There are many milestones to celebrate as your baby grows, from first steps to first words and the arrival of your baby’s first teeth. Honolulu families have been trusting Pediatric Dental Group with their children’s dental care since 1966, so you can be sure that your child will receive gentle and effective treatments at every age. Pediatric dentistry requires specialized training so dentists can fully understand the needs of growing children and their evolving dental hygiene needs.

Routine dental care starts earlier than many parents expect, generally recommended within six months of the first tooth emerging. Babies can exhibit teething symptoms as soon as two months of age, but the first tooth often emerges when a child is closer to seven months old. Teething symptoms include drooling, biting, and irritability. What can you do to relieve your baby’s pain when these symptoms begin?

3 Dental Care Tips For Your Teething Baby

1. Encourage Chewing & Counterpressure

Since teething babies have an impulse to chew, make sure you have plenty of safe toys and wash cloths available. Teething toys may be made of rubber or hard plastic, but don’t give your baby a toy filled with liquid. These toys are made to be frozen, but the temperature may be too extreme for your child’s sensitive gums. Your baby’s new teeth may also puncture the toy, causing the liquid to leak. You can also apply gentle counterpressure to their gums using your fingers.

2. Keep Cool Drinks & Snacks Handy

Counteract the warmth of irritated gums with cool foods like yogurt and fruit purees. Babies that have already been introduced to solid foods can be given frozen fruit chunks to chew on. If your child has begun drinking water, you can also give them chilled water in a bottle or cup.

3. Avoid Pain Relievers When Possible

The over-the-counter medications you take to relieve your aches and pains may not be safe for your baby. If at-home methods aren’t enough to alleviate their teething pain, ask your pediatrician about appropriate dosage levels for acetaminophen. Babies that are over six months may also be able to take pediatrician-recommended doses of ibuprofen, but keep in mind that this medication can cause stomach irritation. Avoid using topical dental care products that use homeopathic ingredients or benzocaine, as they have been known to cause serious illness.

Visit Pediatric Dental Group’s website to learn more about their care philosophy and what you can do to prepare for your child’s first office visit. Call (808) 593-8828 to schedule an appointment.