Teething Baby? Your Dentist in Wildwood Crest Offers Useful Remedies

Do you have a baby at home? Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, you know all babies experience what is known as teething. For some parents, this can be an exhausting and trying experience; however, for others, their babies don’t seem to be bothered by the process. Either way, your dentist in Wildwood Crest wants you to know about a few remedies that can help your children through the teething period, as well as some myths that you can mark as untrue.

Teething 101

When your baby is born, it has all 20 primary teeth just sitting below the gum line, waiting to erupt. Teething typically begins to happen between 6 and 12 months, and because every baby is different, you may experience many sleepless nights because of the irritability that can come with teething. Or, you may get lucky and have a baby that is undeterred by these new additions. Either way, teething is something all babies go through, so it’s best to be equipped with the right tools to help them (and yourself) through it.

Remedies to Help with Teething

If you begin to notice some of the following symptoms, you can bet those tiny teeth are preparing to make their arrival at any moment.

• Fussiness
• Drooling
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping

Some babies may also experience a low-grade fever, rash, or diarrhea. If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms, make sure to call your child’s pediatrician.

To alleviate the discomfort your baby may be experiencing, you can try a few useful remedies that will keep your baby feeling comforted and at ease.

• Gently rub their gums with a clean finger or cool spoon. You may also try a cold washcloth.
• Teethers are beneficial and allow your baby to chew on something that can alleviate pain. It’s important to use teethers that are solid rubber. Liquid-filled teething rings can break.
• If your baby eats solid foods, you can try a chilled piece of food (carrot or strawberry) to help soothe any discomfort. Make sure to watch your baby so they do not choke.
• Dry your baby’s mouth and face frequently to prevent skin irritation. Excess drool can be messy, which is why it’s important to keep a clean cloth nearby at all times.
• If your baby is excessively irritable, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen, just be sure to use the correct dosage. To be sure, contact your child’s pediatrician.

Myths We Can Debunk Right Now

There are plenty of useful tips to helping parents and babies through the teething process; however, there are also some myths that are worth debunking, many of which can be harmful to your baby if followed.

1. Teething gels and tablets work. Research in recent years has shown that babies under the age of 2 should never receive benzocaine. According to the FDA, the active ingredient found in many teething products is more harmful than beneficial.
2. Rub aspirin on their gums to reduce pain. Even for adults, this is a practice that should never be followed. Putting aspirin directly on the gums can damage them. It is suggested that you only use Tylenol or Children’s Motrin to relieve any pain or discomfort.
3. Teething necklaces are okay to use. While this is still highly debated, it’s best to avoid teething necklaces as your child may try to chew on the beads. Because the beads are small, it can pose a choking hazard. Also, if the necklace is made of metal, it can contain lead.
4. Babies will run a high fever. While a low-grade fever is normal, your baby should never run a high fever while teething. Most likely, the high fever will be attributed to something else, such as a cold.

It’s best to get ready because all babies go through teething. By having a few useful remedies on hand, you and your baby can make it through this time with much more ease and comfort.

About the Author 
Dr. Scott Maslow earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Political Science from Case Western Reserve University. He then went on to achieve a doctorate at Temple Dental School. Dr. Maslow and his team are here to care for you and your family’s smiles, even those whose smiles are still growing! If you are looking for a family dentist who cares and provides high-quality dental services, look no further than Diamond Beach Dental. To learn more about our office, contact us at (609) 522-3145.