Teething in Tumwater, [digistate]

At about six months, a baby begins teething. This come-and-go process ends with the emergence of an adorable white tooth. Getting to that result can be difficult, frustrating, and sleepless for both the baby and their caregivers. Our team is here to offer advice and tips, as well as support and encouragement. Rest assured; teething doesn’t last forever. Around age three, a child has all 20 primary teeth.

DID YOU KNOW?

Babies are not born with the bacteria that cause tooth decay. They receive it from the saliva of their parents and others. Kisses, sharing food and utensils, and even sharing toys transfer S. mutans from one person to another.

Symptoms of Teething in Babies

Some babies begin teething as early as three months, and others as late as 12 months. The following symptoms will alert you when teething begins. Also, as the process progresses, you’ll feel and see bumps beneath the gums appear where a tooth will soon emerge.

• Irritability and crying
• Drooling
• Gum swelling
• Gum sensitivity
• More drooling
• Sleep disruption

Help Lessen Your Baby’s Teething Symptoms

Teething is a natural process that all babies go through. The following tips can reduce or ease your baby’s teething pain.

• Teething rings or toys: Seemingly endless options for safe teething rings line the shelves in stores and pharmacies, and even more are available online. Be sure that you choose BPA-free options, and latex-free if necessary. Expect extensive drooling when your baby gnaws on a teether.
• Cold therapy: Place teething rings or a wet washcloth in the refrigerator (NOT the freezer) before giving it to your baby to chomp on. Cold items will reduce inflammation and feel great on your little one’s sore gums. For babies eating regular food, some teethers feature a soft net that you can place cold fruit inside.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and remedies: If teethers and cold therapy don’t work well, purchase a children’s pain reliever from a pharmacy. Homeopathic options are available for infants too young for acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to give the baby the exact dosage for their age, at the proper time intervals.
• Gum massage: Teething rings and toys allow your baby to self-soothe because chewing massages the gums. Your finger or knuckle may work even better. Wash your hands, then apply gentle pressure and rub your little one’s gums over the site of the erupting tooth.
• Routine: Following your baby’s regular feeding and sleeping routine will be familiar and comforting. It will also keep you from having to re-establish routines between teething episodes.
• Comfort items: A favorite toy or blanket can comfort a child who feels overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Take the comfort item with you when you’re away from home, so your baby can self-soothe on the go.

Helping Your Child Through Teething

If you have questions about teething or dental development, call us for help. After the first tooth erupts, schedule your little one’s first dental visit in our children’s dental office in Tumwater. We look forward to meeting you and your little one!