Teething is a process no parent or child looks forward to. Watching your little one’s gummy smile slowly fade away can be saddening. However, knowing what is to come can quickly turn sadness into frustration. Although babies and toddlers don’t know why it’s happening, their sore gums, crankiness, and desire to gnaw on everything make them aware of the discomfort erupting teeth bring with them. Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, it’s important to know when your baby might be teething. You’ll also find it helpful to learn how to minimize the pain and bring relief to their aching mouth.
What Signs Indicate Your Baby is Teething?
One day, your baby is happy and showing off their gummy smile. The next day, they’re cranky and crying, causing you to wonder why might be wrong.
Once your baby reaches 6 months of age, there is a good chance that teething will begin. Each child is different, so it could be earlier or later that this process occurs.
As baby teeth begin to push through the gums, it naturally causes discomfort, leaving your little one (and you) often in tears.
To know whether this is what is happening to your baby, here are a few signs to look out for:
- Sore gums
- Flushed cheeks
- Mild temperature
- Rubbing their ears
- Frequently waking up throughout the night
- Excessive drooling
- Gnawing and chewing on objects
- Facial rash
Are There Ways to Curb Teething Discomfort?
The natural teething process typically lasts from the time a child is 6 months of age until they reach the age of 3. This can seem like a never-ending timeframe, but the truth is that many children may not experience significant problems or discomfort with every erupting tooth.
Even if they do, though, there are many different ways to help your child achieve much-needed relief, including:
- Teething toys, just be sure to make sure they are clean and do not contain liquids, as these can burst.
- Cold food, such as yogurt or applesauce. If your child is older, offering cold fruit can also be helpful.
- Cold water in a bottle if they are old enough to consume it.
- Infant acetaminophen as directed (only if your baby is at least 3 months or older) or ibuprofen (if your baby is 6 months of age and older).
- Cold, wet washcloth for them to chew, as it temporarily numbs the pain.
You’ll want to make sure that you stay away from any numbing agents like benzocaine (i.e., Orajel) for children who are under the age of 2, as they can be toxic. Also, do not purchase teething necklaces, as they can pose a choking hazard.
Finding the right methods of care for your little one may take some time, but when you do, you’ll discover the teething process is far more manageable for you and your little one.
About the Author
As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Meghan Thorburn is also a mom who is well-versed in the teething process. Understanding how difficult it can be for parents to navigate this phase, she and her team at Trinity Pediatric Dentistry provide helpful tips to minimize discomfort and help little ones achieve much-needed relief. If teething is in full swing in your home and you need assistance, visit our website or call (682) 207-6390 to learn how we can help.