As your baby gets older, they will reach many milestones. Some they’ll enjoy, and others not so much. When your baby begins teething, it’s an important development but one that is likely to cause discomfort.
Teeth can begin to erupt for some infants at 3-4 months of age. However, some might not get their first tooth until their first birthday. Here are some symptoms of teething and some ways you might be able to help them feel better from your pediatric dentist in Naperville.
What Are Symptoms My Baby Will Have When Teething?
- Reluctancy to eat: The suction of nursing may make your baby’s sore gums feel worse. This means they may become fussy and hesitant when it comes to eating.
- Crying: While some babies don’t express much discomfort, others experience pain. This means more crying and irritability.
- Biting: Babies often discover their pain from teething can be relieved by counter pressure. This means that they will have the urge to bite and chew on things.
- Coughing or gagging: Having so much saliva can make babies gag and cough. If they don’t have any other signs of a cold, flu, or allergies, this isn’t a cause for concern.
- Teething rash: The constant drip of drool coming from your baby when they’re teething can cause chafing, chapping, redness, and a rash around the mouth.
- Drooling: When teeth begin to erupt, this can stimulate a lot of drooling. This can start between about 10 weeks and four months of age, but it may continue as long as your baby’s teeth are still growing in.
How Can I Soothe the Discomfort of My Baby’s Teething?
- Cold temperatures: By applying cold temperatures to your baby’s gums, you may be able to numb some of their discomfort. Try refrigerating teething toys or serving them cold foods, such as refrigerated applesauce.
- Teething toys: Since teething babies like to chew, there are a wide array of teething toys available. This helps to counteract the pressure they are feeling from beneath their gums.
- Pain relievers: If the tips above aren’t doing the trick, talk to your baby’s pediatrician or dentist. They may recommend that you give them a pain reliever to help.
Teething is not something your baby is likely to enjoy, but it’s a part of their development. By recognizing when it is happening and trying to ease their discomfort, you are doing your part to help make it a smoother experience for everyone involved!
About the Practice
At Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to provide high-quality personalized dental care for infants, kids, and teens in Naperville and surrounding communities. We provide a child-friendly environment focused on comfort and we use advanced technology to make sure your little one is happy and safe at all times. We stay ready to handle dental emergencies, as well. Our specialists have gone the extra mile to attain Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. If you have questions about teething babies or any pediatric dentistry topic, we are here to help. You can schedule an appointment on our website or call (630) 995-3393.