If your child has been particularly fussy as of late, you might be wondering if they’re beginning the teething process. New parents, in particular, may be wondering the best possible ways to handle this phase of their child’s life. To help remove some of the mystery about this process, check out these answers to parents’ most common teething questions.
1. How will I know if my child is teething?
There’s a wide array of symptoms that could point to teething, though these can differ from child to child. According to the American Dental Association, children who are teething are typically fussy and have difficulty sleeping. They may lose their appetite, drool more than usual, and become more irritable. Contrary to old wives tales, experiencing a fever, rash, or diarrhea is not a normal symptom for teething.
2. When do children begin teething?
On average, children start teething at around 6 months of age. That said, each child is different, and it is typical for your child to begin teething anywhere in the range from 3-14 months old. Regardless of the timing of their first tooth, the American Dental Association recommends that you take your child to their first dentist appointment by their first birthday.
3. How can I alleviate my child’s teething pain?
There are, thankfully, a number of methods you can use to soothe your child’s teething pain. For starters, you might try using a clean finger, a moist gauze pad, or even a small cold spoon to gently rub their gums to provide some comfort. You might also consider looking for refrigerated teething rings, but stick to rubber materials as opposed to any plastic objects that can break. There are also over-the-counter pain medications that can help alleviate teething pain. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully. During this time, you will want to avoid giving your child hard foods, as this can be a choking hazard.
4. How should I take care of my child’s new tooth?
Even before your child’s first tooth arrives, you can help to maintain their oral health with a solid dental hygiene routine. This will include wiping the surfaces of their gums with a moist washcloth every evening. You will not need to use toothpaste at this stage, as simply wiping down their gums will be sufficient enough to remove plaque and debris. When you schedule your child’s first dental appointment (preferably by their first birthday), we will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your child’s oral health.
Is your child nearing their first birthday? If so, it may be time to book their first dentist appointment! Contact Caputo Dental in Naperville to schedule their visit.