A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Teething

There comes a time in every parent’s journey when their drooling, toothless baby begins sprouting their first signs of teeth & fussy chaos ensues. While it is a completely normal developmental milestone, it can feel anything but calm.

First Arrivals

Most babies begin teething around 4 to 7 months, though some may start earlier or later. Typically, the bottom front teeth make their debut first, followed by the top front ones. By age 3, your child will likely have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Teething symptoms vary, but common signs include drooling, chewing on everything within reach, irritability or disrupted sleep & tender or swollen gums. Mild temperature increases can happen, but high fever, diarrhea, or any severe symptoms are NOT typical & should be checked by a doctor.

Keep Cool, Calm & Chew On

Once that first tooth appears, it is time to start your baby’s oral health routine. With a soft toothbrush, brush twice daily, using a grain-of-rice amount of fluoride toothpaste. If possible, schedule their first dental visit around age 1. Early dental habits set the stage of lifelong oral health & fewer complications in the future.

When your baby is uncomfortable from the growing pains of teething, there are a couple of simple remedies that may help. A gum massage with a clean finger or damp gauze can work wonders on soothing sore gums. Chilled (but not frozen!) items like teething rings, washcloths or cold fruit can help reduce inflammation & safe chewables (clean rubber toys or age-appropriate food) can provide pressure relief. To prevent cavities, make sure none of these products are dipped in sugar.

Remedies to Avoid

However, there are some remedies to avoid because they do more harm than good. Any topical numbing gels (i.e. benzocaine or lidocaine) are linked to serious health risks. Homeopathic tablets may contain harmful ingredients, & teething necklaces pose choking hazards.

Wait Out the Storm

Teething may test your patience, sleep schedule & laundry capacity (so much drool), but the good news is that it is temporary. Stick with simple, safe remedies when your baby is fussy & remember that every tiny tooth is one step closer to a full smile.

Sources

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/teething/what-you-should-know-about-babies-teething

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378v

https://www.chop.edu/news/teething-pain-risky-remedies-avoid