Tips to Ease Baby Teething Pain
Teething can be distressful for babies and parents alike. But according to one dentist in Waterloo, there are ways to make the process a little easier.
The world has seemed brighter since you had your baby, but now, out of the blue, he or she is cranky, drooling, and restless. Well, if it is any consolation, you have nothing to worry about. When babies start to teeth – usually at around six months – they are often irritable and cranky. You may also notice that they have excessive drooling and that they chew on objects. This may be accompanied by sore or tender gums and a slight rise in temperature.
In most cases, you won’t need to see a pediatrician for teething problems. However, if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable or if they are not eating or drinking normally, then it’s best to have to contact your dentist in Waterloo to rule out other conditions. Here are some tips to ease baby teething pain:
Soothe sore gums with a washcloth
Dampen a clean washcloth and then place it in the refrigerator. Give it a couple of minutes to cool, and then give it to your baby to chew on. This will help relieve their teething discomfort. Be careful, however, as the washcloth can be a choking hazard.
Massage the gums
Another simple yet effective way to relieve teething discomfort is to massage the gums. Clean your hands, wipe them dry, and gently move your fingers in circular motions. The good thing about massages is that it also allows you to hold the baby and give them some cuddles – and that alone is effective in easing the child’s discomfort.
Get some teething rings
Since teething rings are chewable, they can help distract your child and also ease their discomfort. Like the washcloth, you can place them in the fridge to cool, for effective results. Usually, these rings come with instructions on how long you should chill them for. As a caution, don’t place the ring on the freezer as a frozen one will damage your baby’s gums.
Ask your dentist for medication
If nothing seems to work, you can ask your dentist for advice regarding the right medication for your baby’s teething symptoms.
Caring for your baby’s new teeth
Run a clean and soft washcloth over your baby’s gums two times every day - after they feed in the morning and before bedtime. This will prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating in their mouth.
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the teeth as soon as they pop up. But until they can spit, you should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste that’s about the size of a rice grain. You can increase the size gradually as they grow and approach two or three years. This might also be the best time to start thinking about routine dental checks. In fact, experts recommend doing so near or at the child’s first birthday.
Conclusion
Many parents wait until their babies have issues before seeking dental help – don’t follow suit. Routine checks can help ensure that your baby’s teeth are healthy and free from cavities and other related issues.