It’s both a fun and trying time when your baby starts teething. You love to see those first pearly whites emerge, but you also know it doesn’t feel good. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce discomfort when your baby is teething — your children’s dentist in Ocala has the top 5 below. Is one of your favorite stop-teething tips not mentioned here? Please don’t hesitate to let us know about it next time you come in!
#1: Teething Rings
Giving your child something cold to chew on can help to ease the discomfort caused by the newly erupting teeth. One of the most popular options is a teething ring, which you pop in the fridge for a few hours and then let your baby use to self-soothe. A chilled washcloth can offer the same sensation. Just make sure you don’t use the freezer to make these items too cold — doing so can cause additional discomfort or even injure baby’s gums.
#2: Massage the Area
Running your finger over your baby’s gum where the tooth is erupting can provide temporary relief. Wash your hands first, then place your pinky finger on the area and gently massage it. Applying slight pressure to the site may help relieve pain as well.
#3: Eating Cold Foods
Once your baby is a little older, it may help to give them something cold — like yogurt or a popsicle. You can also find special teething ice toys at the store that allow them to safely suck on ice cubes through a protective net.
#4: Pressure
Unfortunately, some babies just don’t enjoy the sensation of cold teething rings or ice while they are getting their first little teeth. If that’s the case with your child, let them chew on a teether that hasn’t been chilled yet. You can also find hard “teething crackers” at the store that don’t contain any sugar.
#5: Pain Medication
If you have tried the above steps and still have not found any relief for your teething baby, ask your pediatrician to recommend a safe over-the-counter medicine to help alleviate the discomfort. Acetaphetamine can help — but never give a child under the age of 2 any medication without talking to your doctor first.
Bonus Tip: Visit the Dentist
Once your child starts teething, it’s also a great time to bring them into the office for their very first dental visit! During this appointment, we can check to make sure everything looks right with their developing teeth and also answer any questions that you may have about helping your little one maintain a clean, healthy smile.
Now that you know how to manage teething pain, we hope you and your baby find some relief soon! And don’t forget to visit your children’s dentist in Ocala for the first dental visit in the coming months — this visit will put your baby on track for a lifetime of clean, healthy smiles.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon is a general and children’s dentist providing gentle, friendly dental care for patients of all ages in Ocala, FL. To learn more about his services or to schedule your little one’s next visit, you are invited to contact the office at 352-622-3236.