Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. As your little one’s first teeth emerge, they may experience discomfort and irritability. As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your baby in pain and not know how to help. That’s why it’s important to have essential tips for soothing babies during this teething phase.
What Is Teething?
Your baby’s teeth erupt through the gum line during teething. It is also known as odontiasis.
The process of a baby’s teeth erupting can be painful.
One widely held belief is that teething pain is caused by newborn teeth cutting through gums. However, hormones have already begun to break down that portion of your baby’s gums before the tooth’s crown shows.
So where is the source of this pain? The discomfort is brought on by the hormones’ actions, which make the gums swell and become painful.
How long do teething symptoms last?
Teething occurs whenever a tooth is prepared to erupt through the gums; it is not a continuous stage. Most infant teeth, or primary teeth, erupt by the time a child is 12 months old, while the molars erupt between 13 and 19 months of age. By the time a baby reaches the age of three, all of their baby teeth usually fall out.
It occurs when your baby’s teeth begin to protrude through their gumline. When a baby’s teeth begin to appear, it might be uncomfortable. Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, although some start much later. (Photo credit: Moment/Getty Images.)
Symptoms of teething
Each infant has a different set of symptoms, however, these could include:
- inflamed, sensitive gums
- Anger and sobbing
- a somewhat elevated temperature (below 100.4 F)
- gnawing or the desire to chew on tough objects
- A lot of drool can result in a facial rash.
- Coughing
- Pulling their ear or stroking their face
- Putting their mouths to their hands
- Modifications to sleeping or eating habits
Although it can be uncomfortable, babies often don’t get sick from it. If your infant is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, body rashes, a higher-than-normal fever, coughing, or congestion, get in touch with your doctor. These are not typical teething symptoms.
In addition, you want to contact the pediatrician if your child has pus or facial swelling, or if their gums are bleeding.
Teething Fever
Babies who are teething may develop low-grade fevers. This is when the body temperature is slightly above normal, ranging from 100 to 100.4 F. Some call it teething fever. If your infant develops a higher temperature while teething, there is likely another explanation, and you should consult your doctor.
8 Essential Tips for Soothing Teething Babies
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, as discomfort and irritability often accompany the eruption of new teeth. However, with the right strategies, you can help ease your baby’s discomfort and make this phase more manageable. Here are eight essential tips for soothing teething babies:
1. Massage Gently: Using clean fingers or a soft cloth, gently massage your baby’s gums to provide relief from the pressure caused by it. The gentle pressure can help alleviate discomfort and distract your baby from the pain.
2. Chill Teething Toys: Cold can help numb sore gums and provide relief to your little one. Chill teething toys in the refrigerator (not the freezer) before giving them to your baby to chew on. The cold sensation can help soothe inflamed gums and provide temporary relief from teething pain.
3. Offer Cold Foods: If your baby has started on solids, offering cold foods like chilled applesauce, yogurt, or refrigerated fruits can help provide relief. The cool temperature can help numb sore gums and provide a soothing sensation while also offering nutrition.
4. Use Teething Rings: Teething rings are made especially to help babies who are having chewing problems. Choose feeding rings made of safe materials that are free of BPA. While soothing your infant, chewing can aid in the massage of sore gums and encourage tooth emergence.
5. Provide Distractions: Sometimes, keeping your baby distracted can help alleviate teething discomfort. Engage your baby in activities like singing, playing with toys, or going for a gentle stroll to divert their attention from the discomfort caused by it.
6. Try Pain Relief Remedies: Consult with your pediatrician about safe pain relief remedies for teething babies. Over-the-counter pain relievers formulated for infants, such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be recommended in certain situations to provide relief from it pain. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
7. Maintain Comfortable Environment: Create a soothing environment for your teething baby by maintaining a comfortable room temperature, ensuring proper hydration, and dressing them in loose, comfortable clothing. Comfortable surroundings can help ease your baby’s distress during it episodes.
8. Offer Comforting Cuddles: Sometimes, all your teething baby needs is some extra love and comfort from you. Offer plenty of cuddles, hugs, and soothing words to reassure your baby during this challenging phase. Your presence and affection can provide immense comfort to your little ones as they navigate through teething discomfort.
Teething stages
The timing and manner in which teeth emerge can vary from infant to baby and may be influenced by family history. However, the lower front two teeth usually appear first between 6 and 10 months, followed by the opposite top two teeth (between 8 and 12 months) and the two on either side of the upper front two teeth (9 to 13 months). The two on either side of the lower front teeth appear at 10 to 16 months, followed by the upper and lower first molars between 13 and 19 months.
Natural Teething Remedies
You might want to give natural pain relievers for teething pain a try if you enjoy using them on yourself. However, it’s crucial to see your family physician or pediatrician before using any homeopathic or
Cold goods. For babies that are teething, anything cold will assist in dulling the ache. For your infant to hold, wet a clean washcloth, tie it in a knot, and store it in the refrigerator. As a natural cure for the pain, you can also chill their pacifier. Steer clear of it rings that are frozen and loaded with gel. Younger babies could find these too tough, and they might leak or shatter.
Massage. You can help your baby’s gums by gently massaging them. Give your infant a finger or knuckle to nibble on after washing your hands. To find out if they enjoy it, you might try rubbing in a circular motion.
Breast milk. Some breastfed infants find that nursing helps ease the teething process and that it makes them desire to nurse longer. Some babies may have to bottle feed since sucking might be uncomfortable for their gums.
You may stop your breastfed infant from nipple biting by rubbing your finger in cold water before feeding.
Present water. You can also feed cool water from a sippy cup to your infant if they are older than 6 to 9 months.
How To Care For Your Baby’s New Teeth?
As your baby’s first teeth begin to emerge, it’s crucial to establish good dental care habits early on to promote oral health and prevent dental issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for your baby’s new teeth:
Start Early: Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, begin practicing oral hygiene by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. This helps remove bacteria and prevents buildup.
Introduce a Toothbrush: Once the first tooth erupts, typically around 6 months of age, introduce a soft-bristled infant toothbrush. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) and gently brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, preferably after breakfast and before bedtime.
Monitor Fluoride Intake: While fluoride is essential for preventing tooth decay, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis. Use fluoridated toothpaste sparingly for babies under the age of 2 and consult with your pediatrician or dentist about fluoride supplements if needed.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: A balanced diet plays a significant role in dental health. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, offer nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.
Avoid Bottle Propping: Never prop your baby’s bottle or allow them to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice, or sweetened liquids. Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids can lead to tooth decay, often referred to as “baby bottle tooth decay.”
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit within six months after the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor your baby’s oral health and provide preventive care as needed.
Address Teething Discomfort: It can be uncomfortable for babies. Provide relief by offering teething toys, chilled washcloths, or gentle gum massages. Consult with your pediatrician about safe pain relief options if necessary.
Lead by Example: Children often learn by observing their parents’ behavior. Set a positive example by maintaining your own oral hygiene routine and demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques. Encourage your child to mimic your actions as they grow older.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: Accidents can happen, so it’s essential to be prepared. Keep emergency contact information for your dentist readily available and know what steps to take in case of a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or mouth injury.
Conclusion
A typical stage of an infant’s development is teething. Some babies may experience pain, but they do not become ill as a result. Giving your baby something to gnaw on, such as a cool pacifier or teething toy, may help soothe their sore gums. Luckily, your infant should feel better as the tooth pierces the gums. Take your infant to the emergency room or give your doctor a call if they appear to be teething but also have other symptoms, such as diarrhea, along with a high fever.
FAQs
Do babies sleep more when teething?
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References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16329427/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7626410/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8769674/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2270208/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12415773/
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. Elnodi does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
