While the teething process can often be a difficult time for both parents and children, knowing what to expect can make the experience easier to manage. For families living in Eagle River, AK, the experienced kids’ dentists at Discovery Dental provide expert dental care for children and can help parents navigate the different stages of teething.

Here are the five stages of teething from this kids’ dentist:

• Stage 1: This stage starts at birth and goes until they reach about six months old. During this time, a baby’s food intake consists only of milk, so their set of 20 primary teeth develops beneath their gums.
• Stage 2: Between the ages of six to 10 months, the first set of teeth, including the incisors and the upper and lower teeth, will begin to emerge through the gums. This causes a considerable amount of pain, so you might see your baby drooling and chewing on their hands and toys as a way of putting pressure on their gums. Give your child a pacifier or some safe toys to chew on.
• Stage 3: At around 10-14 months, the primary molars, located in the back of the mouth, will erupt. Not only will this increase your baby’s discomfort, but the irritability will interfere with their sleep cycle. It’s also common for your baby to experience fever, diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite.
• Stage 4: This phase usually lasts between the ages of one to two. Their canine teeth will appear at a much slower rate than the other teeth. While your child will notice less pain than the previous stages, you can still use similar techniques to ease their discomfort.
• Stage 5: The last and worst stage of the teething cycle is when your baby’s molars, the largest teeth, begin to surface. This happens between the ages of one and a half to two and a half. Your previous soothing methods might not be as effective, so consider giving your toddler a hard vegetable to chew on if they are in pain.

Teething can be a difficult and painful process. If you’re having trouble relieving your baby’s symptoms, call Dental Discovery at (907) 622-5437 to speak with a kids’ dentist or to schedule an appointment for your child. You can also visit the website to learn more about their dental clinic and their approach to dental care for kids.