Pediatric Dentisty: What a Parent Needs to Know About Teething

Though rewarding, parenting is often difficult. One of the most difficult aspects of parenting that you will encounter early in your child’s life is teething. Fortunately, a pediatric dentistry professional can help you understand what to expect and, more importantly, give you advice on how to ease your child’s pain during this challenging time in his or her life.

4 facts about teething from a pediatric dentistry professional

Though a necessary and momentous stage of any child’s life, teething is often a major source of discomfort, stress, and helplessness for new parents and their little ones. While parents cannot entirely eliminate a child’s discomfort during the process, they can ease it a bit — and achieve peace of mind — by brushing up on the basics of teething.

1. Signs of teething manifest long before the first tooth erupts

Some babies never exhibit signs of teething. However, most do. Many of these signs are universal in all babies and manifest a couple of days to a few weeks before the first tooth erupts. The tell-tale signs of teething are as follows:

• Drooling
• Fussiness
• Fever
• Swelling of the gums
• Tender gums
• Changes in sleep patterns

Parents should anticipate these symptoms and not panic if they arise. However, if any symptoms become excessive, parents may want to consult a doctor or pediatric dentistry professional.

2. Teething often begins between 6 and 12 months

Though there exists a wide variability in the ages at which babies start teething, for many babies, the first tooth will erupt between six and 12 months. Some babies, however, are earlier teethers and get their first teeth as early as three months, while other babies require intervention from their pediatric dentists to help the first tooth emerge.

3. Massaging sore gums can provide immense relief

Though several innovative and costly products exist that claim to help relieve symptoms of teething, the best relief measure is free, and that involves massaging the gums. Parents can identify the source of pain by looking for swollen and tender gums. They can then help to ease the pain either by using clean fingers to gently massage the area or by offering their little ones solid teething rings or a wet or frozen washcloth. Babies also find immense relief — and joy — with frozen fruit and yogurts. Parents who go this route, though, should encase the food in safe products designed to prevent choking.

4. Many teething products are dangerous for babies

Finally, it is important for new parents to understand that many older teething-relief methods and products have been proven unsafe. Parents should avoid any products that contain liquids or gels, as either can pose a choking hazard to babies. Products that contain benzocaine, such as the much-beloved Orajel, should also be avoided, as benzocaine has been known to cause serious and life-threatening health conditions. Amber necklaces are also a no-no, as they present both choking and strangling hazards. Finally, parents should avoid any teething tablet that claims to be “homeopathic,” as chances are they contain belladonna, a natural but toxic painkiller.