Oh Baby! Tips for Soothing Your Child’s Teething Gums

Oh Baby! Tips for Soothing Your Child’s Teething Gums

Oh Baby! Tips for Soothing Your Child’s Teething Gums

Your baby?s first set of teeth usually starts to appear around 6-8 months, and while it is a milestone in your child?s development, teething can be tough!  That first set of teeth sets the stage for many following stages of development including eating, speaking clearly and smiling. Unfortunately, the teething process isn?t pain free for babies and parents alike, as the teeth rise up from underneath the gums, eventually breaking through. Soreness and irritation due to swelling is expected, which also means some crankiness and fussiness usually accompanies the pain. The best thing to do for your baby is know what to expect, so here are four tips on how to soothe your teething baby from your friendly Krengel Dental experts:

  1. Use teething rings: these firm, rubber rings that come in all shapes and sizes are meant to be chilled in the freezer and used to soothe your baby by applying light pressure to their gums at a comforting, cold temperature. You can even try making a homemade teething toy by squeezing water into a pacifier and chill it in the refrigerator  before giving it to your baby.
  2. Prepare cold food: for babies who are already eating solid foods, cold food is an excellent way to help soothe your baby?s pain. Whether giving them frozen fruit, yogurt or cold applesauce, the cold temperature can help lessen the irritation and swelling in the gums.
  3. Try out teething biscuits: If the cold food isn?t doing the trick or if your baby does not like the cold sensation, there are some hard teething biscuits that are made to help soothe teething. These biscuits are usually recommended for babies at least 8 months old as a snack to gnaw on. As always, check in with your baby?s pediatrician or your Krengel dentist with any questions or concerns, and we recommend going for a biscuit with no added sugar. Hard foods that are safe for your baby are also an option.
  4. Dry excessive drool: Another side-effect of teething is an increase in drool. Drooling is part of the teething process, and teething rings or objects that help with teething can add even more moisture, therefore causing more drool. We suggest keeping a clean, dry cloth handy and wiping your baby?s mouth regularly to avoid irritation to the skin. You can consider a water-based cream or moisturizer to help the skin,.

While teething is tough, your Krengel Dental team is here to help you and your child get through the process with as little pain as possible. Have any other questions or suggestions related to your infant?s dental care? We are always a phone call away- give us a ring at 952-888-1311.