When a baby is cutting teeth, they can become irritable, develop a fever, or have trouble sleeping. Teething babies can be hard to console, especially when they are in pain. When teething, their gums and mouth can be extremely sore or inflamed, even after the tooth pokes through the gums. Talking to your pediatrician or family dentist may be a good place to start if you are unsure what proper teething looks like, but if you are unable to chat with a professional, there are home remedies you can use. If you are searching for ways to help your baby feel more comfortable and experience less discomfort, here are some tips you can use during the teething process.
How To Tell If Your Baby Is Teething
Some babies won’t have obvious symptoms when teething, but they may struggle with nap times and eating as a first sign of new teeth. Some other symptoms that can appear include:
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing on every available object
- Acting cranky or irritable
- Face rash
- Slight rise in temperature (fever of 100 degrees or below)
- Tender gums
If your child has other symptoms of sickness, like diarrhea or a high-grade fever, these are not signs of teething. Consult your physician if symptoms worsen or do not align with mild discomfort.
Use A Chilled Teething Ring
If you can see teeth poking through your baby’s gums or they are showing signs of teething, one way you can help soothe their gums is by providing a chilled teething ring. It is never advisable to put frozen items directly on the child’s gums, whether a teething item or food. Wet washcloths, chilled teething rings, or pacifiers can help to soothe irritated gums.
You should avoid items coated in sugary substances as these can cause cavities. Don’t dip the pacifiers or teething toys in anything before letting your child chew on them. Frozen ice pops or frozen foods should also be avoided because they can cause frostbite on the baby’s sensitive gums.
Liquid Acetaminophen Or Ibuprofen
There are pain relievers and fever reducers made for infants, which should only be used if your baby is very cranky or has a high fever. Long-term use of these medications can cause damage to the liver or kidneys, so it is important to use them in moderation. Liquid acetaminophen or liquid ibuprofen can be used to help reduce the pain in teeth and gums.
Try Cold Fruit And Vegetables
Soft squishy fruits (for children over the age of 1) can also be helpful if they are chilled. Bananas, raspberries, or blueberries crushed up in a mesh tether can be a healthy and cooling way to keep a baby’s mouth occupied. It is important to watch the child to avoid choking when giving them small foods. Baby food that has been chilled in the fridge may also be soothing on their gums while providing them with essential nutrients and reducing the choking hazard.
Cuddles And Rocking
When your child is sick or sad, they will want to cuddle, sleep, and spend time with you. Allowing your child to sleep and rocking them can actually help when they are teething or overcoming a sickness. Spending time at home and providing comfort to a teething baby can help them recover more quickly.
Remedies You Should NEVER Use
Despite what family members or the internet may say, there are some home remedies that should never be used on your child’s teeth. One of the most common ones recommended by older generations is to rub alcohol on the child’s gums. Alcohol is extremely damaging to the body, especially before the legal drinking age. NEVER use any type of alcohol for a teething baby.
Teething necklaces or bracelets are an extreme choking hazard for teething children. The beads or small parts can come loose, and the string can also be a strangulation hazard.
Other remedies you should avoid include:
- Homeopathic teething tablets
- Medicines with benzocaine or lidocaine
- Allowing babies to chew on random objects around your home.
Dental Care From Our Dental Team
Sunset Dental Care offers services for your whole family, allowing you to have healthy teeth, gums, and confidence in your smile. Our dentists and hygienists do their best to make every patient feel comfortable and safe in our office. We know that going to the dentist can be stressful and scary for many people. Having a welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and modern dental tools is important to you having a quality experience. Whether you need a typical check-up, cosmetic work, or dental extractions, the team at Sunset Dental should be your first choice. Schedule your appointment to get started today!