The arrival of your baby’s first teeth is an exciting milestone, but the teething experience can be painful for everyone in the family.
First, teeth typically poke through at around six months, causing many babies their very vocal discomfort. Suggestions for teething treatments to soothe the gums of infants are many, but not all of the popular recommendations are safe. Keep the following teething treatment do’s and don’ts in mind as you try to provide relief to your teething baby.
Avoid These Teething Treatments
Amber teething necklaces have become popular in recent years, with advocates claiming that chewing on the stones triggers the release of a natural pain reliever. Unfortunately, no scientific evidence exists to substantiate these claims, and the beads could present a choking hazard.
The use of lidocaine should similarly be avoided. This topical anesthetic has the potential to be toxic to babies and younger children and can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death.
Rely On These Proven Strategies
Luckily, teething treatments that are both safe and proven do exist. Many infants find relief by chewing on a teething ring, and the soothing quality can be enhanced by placing the teething ring in the refrigerator first. Similarly, giving your child a cold pacifier or washcloth to gnaw on can bring comfort. Just make certain to supervise your baby when they are chewing on a washcloth to avoid any choking risk, and refrain from chilling anything in the freezer as too-cold items can hurt your child’s gums. Massaging the affected areas of the gums with a clean finger can also help; just take care to avoid being bitten. Lastly, baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain, but be certain to contact a pediatric dentist for correct dosing instructions first. And as your child’s teeth come in, be certain to take the
Similarly, giving your child a cold pacifier or washcloth to gnaw on can bring comfort. Just make certain to supervise your baby when they are chewing on a washcloth to avoid any choking risk, and refrain from chilling anything in the freezer as too-cold items can hurt your child’s gums. Massaging the affected areas of the gums with a clean finger can also help; just take care to avoid being bitten.
Lastly, baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain, but be certain to contact a pediatric dentist or your pediatrician for correct dosing instructions first. And as your child’s teeth come in, be certain to take the proper steps to promote life-long good oral health.
Feel free to contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns about teething treatments.