How to Deal with a Teething Baby

The moment when a baby gets their very first tooth is an important milestone, but teething can often cause previously serene and well-tempered babies to become cranky as their new teeth try to push through sore gums.

Most babies begin teething around the age of six months, and the first to appear are the lower front teeth, closely followed by the upper front teeth. Common signs include that your baby has begun teething include:

• Drooling


• Tender or sore gums


• They may be more irritable or cranky than normal


• They can begin to chew on solid objects to try to relieve the pressure in their gums

Some parents also think that teething can cause diarrhea and fever although apparently this isn't true as the symptoms caused are confined to the mouth and gums. So what can you do to ease their discomfort at this time? Luckily there are quite a lot of things you can do to help your baby feel more comfortable. Top tips include:

• Rubbing your baby's gums with a moistened gauze pad, a damp washcloth or even just a clean finger. Applying a little pressure to their gums can help relieve discomfort.


• Teething rings can be useful, and it's best to pick one made out of firm rubber. It is possible to buy liquid-filled teething rings but they could break if your baby has an especially strong bite.


• Sometimes offering a bottle can be enough, but it's best to fill it with plain water to avoid exposing your baby's brand-new teeth to prolonged contact with the sugars found in milk, juice or formula.


• Try chilling a washcloth or teething ring before giving it to your baby, but just be sure not to give them anything frozen as this could be painful and may damage their gums.


• Drooling is definitely part of the teething process, but making sure you frequently dry your baby's chin will help keep their skin comfortable, avoiding the risk of irritation.


• There are over-the-counter remedies suitable for teething babies, and it's best to ask your pediatric dentist, pediatric doctor or the pharmacist for advice.

Some parents do get anxious while their baby is teething, but it's usually not an issue that requires medical attention. However, you should contact your pediatric doctor if your baby seems to develop a fever or has other signs of illness that may not be caused by teething.

Looking After Your Baby's New Teeth

It's likely that you'll already have been cleaning your baby's gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding as this helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in their mouth. Once their first teeth push through then you can switch to using a baby toothbrush which has very soft bristles.

At this stage, your pediatric dentist can advise you on the best way to clean your baby's teeth, and it's a great time to begin arranging regular diagnostic dentistry checkups. Even though this can seem very early, it helps get your baby into a routine of receiving regular dental care and also enables your pediatric dentist to keep an eye on the development of their teeth and jaws. A routine of regular childhood dental care gives your child the best chance of enjoying a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.