If you have a young child, you should know that their first baby teeth will usually make their grand entrance around 6 months of age, although sometimes signs of teething start sooner than this. In any case, you’ve got your work cut out for you; helping your little one to navigate this process isn’t always easy, especially knowing that they’re uncomfortable! Keep reading to learn more from your pediatric dentist about the teething process and some obvious signs that it’s occurring, along with some ways you can soothe your child’s pain and help them through this journey.
Obvious Signs That Your Child Is Teething
It’s hard to predict when your child’s first few teeth will begin emerging; sometimes there are signs and symptoms that manifest and indicate it’s occurring, but other times, it might suddenly take you and your little one by surprise! While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months of age, sometimes symptoms begin occurring as soon as 2 or 3 months. Other times, babies don’t get their first tooth until their first birthday!
Since every child will experience teething differently and on a unique timeline, it’s worth highlighting a few commonly associated symptoms. Here are some of the first signs of teething:
- Drooling – Teething can stimulate a lot of drooling, even to the point where it causes rashes to form. To counter this, you can fasten a bib to your child to keep them more comfortable; you can also gently wipe their chin throughout the day.
- Coughing – A constant mouthful of spit can make babies cough and/or gag.
- Rubbing their cheeks or pulling their ears – Children might pull or tug on their ears and cheeks in reaction to aching gums throughout the teething process.
- Refusing to eat – Teething babies can be fussy about eating, and if they’re still nursing, the suction might further irritate their gums.
- Irritability – This is perhaps the most obvious sign that your child is teething; while some children breeze through teething, others experience a good bit of discomfort in their gums that makes them cranky and feel out of sorts.
- Changes in sleeping patterns – Your child’s discomfort might disrupt their sleep and stir them at night, which can cause changes to their rest patterns.
How Can I Soothe My Child While They’re Teething?
Your child isn’t on their own when it comes to teething—there are many ways you can alleviate their discomfort and help them get through this process! One of the best things you can do is provide your child with a teething toy; these are a special type of teething relief product that your baby can safely chew on to provide soothing counter pressure for their gums.
You can also apply something cold to your baby’s inflamed and sore gums to provide further relief. Something like a refrigerated teething toy or a wet washcloth can do the trick. You might also give your child a chilled drink or cold food, like yogurt or applesauce. Pain relievers can also be used, so long as they’re safe for use in children and you follow the dosing recommendations. It’s worth mentioning that numbing agents or over-the-counter topicals shouldn’t be used, as they might lead to complications.
About the Author
Dr. Linda A. Steele received her DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry (now known as the Texas A&M Health Science Center at Dallas School of Dentistry) and is a proud member of several professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Her practice in Coppell is proud to offer a wide range of pediatric services for children of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your child, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Steele through her practice’s website or by phone for further assistance. Telephone: (972) 315-3355.