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While some babies experience teething without much fuss, many endure at least some discomfort. Most babies start developing teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 months, though some start as early as 3 months. New parents often wonder what the early stages of this process look like and how soon they should see a dentist for guidance. Here’s what you need to know about your baby’s first teeth.

Typical Teething Symptoms

It’s common for teething babies to be irritable or increasingly fussy because they feel discomfort or pain in their gums. In addition to heightened irritability, you may notice your baby’s gums are inflamed and sensitive. The little one may also refuse to eat and start drooling on a more frequent basis. The drooling can result in a facial rash unless you always have bibs handy to clean their skin.

dentistCrying, biting, gnawing, and sleep pattern changes are also common in teething babies trying to get comfortable. Cheek rubbing and ear pulling may occur as well since the gums, ears, and cheeks are connected by the same nerve pathways. This means pain in the gums can move to other areas.

Easing the Pain

Dentists recommend a variety of remedies to reduce teething pain. Assorted cold items such as clean teething rings and pacifiers numb your baby’s gums to lessen the discomfort. Avoid toys that are frozen solid because the extreme temperature can be unsafe. Cool beverages and foods also help, such as a chilled teething biscuit. Massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger helps as well.

Avoid teething necklaces, which can present a choking hazard, and numbing agents that may have untested or unsafe ingredients. Instead, focus on giving your baby lots of love and affection instead to soothe them. Your baby may experience a low-grade fever in reaction to gum inflammation, but this is normal. Call your pediatrician only if the fever lasts more than three days and includes other illness symptoms.

Mark the date of your child’s first tooth and schedule a dentist appointment six months out. This allows your oral care provider to observe your baby’s new teeth and monitor growth patterns. 

 

When your baby is ready for their first dental checkup, bring them to Milford Dental. Dr. Johnson and his team at this family practice in Milford, OH, take time to get to know each patient and provide a welcoming environment for children and adults alike. Call (513) 575-9600 today to make an appointment or visit the dentist online for a complete list of services. 

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