Your baby’s first teeth developing can be a difficult experience for both you and your child. Most teeth begin to appear as early as 3 months to 1 year old. This process can be uncomfortable and cause sleepless nights. However, there are things you can do to keep your toddler less irritable while they are teething.
What to Expect
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your baby starts teething. Below are a few symptoms to look for:
- Fussiness
- Trouble Sleeping
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling more than usual
It has been thought that teething may cause fever and diarrhea, but research shows that this is not true. If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms or they worsen, call us for an appointment.
What You Can Do
View the many different ways to safely soothe your teething baby below:
- Rub your baby’s gums. Use a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can decrease any discomfort your baby might be feeling.
- Keep their mouth cool. A cold washcloth, spoon, or teething ring can sooth your baby’s gums. However, make sure the object is not frozen because extreme cold can be harmful. Also monitor your baby so they do not swallow any small objects.
- Introduce hard food. If your baby is already eating solid food, you might want to give them a chilled carrot or apple slice. This can ease their pain and make them less irritable.
Tip: Contact our Providence dental team before using any teething medications or numbing gels that may pose a risk to your baby.
Teething is a difficult process for not only your baby, but also you. You can relax knowing your baby is more comfortable by using the tips above.
Also, don’t forget to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth has fully emerged. Call our Providence dental team for an appointment today.
Providence Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (401) 272-3443
111 Point Street, Suite #1 Providence, RI 02903
