Seeing your child sprout their first pearly whites is an exciting occasion. Most babies start cutting their first teeth between four and six months, however times can vary greatly. Some babies are born with a tooth while others can take up to one year to show new teeth. All ages are normal, and the time a child’s teeth appear correlates highly on when the parents first earned theirs. Here are four important remedies for potential discomfort associated with teething:
Something to Bite On
Whether it’s a teething ring or a cold waffle, your baby will enjoy something to bite on when the teeth are coming through the gums. As the baby bites on the object, it will help to break down the tissue of the gums, making it easier for the tooth to get through. Freezing a teething ring often helps because it will numb the gums, providing comfort for the baby.
Medication
There are medications that you can get over the counter that will provide relief. Don’t apply a lot of the medication as it can numb the entire mouth. Only a small amount on the area where the tooth is erupting is sufficient. If something over the counter doesn’t work, then you can talk to the baby’s doctor about a prescription. Vanilla extract is a good home remedy that you can use if you don’t want to put a medication on the gums. However, this does have a small amount of alcohol in it, so be wise when applying.
Add Flavor
If you want to distract your baby from the pain of teething, then try giving something that is flavored. This could be a biter biscuit that is similar to a cookie or a wedge of frozen watermelon. Make sure the baby can hold the biscuit before you give it because it will soften as the baby has it in the mouth. Frozen bananas are a good idea as they will provide both something tasty and something nutritious.
Distractions
One way to help your baby deal with the pain of teething is to try a distraction. This could be in the form of playing with the baby or letting the baby watch a video so that the mind is distracted. Offer toys for further stimulation, a practice that is both distracting and educational. If nothing else works, hold your baby and provide comfort and support.
There is no getting around it: teething can be incredibly uncomfortable for any little one, but these remedies are tried and true. Teething is just one step down the path to a healthy smile!
