Thanks to the advice of a pediatric dentist, you can get through some of the challenges of parenting much easier. Along with all the joys of being a parent are different phases that prove difficult. One of these is the teething process. You might feel overwhelmed when dealing with a fussy child. Fortunately, there is help available.
The teething phase
In addition to diaper rash, fevers and small bumps and bruises, you need to care for your child as they teeth. One challenge is that not all babies go through this process at the same age. Some start teething at just two months of age. Others do not get the first tooth until seven months. Therefore, what you face depends somewhat on the age of the child. Regardless, the remedies provided by a pediatric dentist will make the teething process easier for you and your baby.
What does teething entail?
In simple terms, teething is a time in a baby’s life when teeth first erupt. At that point, the teeth break through the gums. During this phase, children experience a variety of symptoms. These include excessive drooling, low-grade fever, irritability, swollen gums, chewing on anything within reach and difficulty sleeping.
Helpful remedies
Although most parents feel somewhat helpless as their child teethes, there are options available. One pediatric dentist provides several tips to calm the situation. Whether parents have already tried a number of things or are just now going into this phase, they should consider the advice provided. After all, there is no reason for the baby or parents to suffer needlessly.
- Rubbing the gums — For this, parents can use a cool, wet cloth or a clean finger to gently rub the baby’s gums, creating slight pressure that eases some of the discomfort
- Hard foods — The pediatric dentist recommends providing children on solid foods with hard snacks, including chilled carrots, apples or cucumber – just keep a watchful eye to ensure the child does not accidentally choke
- Cooling effect — While teething, anything cool feels good, so a cold, wet cloth, frozen teething ring or chilled spoon works wonders
- Numbing medicine — A pediatric dentist might suggest having a parent apply an over-the-counter numbing medicine onto the gums to ease the pain
- Stop the drooling — Babies often develop a rash around the mouth due to excessive drooling — keeping it wiped off will help prevent this
Seeking help from a pediatric dentist
For more severe cases of teething, parents may need to have their child seen by either a pediatrician or pediatric dentist. For instance, if an infant runs a fever higher than 100.4 degrees or experiences chronic diarrhea, a parent needs to seek additional care. It is important for parents to know that other moms and dads go through the same thing. Teething is a stressful time for everyone. However, it is manageable with the right tools and knowledge.
Getting through the teething phase
At the time, it might seem as though your baby will never stop teething. Remember, you are among millions of other parents who face this challenge. The goal is to use remedies that work and seek help if needed. The tips provided by a pediatric dentist will make a significant difference for you and your sweet baby.
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