Teething is an inevitable part of a baby’s life, but new parents know that trying to put a baby at ease during this painful time can be stressful. To help your infant get through teething, Eagle River’s leading dentist, Dr. Chat Winthrop of Discovery Dental, has compiled some helpful information about what happens during the teething process.

This expert dentist explains what you can expect when your baby starts to develop teeth:

• Timing: Typically, a baby’s first tooth breaks through the gum line around the age of six months. However, it can happen as early as three months or even as late as 14, in the case of a preemie. Another lesser-known fact about baby teeth is that they tend to grow in pairs, so when you see one sprouting, look for another one shortly after. 
• Signs: Even if you know your child is at the age to start developing teeth, it’s hard to know for sure when they’re actually teething. However, there are some obvious signs you can watch for. For one, babies may be more inclined to chew on something when a tooth is on its way in. You may also notice puffy gums, fussiness, and increased drooling. Monitoring your baby while allowing them to chew on a cool, damp washcloth, gently massaging the gums, and distracting your baby with activities are all dentist-approved tactics for helping to alleviate the pain from teething.
• Common Myths: New parents often hear conflicting advice about infant teething, as this topic is frequently misunderstood. While your baby may experience discomfort and fussiness, conditions such as fever, diarrhea, and ear infections are not brought on by teething. If your baby experiences any of these conditions, have them checked out by your pediatrician.

When your child develops their first tooth, it’s a great time to familiarize them with the dentist’s office and get them prepared for a lifetime of excellent dental care. To schedule your child’s first dentist appointment with Discovery Dental, call (907) 622-5437 or visit them online to learn more.