Teething can be the most challenging part of your child’s dental journey, putting a toll on not just the child but also the parent. Sleepless nights, fussy toddlers, and sore gums are common during this period, but there’s light at the end of this dark tunnel.
Families across Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Seabeck, and surrounding areas often trust the expert advice from our pediatric dentists at Dentistry For Children to effectively navigate this period and ensure good pediatric dental health for their children.
In this blog, we will discuss all the hardships you will face during your child’s teething period and how you can help them cope with it. It will help you understand the symptoms and timeline to identify the teething stage early and easy methods you can utilize to provide them with comfort.
We will also tell you how you can create a comforting environment for the children and when to seek help from an expert in children’s dentistry in Port Orchard, Silverdale, Bremerton, and other nearby locations to support your kids’ oral health.
Teething in Babies: Timeline and Symptoms
1. Normal Teething Timeline
Most babies start teething from 4 to 7 months. Usually, the lower front teeth appear first, and the upper front teeth follow next. By the time children turn 3, most have grown the full set of primary teeth. However, these timelines can vary from child to child. Some may enter the teething stage earlier or later than the average time. Keeping track of your child’s dental care with help from pediatric dentistry in Poulsbo, Seabeck, and neighboring communities can give you peace of mind.
Also Read: The Bitter Reality of How Sugar Can Impact Your Children’s Smile!
Common Teething Symptoms
- Swollen gums: Gums can become red, puffy, and tender.
- Excessive drooling: More saliva is produced during teething.
- Irritability: Children may fuss over small things due to sore gums.
- Biting or gnawing: Babies bite objects as pressure helps to relieve discomfort.
- Mild fever: Temperature can increase slightly, but the child needs to be evaluated if the fever is high.
- Trouble sleeping: Baby’s sleep routine can also get disturbed due to pain in the gums.
Though teething doesn’t usually lead to serious illness, these symptoms can make the baby uncomfortable and fussy.
For professional assistance or more information, call us today at (360) 377-3844 (Bremerton) or (360) 876-9507 (Port Orchard) to schedule a consultation. Let’s make this phase easier for your baby—and for you!
Effective Comfort Measures: Soothing Sore Gums
1. Cold is Your Friend
Cold things make the sore gums less painful and soothe the child. You can use chilled teething rings, but don’t freeze them. Choose the rings that are soft and safe for chewing. You can also soak a washcloth in cold water and refrigerate it for some time.
Furthermore, you can also use a mesh feeder by adding chilled fruits like bananas or berries, which offer both nutrition and comfort.
2. Pressure Relief
Babies automatically seek pressure to ease gum pain. Gently massage their gums in circular motions with clean fingers. This simple act serves two purposes: soothing irritation and helping teeth break through the gum surface. Silicone or rubber teething toys with textured surfaces are also effective tools. Look for products recommended by pediatric dentistry experts in Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, and surrounding locations.
3. Distraction Techniques
Distracting the child is the only way when nothing else seems to work. Engage your baby in playtime with interactive toys that divert their attention from discomfort. Make the baby listen to music like lullabies or gentle melodies, which can have a calming effect. The best thing is to take the baby out for a walk in the fresh air, as a change of scenery will uplift their mood.
Safe and Effective Teething Toys and Aids
1. Choosing Safe Teethers
Go for BPA-free, non-toxic teething rings. Pediatric dentists in Port Ludlow recommend simple designs with no detachable parts.
2. Teething Necklaces
Parents wear teething necklaces to give babies something safe and soothing to chew on while being held or carried. Leading children’s dentistry experts in Silverdale state that babies should never wear these necklaces and should always be used under adult supervision.
3. At Home Teething Aids
You can rub a cold metal spoon on the baby’s gums, which provides instant relief. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding can also comfort a baby. Add teething biscuits low in sugar to your kids’ food routine; this satisfies the need to chew while protecting their oral health.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Options
1. When to Consider Medication
Medication may be the only solution when all the other methods have failed, and your child is still feeling uncomfortable. However, it is advised to consult a healthcare expert, especially from a credible firm like Dentistry For Children, before giving any medicine to the child.
2. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is safe after the baby reaches two months of age. Top pediatric dentistry experts in Bainbridge Island recommend measuring the dose according to weight. Don’t combine it with other medications unless advised by a healthcare provider.
3. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen can be used by babies older than 6 months. It works best in cases of swelling in the gums. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be particularly effective during the painful stages of teething.
4. Topical Gels (Benzocaine-Free)
Some Benzocaine-free gels are available on the market that are free to use, but should be used sparingly and only if prescribed by a pediatrician.
5. Always consult a pediatrician
It is essential to seek professional advice before giving a child any medicine. Experts in pediatric dentistry in Poulsbo, Port Orchard, and neighboring communities can provide guidance. You can also contact the professionals at Dentistry For Children for expert solutions.
Creating a Comforting Environment
1. Maintaining Routine
Maintaining the routine of their regular nap and feeding times provides emotional support to the children during discomfort. Familiar routines can help reduce stress in children and improve their coping during discomfort.
2. Extra Cuddles and Affection
Give extra love and care to the babies during their teething phase. According to the most popular children’s dentistry experts in Port Townsend, physical touch, such as rocking, cuddling, or gentle stroking, calms teething babies and reduces their pain.
3. Calming Activities
Engage the teething baby in calming activities to help them relax. Read picture books together, sing soft lullabies to them, and give warm baths. These routines also help the baby sleep better.
4. Patience and Understanding
Create a calming environment with activities that relax your baby. Reading picture books together, listening to soft lullabies, and giving warm baths are great ways to wind them down. These routines also help prepare your baby for better sleep.
When to Seek Professional Help
1. High Fever
Baby’s temperature sometimes rises during teething. But if it goes above 100°F, it can be a symptom of illness. Contact a pediatrician or a local pediatric dentist in Bainbridge Island, Port Hadlock, or nearby locations immediately.
2. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
These are not the symptoms of teething. They can be a sign of illness.
3. Signs of Infection
If your child has swollen cheeks or problems like pus from the gums, then visit a pediatric dentist immediately.
4. Extreme Irritability or Lethargy
Unusual behavior or patterns in children can be a sign to visit a pediatric dentist.
5. Parental Concerns
Trust your instinct when it comes to your child’s health. You can get help from the children’s dentistry professionals in Port Townsend, Silverdale, and surrounding areas.
Teething and Long-Term Oral Health
Teething is the right time to take care of pediatric dental health in children. When your child’s first tooth grows, start brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush and water. Avoid processed food and sugary beverages for children to prevent their teeth from enamel erosion and cavities. Instead, find healthier alternatives that keep kids away from junk food.
Food items like cheese, yogurt, and fruits should be introduced to children at an early stage. These healthy snacks support strong enamel while also preventing cavities in kids, making them a smart choice for growing smiles.
Schedule regular checkups for children from pediatric dentistry in Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Seabeck, and neighboring areas to catch any issues at the beginning stage and keep kids’ smiles shining.
Final Takeaway
It is important for parents across Kitsap County to learn how to handle their children’s teething. Each step, from using safe teething aids to recognizing symptoms and maintaining good child dental care, supports long-term pediatric dental health. If you’re in Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Seabeck, Silverdale, Port Orchard, or nearby areas, timely guidance from professionals in pediatric dentistry, like the compassionate team at Dentistry For Children, can make a lasting difference in your child’s oral health and development.
If you have any questions related to your child’s teething or need expert advice about their dental care, you can contact us at Dentistry for Children. Our experienced pediatric dentists proudly serve families in Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, and surrounding communities. Call us today at (360) 377-3844 (Bremerton) or (360) 876-9507 (Port Orchard) to schedule your appointment with our expert pediatric dental team.
