Is the pain of your baby’s teething keeping you up at night? The process known as teething occurs when a baby’s teeth begin to break through the gum line. Orthodontiasis is a synonym for this condition. Although most babies start teething between the ages of 4 and 7 months, some start considerably later than that. There is no need to be concerned if your baby’s teeth come in at a different timeline than expected because the timing might vary from baby to baby.
The process of teething can be painful, and as a result, many parents look for guidance on how to calm a baby experiencing this discomfort. To one’s relief, there are many infant teething cures that may be successfully carried out at home. Continue reading for advice on how to calm a fussy infant cutting teeth, as well as what to avoid and how to care for your child’s new set of teeth!
Signs that your Baby is Teething
Every baby is unique. Some will show no signs that a new tooth is going to emerge. Their teething symptoms are as well. Others may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Irritability. They are fussy, grumpy, or whatever you choose to label them.
- Drooling.
- Gums that are red and swollen. When you open the baby’s mouth, his gums are large and red, not lovely and pink.
- Appetite suppression. Eating can be difficult with inflamed gums, especially for children who take solid foods.
- Mouthiness. This type of mouthiness refers to when children nibble, chew, and even bite the items around them, including mom and dad.
Teething problems should also not continue for weeks at a time. If they do, take your infant to the pediatrician to rule out anything else. Additional symptoms that should be investigated by a doctor include:
- A fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
- Diarrhea.
- Nasal congestion.
- Uncontrollable sobbing.
Because there are 20 baby teeth in your mouth, you may experience teething déjà vu up to 20 times. So, how can you provide comfort and pain relief to a teething baby? We’ve included our most excellent recommendations for soothing a teething baby and managing any bothersome symptoms at home, in addition to following the advise of your child’s healthcare practitioner.
Chilled Fruit.
Once your baby has been introduced to solid meals, usually around 6 months, a delightful snack of chilled mashed bananas, applesauce, strawberries, melon, or other soft fruits can help soothe those sore gums.
Massage your baby’s gums.
Rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or wet gauze. The pressure can help to alleviate your baby’s discomfort.
Bathe in warm water.
Give your child a nice, calming bath. Sometimes soothing a teething baby extends beyond the gums. It might relax their muscles and provide an enjoyable distraction from their suffering.
Cuddles.
Make sure your infant gets plenty of cuddles and hugs. Cuddle time with you can be soothing for a teething infant. Choose a comfy chair and gently rock your infant. This will provide you with some peaceful time for hugs and consolation and some much-needed rest for you both.
Cold Washcloth.
If you’re wondering what will soothe a teething baby, go beyond this simple cure! Submerge a clean washcloth in water, wring it out until damp, and then store it in the fridge on a clean surface. After cooling, fold it and give it to your infant to chew on to help ease sore gums.
Stay Away From:
Never put anything in your baby’s mouth that hasn’t been approved by the manufacturer to assist in calming teething. Even some teethers or teething aids are not safe options, like the following:
- Contains liquid that can tear and spill.
- Made of a breakable material, such as plastic, which may cause choking.
- Frozen solids are too rough on a baby’s mouth.
Another reason to be concerned about the substance used to produce teethers.
Some are made from hazardous materials, such as lead. Look for ones that are composed of rubber.
If you are still unsure of what you are using for your baby, consult a pediatric dentist to help you decide. A family dentist in Alexandria, VA can help you decide what’s best for the oral health of your whole family, including your baby. They offer extensive services that can provide the best dental health for your baby and your whole family.
Proper Caring for the New Teeth
You should run a clean, gentle cloth over your baby’s gums twice a day, once after the morning feeding and again just before bedtime. Cleaning can prevent bacteria and debris from meals from building up in your baby’s mouth by keeping the mouth clean.
When your child’s first teeth come in, use a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to clean their teeth at least twice daily. Use a dab of fluoride toothpaste that is no bigger than a grain of rice when brushing your child’s teeth up to roughly three when they learn how to spit. Then, when your child is between the ages of 2 and 3, reduce the amount to a drop about the size of a pea.
Conclusion
Your thoughts are probably on how to aid and soothe your teething infant right now, but remember that pain relief is on the way, and your little one will soon be flashing an adorable smile full of teeth! It’s also time to think about getting regular dental exams. The American Dental Association recommend that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled around the time of their first birthday.
