Pediatric Dentist in Upper Arlington: How to Ease Teething Pain

As parents and caregivers, we understand that seeing our little ones in discomfort during the teething phase can be distressing. Teething is a developmental milestone starting when your baby's first tooth comes in. While it's an exciting time, it's also usually accompanied by discomfort and irritability.

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At Greentree Dental, our Upper Arlington Pediatric Dentists team recognizes the significance of teething in dental care. In this article, we're here to provide compassionate and expert guidance to help you soothe your baby's teething troubles.

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Understanding Teething

Teething is a natural process where your baby's teeth start to emerge through their gums. Typically, this begins around 6 months, but the timing can vary from one baby to another. As your baby's teeth push through the gums, they may experience signs of teething discomfort, including:

Irritability: Your baby may become more fussy or irritable than usual.
Drooling: Increased drooling is a common sign of teething, sometimes leading to skin irritation around the mouth.
Gum Swelling: The gums around the erupting teeth may appear red, swollen, and tender.
Biting and Chewing: Babies may bite on toys or fingers and chew on objects to relieve the pressure in their gums.
Disturbed Sleep: Teething discomfort can affect your baby's sleep patterns, leading to disrupted nights.

Now that we have a better understanding of teething, we'll discuss some expert-approved strategies you can try to soothe your baby's teething discomfort.

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Strategies to Soothe Teething Pain

Below is our list of safe and effective ways to ease teething discomfort and strategies to avoid or use with caution.

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^{Gentle Massage and Pressure Techniques}

^{Gently massaging your baby's gums}^{with clean fingers or a}^{chilled teething ring}^{can help ease the discomfort. The light pressure can provide relief and distract your little one from the irritation.}

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^{Chilled Teething Toys and Cold Treats}

^{Safe teething toys}^{– chilled in the refrigerator, not the freezer – can be soothing to your baby's gums. Also, giving them}^{cold, soft treats}^like^{chilled fruit purees}^{without added sugar can provide comfort and nutrition.}

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^{Teething Biscuits and Safe Chewables – Use Caution}

^{Teething biscuits}^{can be beneficial, but because of their sugar content, some pediatric experts advise against them. Below are our pros and cons for you to consider.}

^Pros:

^{Soothing and Stimulating:}^{Teething biscuits are designed to dissolve gently on your baby's gums, stimulating and soothing them in the process.}
^{Texture Exploration:}^{Teething biscuits offer various textures that encourage oral sensory development. This exploration helps your baby become more comfortable with solid foods.}
^{Self-Feeding Practice:}^{Teething biscuits encourage self-feeding, empowering your little one as they grasp and explore.}

^Cons:

^{Sugar Content:}^{Some teething biscuits on the market may contain added sugars, increasing the risk of cavities. Choose wisely and opt for sugar-free options to ensure your baby's smile stays healthy and bright.}
^{Crumb Hazard:}^{Safety is our top concern. As your baby nibbles on teething biscuits, crumbs may appear. Always keep a watchful eye and supervise your little one during their teething treat time to ensure a safe experience.}
^{Nutritional Value:}^{While teething biscuits can be a tasty snack, they should complement a balanced diet, not replace it. Continue offering nutrient-rich foods to fuel your baby's growth and development.}

^{If you introduce your baby to teething biscuits, use them in moderation and rinse your baby's gums with water after each feeding to prevent the sugar from harming their gums and teeth.}

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^{Teething Gels and Remedies - Use Caution}

^{While some teething gels may offer temporary relief, this is another teething remedy to use with caution.}^{Teething gels containing}^benzocaine^{can be harmful}^{to young children and may lead to rare but serious conditions.}

^{Instead, in limited quantities and with guidance from your pediatrician,}^{consider natural remedies}^like^{chamomile tea}^and^{clove oil}^{for a more gentle approach to soothe discomfort.}

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Maintaining Oral Health During Teething

Even during teething, oral hygiene remains essential. Gently clean your baby's gums with a soft cloth or an infant toothbrush to keep their mouth fresh and prevent sugars from building up on the teeth. When brushing your baby's teeth, an amount of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is all you need for babies and toddlers under 3 years old.

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Pediatric Dental Care During Teething

An excellent pediatric dentist understands each child's uniqueness and specific teething concerns. When your child's first tooth comes in, it's a good time to contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Here's how your pediatric dentist can help you during this time in your child's development:

Planning Your First Dental Visit: Early dental check-ups allow dentists to monitor your child's oral health from the start and provide guidance on teething care.
Discussing Oral Care with the Pediatric Dentist: Don't hesitate to discuss any teething concerns you may have during your dental visits. Your dentist is here to address your questions and provide personalized guidance for your baby's oral health care.
Introducing Family Dental Services: Family dental care services extend beyond just teething care, including treatments and preventive measures to maintain, enhance, and sustain your family's healthy smiles for life.

From dental check-ups to preventative care, restorative treatments, and more, an excellent pediatric dentist has your family's dental needs covered.

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More Tips for Comfort and Care

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, consider these extra tips to provide comfort to your teething baby:

Distraction Techniques: Engage your baby in playful activities or introduce new toys to divert their attention from teething discomfort.
Cool, Soft Washcloth: Dampen a clean washcloth with cool water (not too cold) and let them gently gnaw on it. The coolness can provide soothing relief, while the softness comforts their tender gums.
Extra Cuddles: Comfort your little one with extra cuddles and gentle words to make them feel secure and loved during this time.

Teething can be a challenging time for babies and parents alike. Still, with the right strategies and expert guidance, you can help your baby navigate this milestone with ease. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental visits to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Get in Touch with Our Upper Arlington Pediatric Dentists

At Greentree Dental, we're here to support you and your family every step of the way. If you have any concerns about your baby's teething or wish to schedule their first dental visit, call us at 614.881.4678 or request an appointment online. We'd be delighted to partner with you on your child's journey and support your baby's oral health development.

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