Teething is a tough time for both the little ones and their parents. Here are some tips on how to help your baby with their newly erupting teeth!
Signs Your Baby is Teething:
You may start to notice your baby is teething at around 6 months of age, although the time does vary! Some common signs of teething are:
- Sore or tender gums
- Drooling
- Irritability
- Low-grade fever
- Drool rash around the mouth
Usually, the bottom incisors are the first teeth to appear. It is a good idea to inspect your child’s gums for any bumps, as this is a sign of newly surfacing teeth. Teething may be slower for some babies than others, with teeth not surfacing for days to months after symptoms. Each baby is different!
Teething Tips:
When your baby starts teething, try these methods to help ease the discomfort:
1. Massage the Gums: Applying gentle pressure with your finger onto your baby’s gums can help ease the pain.
2. Use Cold Items: Cold items such as a refrigerated pacifier/ teething toy or a clean cold wash cloth can help “numb the gums” and relieve some pain.
3. Extra Cuddling Time: Sometimes the best way to help a baby in discomfort is some extra cuddle time. This can provide both of you with some much needed rest.
4. Pain Medications: As a last resort, you can talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain medication. Teething gels that contain Lidocaine or Benzocaine should be used cautiously as they can numb the baby’s mouth, thereby making it difficult for them to swallow.
Once teeth start to appear, it is time to think about the first dental appointment! The Canadian Dental Association recommends your little one’s first trip to the dentist when they are around one year old. This allows us to set the foundation for healthy gums and teeth!