First-time parents often have trouble figuring out when their baby is teething, and this can hold even for parents who already have children. Starting to teethe is a milestone in a baby’s life, and parents should know when it’s causing their baby discomfort. Children should see a pedodontist within six months after their first tooth erupts or when they reach 1 year old, whichever comes first.
We at the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA are dedicated to providing the topmost level of expert and empathetic care for your child. From the front desk on back, our team works closely with our patients and their parents to ensure the children’s well-being until they make the transition to a dental provider for adults.
Indications of teething vary from baby to baby. One infant may feel no pain, while another feels discomfort for a few weeks. Here are some signs of which to be aware.
Gum rubbing. Infants frequently put things in their mouths, so your daughter (or son) may start rubbing objects on her gums.
Drooling. Some infants drool so much when they’re teething that their clothes get wet. (Keep their cheeks and chins dry throughout the day to avoid a rash.)
Irritability. Erupting teeth can cause a baby’s delicate gums to hurt, a pain that affects her mood.
Fitful sleeping. She may wake up at night or resist taking naps.
A loss of appetite or a hesitancy to eat. Eating aggravates her sore gums. If your worry that she’s not getting enough nutrition, consult with her pediatrician.
You can make your baby feel better by putting her teething ring in the refrigerator before giving it to her. It’s a great idea to have several in the fridge, so when one gets warm, you can replace it with one that’s cold. This stage of your child’s development will end by the time she’s 3, when all 20 of her primary teeth have fully formed.
You can be sure that your son or daughter will be in excellent hands at the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA. We are experts at making children feel comfortable and happy during their visits. Please call us today to make an appointment.
By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA
July 25, 2023
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