- Sign Up Today for 10% OffGet Started
- Join Our Rewards ProgamSign Up
- Now accepting Apple PayShop Now
- Sign Up Today for 10% OffGet Started
- Join Our Rewards ProgamSign Up
- Now accepting Apple PayShop Now
Baby Teething Remedies: What Doctors Recommend to Ease the Pain
Baby Teething Remedies: What Doctors Recommend to Ease the Pain
Every parent wishes the teething process could be skipped over. While that's not possible, there are baby teething remedies. See what they are here.
As a parent, the last thing you want your child to experience is pain.
Unfortunately, each of us must go through the process of growing in our first set of teeth. This is known as teething or "cutting".
To help your child through this uncomfortable time, try these doctor-recommended baby teething remedies. These may ease their pain and ease your mind in the process.
When Does Teething Occur?
Our first set of teeth begins breaking through our gums anywhere between the ages of 6 months to 24 months.
The range is so wide because each baby is different. Typically, the first two teeth to come in are the bottom front ones, followed by the two front teeth.
Aside from actually seeing tiny white pearls poking out of their gums, signs of teething include:
- A slight increase in temperature (not a fever)
- Chewing on objects
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive drooling
- Seeming extra cranky or irritable
- Red, sore, swollen, and/or tender gums
Luckily, each tooth comes in pretty quickly, so these symptoms won't last too long.
How Long Does Teething Last?
Each tooth takes about three to four days to come in.
If your baby's teeth come in pairs, as many do, this decreases the amount of time spent in discomfort.
Still, babies typically get 20 teeth. This means that the entire time frame of teething can last until they are three, with breaks in between each tooth coming in.
During these times, you can rely on these doctor-recommended pain relief options.
Doctor-Recommended Baby Teething Remedies
Considering the fact that every baby experiences the woes of teething, doctors have come up with a handful of safe and helpful remedies.
- Gum Massages
With a clean finger, you can gently massage your baby's gums. The pressure should soothe them.
Alternatively, you can use a clean cloth. This is helpful after meals to remove any bacteria to prevent it from building up.
- Teethers
Teethers are typically silicone pieces that are small enough for your child to gum and chew on, but big enough to prevent a choking hazard.
They are helpful during the day and even at nighttime for pain relief. It distracts your baby, keeps them entertained, and also provides a little bit of pressure to reduce pain.
Some professionals advise against freezing teethers because frozen items are too cold for young babies. Still, you can put teethers in the fridge so they provide a cooling sensation.
Teethers also provide the additional benefit of developing facial muscles and motor skills.
Look for products free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and gels, as these can be harmful to your young one's health.
- Cold Food
If your child is eating solid foods, you can give them cold items like applesauce, yogurt, and refrigerated fruits to soothe them.
Once teeth start showing, be sure to use a soft toothbrush after each meal to remove any food residue to keep plaque from developing.
- Keep Them Clean
This tip doesn't reduce pain from teething yet it's an important part of this developmental stage.
They will be drooling a lot, so try to keep their face dry and clean. This will keep their skin from becoming irritated and adding to the discomfort.
Fasten a bib around their neck to keep their clothes clean, too.
- Extra Attention
While using these tips, it's important to also give your baby some extra loving.
You can't completely remove their pain but you can nurture and comfort them through it.
Baby Teething Remedies to Avoid
It's important to note that a handful of remedies are warned against by the FDA.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for babies may be fine but they should be used with caution.
This includes homeopathic products, too. The FDA issued a warning against tablets and gels containing belladonna.
Always refer to your baby's doctor about what medications to use, the dosage, and the frequency permitted.
- Medications Containing Benzocaine
Although it's considered rare, the FDA warns that Benzocaine can be potentially fatal.
This is due to the fact that it's short-acting and is ingested with each use. That means, over time, this medication can build up in a child's system.
It's better to be safe than sorry and avoid Benzocaine as well as Lidocaine when trying to relieve your child's pain.
- Teething Jewelry
It's okay for you to wear teething jewelry for your baby to gnaw on.
However, you should avoid letting your child wear teething jewelry themselves.
Necklaces, bracelets, and anklets pose the risk of accidental strangulation. This risk isn't worth the benefit of providing a little bit of relief.
-
Choking Hazards
Finally, it's especially important to remove potential choking hazards from your baby's areas during this time.
They're prone to putting things in their mouth more frequently when teething, including things that are small and could cause them to choke.
Teething Abnormalities
The teething process is pretty straight-forward, aside from the fact that your child could start earlier or later than what is considered average.
We've discussed what normal symptoms look like. Abnormal symptoms include:
- A fever above 100.4 Fahrenheit
- Continuous crying that is unstoppable
- Cold symptoms, coughing, diarrhea, and/or a runny nose
- Not eating or drinking
- Symptoms lasting for a long time
If any of these symptoms show up, visit your doctor to find out if there's something else going on.
Make This Transition as Smooth as Possible
While we can't keep our child from ever experiencing pain, we can help them through tough times. This means following these baby teething remedies and giving them a little extra loving while they're growing in their chompers.
