When your child’s first teeth start to erupt, they may experience some mild pain. You may notice that your little one is drooling excessively, chewing on objects, and feeling more irritable than usual. Fortunately, you can ask a pediatric dentist how to ease your baby’s discomfort or follow these tips.

How to Alleviate Teething Pain

1. Massage Their Gums

Your little one will feel pressure on their gums as their teeth start to come in. Gently rub their gums in a circular motion to relieve some of this pressure. Always wash your hands before inserting your finger into their mouth and keep your nails trimmed and rounded to avoid accidentally poking them.

2. Give Them Something Cold

Cold temperatures provide a numbing effect, which will alleviate your child’s discomfort. Put a teether in the refrigerator and give it to your baby once it’s cold. Let them chew on it until the teether reaches room temperature.

3. Wipe Away Drool

Drooling is a normal part of teething, but it can irritate your little one’s skin. Although the irritation doesn’t have a specific cause, it typically occurs when a baby drools frequently. To minimize the risk of irritation, wipe their drool with a soft, dry cloth as soon as you notice it.

4. Use an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

If you think your little one is experiencing significant discomfort, their pediatric dentist may recommend giving them an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your child must be at least six-months-old, and you should follow the directions on the medication’s packaging.

If you want more tips on how to alleviate your baby’s teething pain, contact Nelson Hatanaka D.D.S., in Honolulu, HI. Dr. Hatanaka is an experienced pediatric dentist, and he and his team will assess your child’s tooth development to help you create a care plan for managing their symptoms. If you have any questions, call (808) 395-1922 during regular business hours or (808) 294-2668 to reach a team member on the weekends.