Is your baby keeping you awake at night? Teething is one of the many milestones in your baby’s development. Here’s what you should know about your teething baby:
Signs Your Baby is Teething
Although teething may cause discomfort, there are plenty of options to help soothe your baby. When a tooth is emerging, a baby may:
- Drool
- Swollen gums
- Try to bite, chew, and suck on everything
- Rub their face
- Grab their ears
Tips for Your Teething Baby
1. Gum Massage
A baby starts to teeth between 6 to 12 months of age; the gums are sore, tender, and sometimes irritated. The pressure from a gum massage can ease your baby’s discomfort. Use a clean finger or soft cloth to gently rub baby’s gums.
2. Teething Toys
A teething toy offers relief to your baby as well as provides a distraction. Consider a teething necklace or toys made for teething that are fun and have bright colors.
3. Cold Comforts
A cold washcloth or spoon can be soothing on a baby’s gums. If your baby has started solids, offer them chilled, but not frozen, fruit. Refrigerated teething toys can also bring your baby some relief.
4. Pain Relief Medication
If your baby is especially irritable, numbing gels (Orajel), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin) might help, but be sure to read age and dosage instructions and check with your doctor first.
5. Cuddles
While your baby is teething, they may be especially clingy, so we recommend giving your baby special attention and extra cuddles. Time to spend some quality couch time!
6. Watch out for baby tooth decay
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor their teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. A bottle containing anything other than water and that’s left in an infant’s mouth while sleeping can cause decay. Sugars in the liquid mix with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Examine your baby’s teeth, on the inside, or the tongue side, periodically for dull spots.
Have More Questions about Your Baby’s Dental Health?
When your child gets their first tooth, or by the time of their first birthday, schedule an appointment at LeBlanc and Associates. We are always here to answer your questions about your baby’s dental health.