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As soon as your baby’s first tooth starts to come in, the pain starts. Although they can feel the pain long before you can start to see the tooth. Teething is normally associated with crying, drooling, and crankiness, but the more know about teething, the more you will be able to help soothe your baby.
Signs of Teething
Babies can start to get their first teeth anywhere from four to seven months. Normally their two bottom teeth are the first ones to start to come in, followed by their two top teeth. The first common signs that your baby is going to start teeth are:
- Drooling
- Chewing on objects/hands
- Cranky & irritable
- Sore & tender gums
- Low-grade fever (99 degrees F)
- Changing in their eating/sleeping behavior
The Best way to Soothe Sore Gums
If your baby seems uncomfortable and you notice their gums are swollen some of the most relief that you may be able to give them is to be able to soothe their sore gums. You can do this by apply pressure to their gums by rubbing them, you can use a clean wet finger or a wet washcloth to do this. If your baby is eating solid foods a chilled hard food may feel good to gnaw on, like a carrot or cucumber.
Teething toys and teething rings are also a good investment because they give your baby something to chew on and put pressure on their gums which will relieve pain. Make sure you clean these daily because they will be going directly into your baby’s mouth.
When to Call the Doctor?
Teething can be painful and make your baby uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t make your baby sick and it can usually be handled at home. If your baby develops a high fever, diarrhea, or is showing signs of being sick, that’s when it’s best to call your baby’s doctor.
At All Star Dental, we will care for your baby’s teeth to make sure their mouth starts out and stays healthy. Childhood dental habits turn into lifetime dental habits, so make sure you bring your baby into the dentist as soon as they have their first tooth.
To schedule an appointment or with any questions, feel free to contact us! We are experts in children’s dentistry and can’t wait to welcome you and your baby into our office.
