Teething is a normal stage in a baby's development. Teething can cause pain and discomfort which can be stressful for the baby. There are many ways to relieve pain from teething. You can use various home remedies or seek outside medical treatment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Coping with Teething at Home
Step 1. Rub the baby's gums with a clean finger
If your baby is teething, sometimes applying pressure alone can relieve the pain. Rub a clean finger on the baby's gums. If you feel uncomfortable using your fingers, just use moistened gauze.
Step 2. Keep baby's mouth cool
Cold mouth conditions can relieve pain from teething. You can use a variety of cool ingredients to cool your baby's gums and mouth.
- You can use a cold washcloth, a cold spoon, or a teething ring that is slightly chilled to help your baby feel better.
- While cold items can help, it's best not to use frozen items as they can be bad for your baby's health. Use the refrigerator, not the freezer, when cooling spoons or teething rings.
Step 3. Purchase teething kits
You can buy teething kits online or at your local drugstore. Teething kits can be traditional teething rings - ring-shaped toys made of plastic that babies can chew on when their gums hurt. You can also purchase a more comfortable teething blanket. Some teething kits vibrate to massage the gums and provide added comfort.
Step 4. Give solid food to baby
If your baby is old enough to eat solids, giving him a firmer diet can help. Babies can chew or nibble on tougher foods, such as peeled cucumbers or carrots or teething crackers, and the resulting pressure can relieve pain.
Watch your baby closely if you give him solid food, or put solid food in a special food bag designed for this purpose. You have to make sure he doesn't choke
Step 5. Dry the saliva that comes out
Babies tend to salivate more when teething. Dried saliva around the baby's mouth can cause skin irritation. Make sure you wipe off any visible drool with a clean towel.
- Water or a water-based lotion can be rubbed around the baby's mouth. This will help prevent the skin from drying out from the saliva.
- If a drooling rash develops, place a cloth under the sheets while the baby sleeps. You will also need to apply baby lotion or ointment around her mouth and cheeks before going to bed.
- If drooling is a common problem, consider wearing a drool cistern to catch the dripping drool.
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. Try over-the-counter medications
If home remedies don't work, there are a variety of over-the-counter medications made for use on teething babies. Consider giving your baby painkillers if teething problems are really bothering him.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin) can help a teething baby. It's best to discuss with your doctor first about the dosage and safety measures you need to take. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under six months of age.
- Avoid medications that contain benzocaine, a common pain reliever. Although rare, this drug can cause serious conditions that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood.
- Ask the doctor to check the baby's condition before giving any medication if the teething is severe. You'll want to make sure the pain is caused by teething and not a hidden, undetected condition, such as an ear infection.
Step 2. Use teething gel
You can buy teething gel at your local drugstore or supermarket if other treatments are not getting the results you want. Gels usually contain an antiseptic or local anesthetic. Use a sugar-free gel specifically recommended for babies. The gel usually wears off on contact with saliva, so the effect doesn't last long. Talk to your doctor before using any gel.
Don't use teething gels that contain benzocaine and make sure you don't use more gel than recommended
Step 3. Be careful when trying homeopathic remedies
Many parents use homeopathic methods to deal with teething. While some of these methods are relatively safe, their effectiveness is not supported by scientific evidence. Certain types of homeopathic methods may be harmful to the baby.
- Homeopathic powders or granules sold in drug stores are quite safe as long as they are sugar free. However, most of the evidence regarding its effectiveness is based on personal experience. If your baby doesn't respond to other treatments, there's nothing wrong with trying one of these powders, but keep in mind that there are no guarantees of success.
- Some stores sell amber bracelets or necklaces that are thought to help with teething pain by releasing small amounts of oil onto the baby's skin. You should be very careful if you decide to try this method. Bracelets and necklaces can pose a choking risk for young children. It's possible that your baby sucks on or chews on the bracelet or necklace, and a loose bead also poses a choking risk. In addition, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that amber can work effectively in relieving the pain of teething.
Step 4. Know when to see a doctor
Teething is a normal stage in a baby's growth and development. Teething can be treated at home without the help of a doctor. However, if your baby has a fever or looks very uncomfortable, he or she may develop an infection or illness. Make an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Moving Forward
Step 1. Take the baby to the dentist
When a baby's first tooth comes in, he or she should see a dentist. Make an appointment no later than 6 months after your first tooth comes in, but before your first birthday. The dentist will check to make sure the baby's teeth are growing healthy and strong.
Step 2. Take care of baby's new teeth
After the baby's teeth grow, try to take care of them. Healthy teeth and gums are important for a baby's overall health.
- Clean your baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth every day. This action prevents bacteria from building up.
- Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush once your baby's first teeth are in. Children will learn to spit until they are three years old. Before this is over, use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste that is safe for babies or children. The amount should not be greater than a grain of rice.
Step 3. Prevent tooth decay by feeding your baby healthy food
When your baby begins to switch to solid foods, give him healthy, low-sugar options. Brush baby's teeth after eating. Minimize feedings during the night and don't let him suck the bottle at night or fill the bottle with juice or other sugary drinks.
