Teething: An Exciting Yet Uncomfortable Milestone

Congratulations! You have a new baby, and their teeth are popping through the gum line. This is an exciting milestone to be sure. But now that you have celebrated this exciting occasion, the reality has probably sunk in, and you are wondering what you can do to provide some comfort to your suddenly ornery and inconsolable baby.

After all, what seems like an exciting milestone for you might be a bit of an uncomfortable one for your now teething baby. Thankfully, we have some tips for you to help bring some comfort.

What You Should Know About Teething Babies

Forget what to expect when you’re expecting! That ship has sailed. We’ve moved on to what to expect when your sweet baby is crying inconsolably from those new teeth that have pushed through the gums. We’ve compiled a list of some quick facts you should know about those first few teeth. Having these four facts and recommendations close at hand can provide reassurance that your baby is on track and can help reassure you that all is well so you can move on to the more important stuff—helping your teething baby to feel better. After all, knowledge is power.

1. Most babies cut their first tooth at 4 to 7 months of age, but some much later.

Your child will likely have their first tooth before seven months of age. If your baby has not cut their first tooth by their first birthday, schedule an appointment with your nearby pediatric dentist. A trusted dentist can do an oral examination to check things out and see if there are delays or if further investigation is needed.

2. Schedule that first appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as that tooth comes through.

It never is too early to schedule that first dental visit with the pediatric dentist. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled soon after that first tooth pops through the gums and no later than their first birthday. This is because your child can get cavities as soon as they get their first tooth. That’s right; even baby teeth can get cavities.

3. Dental care starts the day your baby is born.

Many parents mistakenly believe that they don’t have to worry about their child’s teeth and gums until their little one is older. But this is far from the truth. We recommend parents start caring for their baby’s gums right away. Even when your baby is first born, parents can care for their gums by rubbing them once a day with a warm, soft, dampened cloth. This process helps remove remnant milk and acclimate your baby to future dental visits.

4. Know the common signs and symptoms of a teething baby.

We’d like to start by mentioning that a fever isn’t a normal part of teething. In fact, there is no science to back up this claim. So, though your baby may have a fever associated with teething, it could mean something else is happening. Here is a list of commonly reported signs and symptoms of teething in babies.

• Irritability or unusual inconsolability 
• Drooling
• Coughing
• Biting and gnawing on toys and blankets
• Skin rashes
• Cheek rubbing or ear pulling
• Diarrhea

How To Provide Comfort to a Teething Baby

Now that you have some essential knowledge about teething babies, let’s move on to some helpful information that can bring some comfort to your little one. And remember, even if your baby seems unhappy and in pain now, teething is temporary and doesn’t last long. Further, babies tend to do better with each new tooth they get. So rest assured that in most cases, this experience won’t be repeated 20 times with each subsequent baby tooth.

1. Massage your baby’s gums with a soft and dampened washcloth.

Have you ever had a massage when you were sore or stressed? Massages can do wonders to help work out sore muscles. And massaging sore gums on a teething baby can help too. So grab a soft cloth, moisten it with lukewarm water, and gently rub it along your baby’s gumline. Not only will this provide some relief, but it will also help wipe away bacteria inside your baby’s mouth.

2. Keep the drool under control.

Too much drool can lead to a rash and discoloration of their sensitive skin. So be sure to gently wipe the drool away consistently to keep those drool rashes from forming.

3. Offer your baby a teething toy.

Babies love toys, even when they are teething. Several trustworthy manufacturers make teething toys with various textures that babies love chomping on because they help soothe pain and discomfort. To make the experience that much more satisfying for your baby, try chilling their toy for about ten minutes in advance. This can help numb the sensitive area in their mouth.

4. Give your baby extra cuddles.

There is nothing better than some extra snuggles and cuddles from a loving parent. When your baby is feeling a bit unwell due to teething, be sure to offer up some extra love and attention. Consider this a great time to snuggle up in your favorite recliner or your side of the couch. Throw a blanket over the two of you and do some binge-watching or cat-napping together. Remember, you only get this time once.

5. Get some OTC teething relief.

Though home remedies can work, sometimes you need to go the over-the-counter (OTC) route. If you have tried frozen milk popsicles and teething toys, and it’s just not cutting it (pun intended), consult your baby’s pediatrician for guidance on the best pain medication for your child, along with the recommended dosage.

Do you have a teething baby? Now is the time to request an appointment with your pediatric dentist near Omaha.

If you have a teething baby, now is the time to schedule their first dental visit. We understand you have choices when it comes to selecting the right pediatric dentist for your child too, and you want to avoid those that come with red flags. We believe we’re that pediatric dentist for your baby. If you live in or near Omaha, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer four convenient locations in Omaha, Grand Island, Hastings, and North Platte. 

We’re experienced in providing pediatric dental services to children from infancy through adolescence, and we’re well-versed in guiding parents through those tough months of teething too. So don’t hesitate to request an appointment for you and your baby today.