If you are calling for help because you think your child may be teething, we asked our dentists their recommendations for easing teething pain:
Relieve Teething Pain
They typically suggest patients try these four ways of relieving discomfort.
- Chewing toys – plastic or rubber toys that at teething age, kids will inevitably put in their mouth, are good options for soothing achy gums.
- Cold things – a frozen washcloth with a knot at the end on which a child can gnaw, may numb painful areas. We do not advise freezing teething rings or toys.
- Massage – parents can massage the cheek or gum area where the child is feeling pain with clean hands to provide potential relief.
- Medication – Ask your dentist or pediatrician if they suggest your child take a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the inflammation teething may cause.
Teething Remedies to Avoid
There are a lot of teething products on the market and it can be confusing to choose which one may work best for your baby. However, there are products out there you should avoid, including:
- Teething necklaces – these have been under a warning by the FDA because the pieces of the necklaces can break off, creating a choking hazard or strangling risk.
- Frozen teething rings – these can become too cold and hard and may cause damage to your child’s gums.
- Topical gels – in the past, these were taken out of stores because they contained benzocaine which is not save for children under 2. However, you still may find some on shelves. Not only are these risky due to questionable ingredients, but they also do not work.
- Teething tablets – these are sometimes marketed as natural remedies however, they may contain belladonna, which can be harmful if too much is consumed. It’s been found that some teething tablets have contained more belladonna than reported. Avoid these at all costs.
In most toddlers, teething begins between ages four to eight months. Typically, the lower front teeth develop first. Teething may continue well beyond your child’s second birthday and until their third. Most children experience teething symptoms, with 70-80 percent of parents reporting irritability, disrupted sleep, swelling or inflammation of the gums, loss of appetite, increased biting and gnawing during these ages. Baby teeth are extremely important for a child’s development. Although they fall out, they create space for permanent teeth. It’s important to care for baby teeth as though they are permanent because in many cases, ignored issues with baby teeth may cause further problems in the jaw, gums or teeth when your child matures.
Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama is a pediatric dentist practice with offices in Hoover, Birmingham, Cullman, Oxford, and Pell City, Alabama. We also offer orthodontics. Our staff is uniquely trained and highly skilled, and we strive to provide unparalleled service to each patient. Our staff consists of team members with specialized training and certifications, and years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.
To experience the difference and “why us,” schedule your appointment with your child’s dental office today!