How to Calm Your Baby During Teething
Teething is when teeth first come through a baby’s gums. It is something that can be frustrating for both babies and their parents. Knowing what to expect during teething and how to make it a little less painful can help. Here’s what to expect of your teething infant as well as tips for soothing your baby during their teething period:
When does it start?
Babies begin having their primary teeth come through between 6-12 months of age, with teething signs appearing as early as 4 months of age. When the first tooth starts to come through, or by your child’s 1st birthday at the latest, it’s recommended you bring your baby in for its first visit to the dentist.
What are the symptoms?
Not all babies will experience all the symptoms of teething, but most will experience at least one, including:
- Red, tender or swollen gums
- Drooling
- Desire to chew/bite
- Crying, grouchiness, fussing
- Changes in sleeping or eating
- It is not normal, and a doctor should be seen if your baby experiences a rash, vomiting or diarrhea, coughing or a temperature as these can be symptoms of illness.
Calming a baby during teething
To help your teething baby, there are several things you can do to reduce his or her discomfort. Remember to also take care of yourself and if you need time away to reduce your frustration, lay your baby in a safe place, such as their cot, and walk away.
Gum pain can be reduced with cold temperature, whether in the form of a frozen teething ring, a wet cloth, or even a cold dummy. Allow your baby to have items to gnaw on such as clean toys or your fingers. The gnawing motion and pressure helps to relieve the pain as the teeth push through.
Talk to us about over-the-counter pain medications that are available. Be sure to use no more than the recommended dosage and not for an extended period of time.
Baby teeth eruption
The bottom front two teeth are the first teeth to come through, in most cases, followed by the top two. After that, primary teeth begin to fill in on either side, then molars and canines. Later, when your child begins to lose their baby teeth to adult ones, they will be lost in a similar order.
In Summary
If you have a teething baby and need to schedule their first dental visit, Kew Dental would love to give them a ride in our big chair!