Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s life, marking the beginning of their dental development and a new chapter in their oral health journey. As tiny teeth begin to emerge through tender gums, babies often experience discomfort, irritability, and a range of other symptoms that can leave parents seeking solutions to soothe and comfort their little ones. With a deeper understanding of the teething process, its symptoms, and effective strategies for relief, parents can navigate this period with confidence, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles and happy memories.
In this article, the team of the New Smyrna Beach dentist will explore the teething process, and its symptoms, and provide tips on how to soothe and care for your baby during this period.
What is teething?
Teething is the process by which a baby’s teeth erupt through their gums. It typically starts around six months old and continues until they are about three years old. During this time, 20 primary teeth will emerge, laying the foundation for their permanent teeth.
What are the symptoms of teething?
Common symptoms of teething in babies include:
- Drooling: Increased saliva production can cause drooling, which may irritate the skin around the mouth and chin.
- Gnawing or chewing: Babies often gnaw or chew on objects to relieve pressure and discomfort in their gums.
- Irritability: Teething can cause fussiness, crankiness, and irritability due to discomfort and pain.
- Swelling and redness of the gums: The gums may become swollen, red, and tender where the tooth is emerging.
- Loss of appetite: Teething discomfort can lead to a decrease in appetite or refusal to feed.
- Sleep disturbances: Teething can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to wakefulness, restlessness, and nighttime wakings.
- Ear pulling: Babies may pull on their ears due to referred pain from the gums to the ears.
- Rubbing the gums: Babies may rub their gums with their fingers or against objects to relieve pressure.
- Whining or whimpering: Teething can cause babies to whine or whimper due to discomfort.
- Fever: Some babies may develop a low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F) during teething.
What are the tips for Soothing a teething baby?
Here are some tips for soothing a baby:
- Cuddling: Hold your baby close to provide comfort and reassurance.
- Swaddling: Wrap your baby snugly to help them feel secure and calm.
- Rocking: Gently rock your baby back and forth to create a soothing motion.
- Sucking: Offer a pacifier or let your baby suck on their thumb to provide a calming, self-soothing activity.
- White noise: Create a constant, soothing sound with a machine or a fan to block out other noises.
- Warmth: Provide a warm bath or dress your baby in layers to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Massage: Gently massage your baby’s head, back, and arms to release tension.
- Lullabies: Sing a soft, calming song to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Motion: Take your baby for a car ride or use a vibrating chair to create a calming motion.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Hold your baby against your bare chest to promote feelings of safety and calm.
- Try the “5 S’s“: The “5 S’s” are a method developed by Dr. Harvey Karp:
- Swaddling
- Shushing(making a “shhh” sound next to your baby’s ear)
- Side/stomach position (holding your baby on their side or stomach)
- Swinging (gentle motion)
- Sucking (offering a pacifier or letting your baby suck on their thumb)
Teething is a natural process that can be challenging for both babies and parents. By understanding the symptoms, and stages, and providing appropriate care, you can help your baby navigate this critical period with ease. Remember to stay patient, and flexible, and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns. With time and proper care, your baby’s smile will flourish, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy oral habits.
