A huge milestone of your baby’s first year of life is the appearance of a first tooth, yet teething can be a challenging time for parents. Here are some simple and easy tips from our Calgary dentist on how to help your baby sail through this challenging, yet manageable, period.
In most cases, a baby’s first tooth will appear at around the age of 6 months. Some babies may feel no pain, while others exhibit discomfort and tenderness that can linger for several weeks, depending on just how quickly the tooth erupts.
Some signs that your baby might be teething include:
- Profuse drooling
- Swollen gum tissue without a visible lump
- Repeatedly rubbing his/her eyes, cheeks, or ears
- Urge to chew on solid items
- Restlessness, especially during nap times
Our Calgary Family Dentists Provide Comprehensive Care For Your Child
At our Calgary dental clinic, our friendly and experienced family dentists provide comprehensive oral services for seniors, adults, and children. Whether you need tooth implants, a dental cleaning, or you have a dental emergency, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to give you the high-quality oral care you deserve.
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5 Tips On How to Care For a Teething Baby
While some babies’ teeth erupt with no problems, for others, this can be a painful and uncomfortable process. The good news? There are some things you can do to care for your child’s mouth and keep them more comfortable during this phase.
Here are some simple and easy tips from our Calgary dentist on how to keep your child happy and pain-free during this period:
- Massage their gums. The counter pressure of your finger will help ease any teething pain your little one is experiencing.
- Use teething rings or toys. Chewing will soothe your baby because the counter pressure will relieve pain. When chilling these toys, remember to put them in the fridge and not the freezer. A frozen toy can damage your baby’s gums.
- Consider teething gels. If a teething ring doesn’t work, talk to your dentist about using teething gels. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to use this gel and make sure not to use too much.
- Use hard foods. If your baby is six months or older, you can give them healthy things to chew on such as raw fruit or vegetables, such as pieces of carrot or apples. However, ALWAYS stay close to your baby when they’re eating in case they choke.
- Relieve pain. If your little one seems to be having a particularly difficult time, talk to your child’s doctor about pain relief. An appropriate dose of acetaminophen can be beneficial. However, avoid using medications that contain benzocaine.
Remember: When your baby is teething, just keep in mind what an important milestone this is. Teething, just like crawling, talking, or walking, is showing that your child is on the right track developmentally.
Once Your Baby’s Teeth Appear, Take Proper Care of Them
It is often recommended that your baby visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or at one year of age. Once teeth appear, you should begin brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Tip: Since very young children haven’t yet learned to swallow toothpaste, use only a tiny smear of toothpaste on the brush.
Our Calgary Dentists Are Here To Help
Good oral care starts from the very beginning of your child’s life and our family dentists are here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions concerning your child’s teething or oral health care, contact us at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
