. These items pose a risk of choking, strangulation, mouth injury, or infection to your baby. 

When to See the Dentist 

When it comes to teething, you can typically handle it at home. However, you should see your pediatrician if your baby seems as if they’re in a lot of pain or if it’s interfering with eating or drinking.  

As far as seeing the dentist goes, your baby should see the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in or when they turn 1 year old, whichever comes sooner. However, dental care begins before they even have teeth erupt and see the dentist. 

Dental Care for Babies

When your babies are born, dental care begins. You should start gently cleansing their gums twice a day at the same time that you would brush their teeth if they had them. Gently cleaning the gums helps you remove bacteria that could be accumulating in their mouths after their milk or formula feedings. 

As soon as your baby gets their first tooth, it is time to begin using a small, soft toothbrush to clean the teeth twice a day. Until they are old enough to know how to spit and not swallow the toothpaste, you should help them brush and only use a tiny amount of toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice. Once they are a little older, you can begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their teeth. 

Dental Problems in Babies

The most common dental problem we see arise in babies is known as baby bottle tooth decay. This problem typically happens in the front top teeth, but other teeth can also be affected. Many factors can cause baby bottle tooth decay, but the most common reason is frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. Tooth decay like this can happen when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when the bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby. 

Tooth decay in babies can also occur when they share spoons and other utensils as their parents or when the gums and teeth aren’t properly cleaned. After each feeding, gently wipe their gums with a clean, damp washcloth. Further, only give them bottles with formula or milk, refraining from filling their bottles with liquids like juice or sugar water. 

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we are here for your babies. If your baby is ready for their first appointment, or if you have questions about how their mouths are developing, make an appointment to come see our dentist Dr. Chris Bockrath: (303)-731-7755. 

 


291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr,
Broomfield, CO 80021

(303) 731-7755

 

When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.