Teething can be a difficult one for both you and your baby.
This is because teething is accompanied by a good bit of physical discomfort, often resulting in irritability. In addition, however, is the fact that, at so young an age, your baby, now irritable and in pain, is also unable to communicate what exactly it is that's wrong, presenting another obstacle to alleviating their pain.
We're here to help!
Today we're discussing teething, why it's so painful for babies and toddlers, and what we can do to help ease our little ones' suffering during this difficult and disorienting process.
How Exactly Does Teething Work?
Teething is a gradual process that typically begins around six months of age and continues until about 2-3 years of age. During teething, a baby's "primary" (or "baby") teeth emerge through their gums. This process causes discomfort as the teeth push through sensitive tissue.
Some common signs of teething include:
- Increased drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Fussiness and irritability
- Swollen gums
- Disrupted sleep
Why Is Teething So Painful?
Teething is painful for babies and toddlers because each new tooth exerts painful pressure as it pushes through their sensitive gum tissue. As the tooth emerges, it causes inflammation, sensitivity, and soreness. Additionally, teething can stimulate nerves that cause the pain to radiate to the ears, cheeks, or chin.
Understanding why teething is painful is helpful for caregivers looking to provide a teething youngster with soothing, comforting care.
How to Reduce Children's Teething Discomfort
Here are some tips for alleviating your child's teething discomfort:
- BPA-free teething toys that can be chilled in the refrigerator to soothe sore gums
- Gently massage the gums with a clean finger or a cool, damp washcloth
- Silicone or rubber teething rings for soothing pressure
- Over-the-counter pain-relieving teething gels (with pediatrician approval)
- Cold, soft foods like applesauce or yogurt to soothe your baby's gums while providing nutrition
Remember, every child is unique. Discovering what suits your little one best may involve some trial and error and the guidance of your Northborough family dental professional.
Infant Oral Health in Northborough, MA
If you're looking for a children's dentist in the Northborough, MA area who specializes in guiding parents and their children through the teething process, contact Dr. Jolanta MacDonald and the team at Children's Dentistry of Northborough to schedule an appointment!