Children can begin getting their first teeth anywhere from four months old to seven months old and up to one year. Parents often know when their child is teething due to signs such as drooling, irritability, and trying to put anything and everything in their mouths!
Teething can be a challenging time for baby and parents alike. Fortunately, this phase of your child’s life won’t last forever—but in the meantime, what can you do to help your baby be more comfortable?
Freeze a Wet Washcloth
Cold objects will help numb your child’s gums and alleviate the pain and swelling that can come with teething. You can wet a washcloth and place it in the freezer before allowing your baby to chew on it. Of course, you should always supervise your child with any toy or object.
Teething necklaces and bracelets aren’t recommended as the materials that are used for these items can cause children to choke [1]. Regardless of what teething toy you choose for your baby, supervision is always important.
Invest in a Rubber Teething Ring
Many babies find relief from teething pain by chewing on a solid rubber teething ring. There’s no need to chill or freeze these rings as the pressure from chewing on the toy will help your child’s mouth feel better.
Freezing the teething ring can make it too hard for baby’s mouth and have the potential to cause additional discomfort.
In addition, the American Dental Association recommends avoiding teething rings that are filled with liquid, as your child could puncture them and either choke or swallow the liquid inside [2].
Try a Gum Massage
This home remedy is easy and doesn’t require any toys or a washcloth, although you may choose to use a clean piece of gauze.
Try giving your baby a gum massage for their teething pain. The pressure from the massage can help alleviate discomfort from teething. Just be sure your fingers are clean before putting them in your child’s mouth!
A gum massage can be done virtually anywhere and at a moment’s notice in the event that your little one is inconsolable on a trip out or in a place where a teething ring isn’t available or the frozen washcloth isn’t ready yet.
Use Caution with OTC Medications
Although it may be tempting to search for a quick-fix for your baby’s teething pain, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t advise immediately reaching for over-the-counter (OTC) medications or homeopathic remedies as they can be harmful to your child [3].
In the event that none of the above remedies works for your child, you can follow up with your baby’s dentist or pediatrician regarding the use of medication or topical ointments to help your baby feel better.
Soothing Baby’s Teething Pain
It can be difficult to watch your little on go through the discomfort of teething. However, don’t fret—your baby will be done teething soon enough and won’t remember teething or the discomfort it can cause.
Give these home remedies a try to soothe your baby’s teething pain and keep everyone in your house happy during the teething process!
Sources:
1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teething
3. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm385817.htm
