Infants can be uncomfortable while their first teeth come in, and it is a trying time for parents, too. Teething starts at around the six-month mark. This natural process can cause irritability, increased drooling, and a strong urge to chew more. Some babies may also have trouble sleeping or a slight fever. Teething is essential to your child’s development, but it can be excruciating.
You should contact your dentist to help you through this phase. He/she can give you tips on managing the pain and ensuring the teething goes smoothly. They can also reassure you and answer questions about your child’s oral health.
There are several ways to ease your child’s teething discomfort, including:
- Massaging their gums gently with a clean finger provides soothing pressure to help ease some of the discomfort.
- Your baby can give your child a chilled, but not frozen, teething ring or a cold, damp washcloth to chew on. The ring will numb the area and reduce swelling, at least temporarily, and the cold will help.
- Your dentist or pediatrician could recommend over-the-counter teething gels or pain relievers.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is equally important before the first teeth come in, as it relieves pain. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding your baby to prevent bacteria buildup and help with healthy oral habits.
