Do you have a young infant or toddler who has been fussier than usual lately? If they’re putting everything into their mouths, drooling excessively, and struggling to fall or stay asleep, they could be teething.
It’s normal for your little one to be cranky during this time. After all, their primary teeth are actively trying to push through their gums, which can hurt. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ease their achy gums. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to soothe your baby enough to get some much-needed rest!
Tip #1: Massage Their Gums
One way to ease your child’s tender tissues is by applying gentle pressure. Be sure to wash your hands first to avoid introducing unwanted germs to their mouth. Then, you can gently press down on their gums to provide counter-pressure against their baby teeth that are pushing up and out. This helps stimulate blood flow to the area and release endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers.
You might also try gently massaging their cheeks or jaw with a finger or two to alleviate extra tension buildup from all the extra crying during this challenging stage of dental development.
Tip #2: Offer Something Cold
Another simple way to soothe your infant is to give them something cold to bite on to provide a gentle numbing effect. Although many stores carry different teething toys intended to be chilled (not frozen), these products sometimes pose a choking hazard, so not all toys, necklaces, and teethers are recommended.
Thankfully, you don’t necessarily need to spend any money to try this method. You can also soak a clean washcloth in water and freeze it for 30 to 60 minutes, though be sure there are no rips or strings that could be harmful if swallowed.
Tip #3: Prevent a Rash
If your little one is drooling excessively as their pearly whites struggle to break through their gums, they’re not alone. An estimated 92% of infants experience this symptom, and unfortunately, the moisture buildup on their chin can result in an irritating rash.
Many well-meaning caregivers try different soaps and lotions to try to alleviate the bumps and redness, but these products often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that might only make matters worse. Instead, use a soft, clean bib to gently wipe away spittle regularly or use a small amount of petroleum jelly or Aquafor to protect their skin.
Then, once your child’s first tooth erupts successfully, you can contact their pediatric dentist to schedule their first dental exam. There’s a good chance their provider knows additional teething tips you can try!
Meet the Author
Dr. Roxanne Clarke is passionate about helping children from 0 to 18 years old build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry and completed a fellowship program for dentistry for the developmentally disabled at Stony Brook University in New York. Today, she is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, to stay on top of the latest techniques and technology. Whether your child requires their first dental checkup or has developed an issue during teething, she’s happy to help! You can request an appointment on the website or call (443) 608-5005.