There’s nothing more precious than the smile of a child. However, getting to the point at which your little one is sporting a tooth or two in that little grin can be rough. Teething can cause pain and lead to a fussy kid. At our pediatric dental office in The Woodlands, we have some tricks you can try to squash the ouch and make baby a little happier.
Try These!
- Ice, Ice, Baby. While we don’t recommend using actual ice, a little cooling can help relieve teething pain. Wet a washcloth, seal it in a bag, and freeze it. After an hour, your child will have a soothing, cold washcloth to suck and bite on.
- Give a Massage. Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums.
- Under Pressure. Adding a bit of pressure to your finger massage can provide a bit of extra relief to sore gums.
- Teething Rings. The soft, rubbery nature of teething rings combine the power of massage and pressure into one and make a great teething companion.
- Wooden Teethers. For moms who are looking for an all-natural teething solution, a wooden teether does the trick. It may also be perfect for babies who seem to need a bit more pressure.
If none of these tips seem to work for your little one, call your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children and know even more tricks you can try to ease your child’s pain.
A Few Warnings
- Don’t put a pacifier or teething ring in the freezer. They can become too hard and hurt your baby.
- Don’t use topical pain relievers that contain benzocaine. They’re not recommended for use in infants and children and could lead to serious health issues.
How to Tell if It’s Teething Pain
Your child may not always become fussy and need a remedy, but there are some tell-tale signs to determine if your child is teething. If she’s constantly nibbling on fingers, putting almost everything in her mouth, or drooling excessively, there’s a good chance a tooth is working its way through the gums. If you’re still not sure, you can feel around the gum line for a tiny tooth ready to make its appearance.
If your little one is starting to sprout some teeth, it’s also time to start thinking about scheduling her first appointment at our Woodlands pediatric dental office. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see the dentist no later than six months after their first tooth, or by age one.
Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and nearby neighborhoods.
Dr. Leslie Blackburn always knew she wanted to work with children and decided to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. She enrolled at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Dental Education. She finished the last leg of her education at Yale University, where she obtained her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.
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