Teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s development, but it can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Westbury, NY, we understand the stress that teething discomfort can cause and offer evidence-based approaches to help your family navigate this stage more comfortably.
Understanding the Teething Process
Knowing what to expect helps you respond appropriately to your baby’s needs:
- Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months, though timing varies widely
- Teething symptoms may begin several weeks before the tooth actually emerges
- Lower front teeth typically appear first, followed by upper front teeth
- Signs of teething include increased drooling, irritability, gum swelling, and a desire to chew on objects
- Not all teething symptoms occur in all babies, and intensity varies significantly
Safe and Effective Natural Remedies
Several non-medicinal approaches can provide relief:
- Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or clean wet washcloths
- Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger
- Silicone-based teething toys that provide different textures
- Mesh feeders filled with frozen breast milk or formula
- Cold foods for babies already eating solids (chilled yogurt, applesauce, etc.)
- Increased cuddles and distraction through play or reading
What to Avoid
Some traditional remedies are now known to be ineffective or unsafe:
- Teething necklaces and bracelets pose choking and strangulation hazards
- Teething gels containing benzocaine aren’t recommended for children under 2
- Homeopathic teething tablets have been linked to safety concerns
- Rubbing alcohol or other spirits on gums is dangerous and inappropriate
- Excessive use of pain medications can mask symptoms of other illnesses
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
While teething is normal, sometimes other issues coincide with tooth emergence:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Significant sleep disruption lasting several days
- Reduced eating or drinking
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Unusual rash
- Symptoms that seem excessive or concerning
Caring for New Teeth
As soon as teeth appear, they need gentle care:
- Clean with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water
- For babies under 3, use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Schedule your baby’s first dental visit at Little Roots Pediatric Dental by their first birthday or when their first tooth emerges
Setting the Foundation for Dental Health
How you respond to teething establishes your child’s relationship with oral health:
- Use positive language about teeth and oral care even during challenging teething periods
- Establish early routines for mouth cleaning that will evolve into brushing habits
- Consider teething as the beginning of your child’s dental journey, not just a phase to endure
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we partner with families throughout Nassau County from the earliest stages of dental development. While our Westbury pediatric dentists are ready to provide care once teeth emerge, we’re also here to offer guidance during the teething process, helping transform this challenging milestone into an opportunity to begin a lifetime of good oral health habits.
