Not all babies are the same. While some may experience little to no discomfort during the teething process, this is extremely rare. Most infants have a difficult time dealing with teething in Poway, which is why your dentist at Bright Pediatric Smiles is here to help. Whether you’re a first-time parent or this is your second or third child, each experience is different and having the expertise and knowledge of a trained and skilled dental professional is always helpful, especially during this difficult time. If you’re in need of assistance or would like some advice on how to help your baby through the teething process, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sam today!

THE TEETHING PROCESS

Trust us when we say you will know when your baby is teething. When your child is born, all 20 of their primary teeth are sitting beneath the gums just waiting to erupt. Once that first one pushes through, typically between 6 and 12 months of age, it is likely your little one will be fussy and irritable. After all, who wouldn’t be with a hard tooth pushing through the soft tissues?

By the time your child is 3 years old, it is likely they will have all their primary teeth.

SIGNS YOUR BABY IS TEETHING

Apart from the fussiness and irritability, there are a few additional ways you can tell when your baby is teething, such as:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Facial rash
  • Excessive drooling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rubbing their cheeks or pulling their ears
  • Biting their hands to relieve pain

If your baby is running a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, has multiple bouts of diarrhea, or develops a cough or cold, you should not disregard these signs and call your doctor as soon as possible.

WAYS TO ALLEVIATE PAIN

It’s natural to want to help your baby’s pain go away and fortunately, there are several ways you can minimize the discomfort, including:

  • Gently rubbing or massaging their gums with a clean finger or gauze
  • Providing your child with a solid teething toy to chew on. This will relieve some of the pain when they bite down.
  • Place their teethers in the refrigerator, as the cool temperature can help to numb their gums.
  • If old enough, allow them to eat soft, pureed foods like applesauce

Make sure to avoid ointments or gels that contain benzocaine, as it can be harmful and toxic to infants. Also, opt for solid teethers instead of those filled with liquid, as your child can puncture the teething toy and cause the contents to spill out.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Your pediatric dentist in Poway wants to help you and your baby through this normal, yet, difficult time period, so anytime you are unsure of a symptom your baby is exhibiting, or you’re unsure if a particular product is safe for your teething child, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. Dr. Sam and her team are here to help by providing teething tips in Poway and valuable advice on how to help your infant find relief.