Teething is an important milestone in a baby’s life, but it can be a stressful time for the child and parents alike. You may want to consult your family dentist or pediatrician for advice to guide you through this process, but there are also some simple measures you can take to provide safe relief for your infant right now. Here are some hints for easing the discomfort of teething.

Do:

Massage the gums.

Rubbing your infant’s sore mouth with your finger or a soft cloth can relieve pain for the child and allow you to feel how close the teeth are to erupting. Using your fingertip, knuckle, or a cool, damp washcloth, apply light pressure to the sensitive areas and massage in a circular motion along the gum line. Always make sure your hands and the cloth are clean before putting them in your baby’s mouth.

Use cool therapy.

One of the best ways to soothe teething soreness is to let your baby chew on something cold, but not frozen. Extreme temperatures may irritate sensitive gums. Your dentist might suggest a chilled pacifier or rubber teething ring to numb the pain and stimulate the gums, which helps the teeth break through the tender tissue. Offer cool, soft foods from a chilled spoon.

Don’t:

Apply lidocaine.

Although lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, is a popular medication for treating pain in adults, this topical anesthetic is not safe for babies and young children. When little ones swallow and ingest lidocaine, the devastating results can include seizures, brain injury, heart damage, and even death. These dangers aside, your dentist may not recommend using topical pain relief medicine for teething infants because it washes out of the mouth before it has a chance to take effect.

Use teething beads.

In recent years, amber teething beads and necklaces have become an increasingly popular way to ease teething pain. However, the relief offered from chewing on these items is outweighed by the risk of the infant choking on the beads or being strangled by the necklace. Proponents of these necklaces claim that when chewed, the beads release a pain-relieving substance through the gums and into the bloodstream, but there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.

When your child begins teething, it’s time to learn more about dental care for babies. For over 30 years, Main Street Dental in LaCrosse, WI, has provided quality dental care for patients of all ages. Whether you need routine teeth cleaning, restorative dentistry, or teeth whitening, their team provides state-of-the-art care in a comfortable environment. Call (608) 784-4063 today to schedule a dentist appointment, and visit the practice’s website for more information about their services.