Watching your infant go through the teething phase can be as painful for you as it is for them. It’s a natural process that has to run its course, but the pediatric dentists at Hawaii’s Pedodontic Associates on Oahu and Maui say there are remedies to help you and your baby get through it. They recommend a few tried-and-true methods to reduce teething pain.

3 Pediatric Dentist Tips to Ease Teething Pain

1. Gum Massages

The source of pain during teething is in the gums as teeth push their way through. To help your baby cope, massage their gums with a finger. This positive pressure will combat the pain and help teeth move more easily. This also is an excellent way to acclimate your infant to dental care, as you will need to brush the teeth once they grow in.

2. Cold Therapies

An easy way to alleviate swollen gums and inflammation is to give your baby cold foods and teething items to chew on. Serve chilled, soft foods to ensure your child receives proper nourishment, as eating can be difficult during teething. There also are many chew products and teethers that can be refrigerated to provide relief and a distraction from the pain for your child.

3. Pain-Relief Products

If traditional treatments don’t do the trick, there are over-the-counter gels and ointments for pain relief at groceries and drugstores. Depending on your baby’s symptoms, anti-inflammatory or numbing gels could help, and topical creams will protect them from bacteria. Avoid gels that contain benzocaine, as they can produce adverse side effects in babies, including headaches and shortness of breath. Always consult your pediatric dentist before using a product for tooth pain relief.

Whether your infant is starting to get their teeth or well into the process, a pediatric dentist at Pedodontic Associates can advise you how to ease their discomfort. They will ensure everything is going well leading up to your baby’s first teeth cleaning. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 487-7933 for their Aiea office, (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu location, or (808) 877-0066 for their Kahului office. Visit their website for more information about their pediatric dentistry services and follow them on Twitter for updates from the practice.