No parent wants to watch their baby experience discomfort. Unfortunately, as baby teeth begin to erupt through the gums, it can cause much pain for little ones. But whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, each child is different when it comes to welcoming these primary teeth. To help you navigate this time in your child’s life, here are four signs that your baby is teething and what you can do to help.
How Can I Know if My Baby is Teething?
It is not uncommon to see the first baby tooth push through the gums around the age of six months; however, this is different for every child. If you discover that your baby appears to be drooling all the time or seeking to gnaw on fingers and nearby objects, there’s a good chance that one of these pearly whites is starting to make its way to the surface.
Other common signs you can expect include:
- Crying – This is common among children who are teething. The feeling of teeth pushing up through the gums can cause much discomfort, resulting in endless nights of crying and attempting to soothe your little one. Because the gums become inflamed, it can make the process even more uncomfortable for babies.
- Disinterest in Food – When babies are busy crying as a result of the pain, they may choose not to eat. Even those who are still nursing can find that the sucking motion while attempting to latch only causes more discomfort.
- Chafing and Rash – The excess drool that occurs as a result of teething can lead to chafing and/or a rash around the cheeks, mouth, neck, and chest. Each time it is wiped, it causes further irritation to the skin.
What Can I Do to Help Alleviate Discomfort?
As you look for ways to help your baby become more comfortable, you’re likely to become more eager, as you, too, would like a break from the difficulty that teething presents.
Helping your baby through this process requires patience, compassion, and having the right items on hand to offer comfort and relief. You can do this by:
- Keeping teething toys and washcloths nearby that are cold. Placing these items in the refrigerator can help provide a temporary way to soothe and numb the gums so that your baby gets a bit of relief from the pain.
- Massaging your baby’s gums using a clean washcloth or your finger. By applying gentle pressure, it minimizes the discomfort and helps your baby to feel more at ease.
- Offering pain medication if your child is old enough. Babies who are at least 6 months old can receive infant ibuprofen as long as you abide by the dosage instructions on the bottle.
Don’t let the teething phase cause more stress to you and your baby. By doing your research and keeping these helpful tips in mind, you and your little one will get through this time with greater ease.
About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids in Allen, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists. Working alongside parents, they are equipped to provide helpful tips and recommendations when it comes to teething. Understanding this can be a difficult time for both babies and parents, they can help to make the process easier and less stressful. Visit our website or call (469) 663-0098 to find out how we can help.