Your baby is crying and is in pain and all you want to do is relieve the pain to make them feel better. Teething pain is common in babies, and there’s nothing parents can do to prevent it. However, there are many remedies you can try to relieve teething pain for your baby.
Dr. Darryl Engel is a pediatric dentist at KinderSmiles in Bergen County NJ. He has years of experience providing dental care to children and has given advice to many parents to help them take care of their baby’s oral health. If you need help to relieve teething pain continue reading to get the answers you are looking for.
What Is Teething?
Teething is a process in which your baby’s teeth begin erupting through their gums around six months after birth. This causes discomfort in your child but also causes you to have feelings of frustration and powerlessness because you are not sure what to do.
Teething Signs
- Crying
- Biting
- Drooling
- Change In Eating Habits
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Ear Pulling
- Cheek Rubbing
How Long Does Teething Last?
Teething will last until your child has their full set of baby teeth by the age of 2 or 3. Each time a new tooth erupts through the gums, your child will experience the same signs of discomfort. It’s a process and parents must exercise patience and understanding.
How Do I Relieve Teething Pain For My Baby?
That being said, there are several remedies parents can try to relieve teething pain.
- Teething Ring
A cool teething ring or spoon gives your baby a safe object to bite down on and the cooling will alleviate pain and swelling.
- Gum Massage
Gently massaging your baby’s gum with a clean finger reassures them and reduces discomfort.
- Cold Washcloth
Don’t have a teething ring or spoon at the moment? A cool washcloth is the next best option.
- White Noise
White noise can help your baby fall asleep so you can get a few hours of sleep as well.
- Wipe Away Drool
Be sure to wipe away excessive drool to prevent possible rash that will only make teething a more uncomfortable process.
- Pain Medication
There are over-the-counter pain medications for children and babies but check with your pediatric dentist or doctor before using them.
What NOT To Use To Relieve Teething Pain
While all of the above methods to relieve teething pain are effective, parents may feel the temptation to use other methods that carry significant risks and warnings. It is crucial to avoid certain foods and teething remedies to protect your baby from more pain and even possible death.
Foods To Avoid
- Spicy
Spicy foods will only irritate your baby’s gums, therefore making teething worse.
- Salty
Feeding your baby salty food is like throwing salt on open wounds. It will be painful.
- Citrus
Citric acid will also irritate your baby’s gums, so feed them vegetables instead.
- Frozen
Frozen foods are hard and the extreme cold temperatures are harmful. It’s better to let your baby suck on popsicles.
Remedies To Avoid
- Homeopathic Teething Tablets And Gels
These have been linked to child deaths, which is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using them.
- Over-The-Counter Topical Pain Relievers
The FDA also warns against using topical pain relief products such as Anbesol and Orajel because they can cause a drop in oxygen levels, which is life-threatening.
- Teething Necklaces
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation hazard. Avoid using them.
Contact Us To Learn More!
Teething is a process, but it ends eventually. Until then, KinderSmiles is here to help. To make an appointment with a pediatric dentist or to learn more about what you can do to relieve teething pain, call our office at 551-210-4012 today!