A pediatric dentist does not just clean teeth. This dental professional can also help prevent dental problems. Pediatric dentists also provide useful information for parents, including facts about teething. Get the answers to the frequently asked questions about teething. That way, you will know what to expect when your child sees the pediatric dentist for regular checkups and treatments.
Parents are often surprised to learn that babies are born with 20 primary teeth. These teeth are not visible because they are below the gumline. Teething occurs when the teeth start erupting. This process will involve some gum irritation and the urge to chew to help ease the irritation.
The first teeth usually erupt between the ages of six and 12 months. Some children go through teething a little earlier or later. Teeth generally continue to erupt until the child reaches the age of three. It usually takes one to seven days for each tooth to erupt.
Teething is an uncomfortable process for children. Children do not understand why there is so much pain. They might be fussier than normal during this process. Along with fussiness, parents should look out for other symptoms of teething, such as:
Children want to relieve the pressure they feel from the teeth erupting through the gums. Many kids bite as a way to make gums feel better. Teething is the main cause of biting in small children. Making sure that the child is latching on the right way can prevent biting while breastfeeding. A teether or a cold washcloth can ease the baby’s pain. Another possible solution is to stop the breastfeeding session gently.
The teething process causes the salivary glands to produce more drool, which can cause coughing and gagging. Letting the saliva stand around the baby’s mouth can cause rashes in this area. Parents should wipe excess drool away immediately to prevent this. Keeping this area dry and clean, followed by a soothing barrier, can relieve chapped or dry skin. The cream or petroleum jelly can protect and moisturize the skin as the baby goes through teething.
Drooling can cause occasional gagging and coughing. If a fever, flu, or cold occurs with the baby’s coughing, the parent should bring the child to the doctor and pediatric dentist right away. Cold and flu symptoms are not related to teething. These are signs that the child is sick.
Pain in the gums during teething can reach the ear and cheek. This happens when the molars start to erupt. The baby will try to rub the area to soothe the pain. It is important to take the child to the doctor. This can confirm if these symptoms are related to teething or to a possible ear infection.
Due to sore gums, many children do not eat during the teething process. It hurts too much to eat, so kids avoid eating at all costs. This may cause the child to lose some weight. If the child does not eat for more than a day, contact a pediatric dentist for help.
Parents want to help their children. It is only natural for them to look for ways to soothe the child during the teething process. Parents have a couple of options for helping their children. Some parents practice tried ways to bring comfort to babies while teething, such as teething rings and gum massage.
Teething children typically respond well to teething rings. Using these rings to chew can soothe gums, providing them with much-needed relief. Parents can also take an active role in soothing by massaging the baby’s gums. Massaging the gums with a clean finger for about one to two minutes can help relax the gum tissue. Just use a moist gauze pad or finger and rub along the gumline. It is also important to remember that numbing gels or teething tablets can be harmful to babies, so avoid using these medications.
You can soothe your baby on your own during the teething process. During this time, you will need to take your child to the pediatric dentist shortly after the first tooth erupts. The dentist needs to examine the teeth to ensure everything is coming in as it should. Also, if your child is having significant issues during the teething process, the pediatric dentist can help.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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