Find Out How to Recognize Signs of Teething
May 12, 2018 ABC Children's Dentistry
A baby’s toothless grin can be adorable, but the baby teeth (primary teeth) are lurking just beneath the surface and can become visible practically any time before or after your child’s first birthday.
Teething, the first sign that your child’s baby teeth are about to come in, can directly lead to a host of mood swings and other noticeable changes in your baby’s behavior.
In this issue, we’ll talk about how to recognize the signs of teething and steps you can take to alleviate any discomfort your child may be feeling.
When should my child begin teething?
Each child is different but teething can start by the age of 4-6 months. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the first teeth to come in are typically the ones on the bottom front, followed by the two front uppers.
What are the signs of teething?
There are host of telltale signs of teething that are easy to recognize, including:
- drooling;
- irritability;
- nasal congestion;
- ear infection
- coughing;
- attempts to chew or suck on just about anything;
- a sudden mild temperature;
- difficulty sleeping;
- pulling on ears; and
- rejecting food.
If your child is experiencing several of these symptoms, the chances are better than average that teething has begun. However, if a fever persists and your child develops diarrhea, you should definitely get in touch with a pediatrician to see what else may be going on.
How can I soothe a teething baby?
There are a few simple things you can do to make your child more comfortable through the teething process, including:
- rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger or damp gauze pad;
- placing a cold washcloth or chilled teething ring on your child’s gums; and
- drying your baby’s chin to prevent skin irritation from the drool.
For expert and fun pediatric dental care in San Diego, call ABC Children’s Dentistry!
Your child’s teething is a perfect time to schedule his or her first dental appointment.
We’re all about introducing, creating and delivering dental care to your child in a gentle, non-threatening and fun environment. Our approach is customized to fit the unique individual dental needs of your child, and we do so with state-of-the-art technology and techniques that strictly follow guidelines recommended by OSHA.
Call us at 858-780-9794, reach us online or send an email.
