Teething Dos & Don'ts

A baby’s first tooth can be an exciting milestone. On average, the first tooth appears between 4 and 7 months of age, however sadly, teething can often replace that adorable toothless grin with a crying, irritable baby.

Some babies seem to experience a great deal of pain during teething, while others hardly seem bothered by it. Teething discomfort can start well before the first tooth actually pops through the gums. Teeth have many layers of gums to push through before they are visible in the mouth.

Telltale signs that your baby is teething include lots and lots of drooling, gnawing on toys or fists, and periods of extreme fussiness. Sometimes babies can even experience disruptions in their usual sleeping and eating patterns.

Tender and swollen gums also can cause an elevated temperature — not to be confused with a fever, however. If your baby has a true fever, a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, something else is causing the issue.

Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents alike. Follow these teething dos and don’ts to soothe your baby’s sore gums.

Do:

1. Give your baby a safe toy to chew on instead of her fists. Just make sure it’s big enough so your baby can’t swallow it. Safe options include rubber or plastic teething rings. Please use these without interior liquid, which can break or leak.

2. Wet a washcloth and put it in the freezer for 30 minutes and then give it to your baby. Babies enjoy chewing on cold things while teething.

3. Give baby a gentle gum massage with clean fingers. The light pressure can help relieve pain.

4. Ask your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about acetaminophen (or ibuprofen for babies over 6 months). It’s safe to give your baby medicine occasionally, but if she needs it more than 2 or 3 times a week, talk to a pediatrician.

5. Keep your thoughts and actions positive throughout the experience. This can be difficult, but practicing positivity can help keep your child calm, even when they don’t feel like it. Continue your nightly routines as usual. Reading stories, helping them care for their teeth and gums, and keeping their regular sleep schedule does wonders. Their mood, and yours, will be improved by simply being present and keeping a positive attitude.

6. Call us if you need advice or strategies to help make the teething period easier.

   
   

Don’t:

1. Use any type of teething gels, creams or tablets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the active ingredient in them: benzocaine. There have been many reports of rare but deadly side effects associated with the ingredient, especially for kids 2 years and younger.

2. Give your baby teething necklaces of any kind. The FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend against them because of the risk of strangulation. In addition, chunks of the material, which could be toxic, can break off and cause choking and harm your baby.

3. Offer your baby frozen food or chew toys. When they are frozen solid, it’s too hard and could bruise baby’s already sore gums. Chill foods or toys in the refrigerator instead.