Teething is an exciting time in your child’s life, maybe not so much for you. They’re almost ready to start discovering the wonderful world of solid food, while you’re trying your best to soothe their aching, growing mouths. As your pediatric dentist, we wanted to share with you some information about teething, what you can do to sooth their sore gums, and how you can keep those first teeth to emerge healthy and cavity free.

Teething begins around four and seven months of age. Your baby’s body is getting ready to push through 20 teeth in the next two and a half years. That’s a full set of teeth by the time they’re three years old!

You’ll notice your child is teething when they become sleepless, fussy and irritable. They may loose their appetite and begin to drool more than usual.

Too soothe those aching gums the best thing you can do is to rub their gums with a clean finger, a small, cold spoon, or with a moist gauze. Teething rings are very helpful for fussy babies that just need to chew on something to cut those teeth.

Another thing to think about and be wary of are benzocaine products. Benzocaine products are anesthetic gels that can ease oral pain for adults but can be very dangerous for children under the age of 2. If your child seems as though they are in severe pain, please call your pediatric dentist for consultation first.

Once those new teeth begin to emerge, it’s time to start caring for them. While you won’t exactly be breaking out the electric toothbrush, floss, and fluoridated mouth rinse just yet, keeping those pearly whites clean is extremely important. You can do this in the beginning stages by wiping them a wet washcloth. As more teeth emerge, upgrade to an infant toothbrush and toothpaste approved by the ADA for infant use. And begin brushing twice a day. This not only keeps their teeth clean, but helps introduce them to a new routine.

Teething isn’t the most fun part of your child’s development. But, after the fussing stops and those cute little teeth come through, they’ll be able to enjoy healthy snacks like cheese and apple slices. They’ll also soon be able to take charge of their dental health.

If you have any questions about how you can help your child through teething and how best too keep their teeth healthy after they’ve all come in, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see their smiling faces.