Your child will eventually have 20 primary teeth that will require dental care as soon as they appear. When these teeth begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months, they can cause pain and discomfort for your little one. In order to give your child some comfort during this unpleasant time, consider these ways you can ease the pain of teething:

Soothe with a Cool Washcloth 
Your child’s gums will be agitated as a result of his teeth erupting. You can help alleviate this discomfort by wetting a clean washcloth with cool water and rubbing the cloth across the gum’s surface. A cool washcloth can help lower the gum’s temperature and block the pain receptors, which will provide comfort. This method can also diminish inflammation and produce temporary pain relief.

Apply Pressure with a Teething Ring
A cold teething ring can also ease the pain of swollen gums and give your child something to suck on, which provides distraction. In addition, a teething ring may help your child’s baby teeth erupt. When chewing on a teething ring, your child engages in repetitive biting, which helps to break down soft gum tissue, and in turn, aids baby teeth in erupting through the gums.  However, be sure to only use teething rings that are intended to be frozen, and try to find rings with solid plastic handles that won’t be as cold for your child to hold.

Eliminate Pain with Acetaminophen
If your child still seems to be in a good deal of pain, you ask your doctor whether he or she recommends a small dose of acetaminophen. Always check with your pediatrician before giving medicine to a child who is three months old or younger.

The caring pediatric dental professionals at Park 56 Dental in New York City are devoted to your child’s dental needs. We use accessible language and a comfortable approach that will help your child look forward to his dental visits. Contact us at (212) 826-2322 if you have any questions regarding children’s dentistry and dental sealants.

Are you taking the proper steps to improve your oral health? Check out these links from around the web for more information on tooth sensitivity and for dental health tips for diabetics. Call the top dentists with Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322 for more information on our services in New York City.

• Explore WebMD.com for more information on the causes of tooth sensitivity.
• This article from the American Dental Association discusses the causes of sensitive teeth and steps you can take to reduce your risk.
• How can individuals with diabetes take better care of their teeth? Find out with this article from MayoClinic.com .  
• Check out this link from MedicineNet.com for tips on dealing with dry mouth.
• Make sure you know how to properly brush your teeth by exploring this overview from HowStuffWorks.com.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem among adults and is often triggered by consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Your top cosmetic dentist can provide treatment for tooth sensitivity, and it is important to educate yourself on the causes and risk factors associated with sensitive teeth. With the following guide, you can strengthen your teeth and once again enjoy the foods and beverages you love.

Causes and Risk Factors
Sensitive teeth may be the result of a number of factors, including tooth decay near the gum line, grinding or clenching your teeth, increased age, plaque buildup, and the long-term use of alcohol-based mouthwash, which can damage the hard outer-layer of your teeth called enamel. Tooth sensitivity may also be the result of overly rigorous brushing, gum recession that exposes the root surfaces, gum disease, acidic foods, excessive whitening, and cracks or breaks along the enamel.

Steps You Can Take
One of the best ways to decrease your risk for tooth sensitivity is to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day.  You can also reduce the risk of sensitive teeth by using a mouth guard at night if you grind or clench your teeth, brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste, and limiting your consumption of sugary, acidic foods. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day can also reduce the chances of tooth sensitivity by washing away the acid that eats away at the enamel of your teeth.

In some cases, sensitive teeth may an early sign of a more complicated dental condition. Let the top dentists with Park 56 Dental in New York City determine the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity—schedule an appointment by calling (212) 826-2322. Our top cosmetic dentists also offer implants, bridges, veneers, root canals, Zoom! whitening, sedation dentistry, and emergency dentistry services.

It seems like the toothpaste aisle at the supermarket goes on forever—which can make choosing the right product for your dental health rather difficult and confusing.
   
This video from CBS News provides a number of tips on choosing the right toothpaste. The first step in selecting toothpaste is to consider your specific preferences or dental problems. For example, individuals who are prone to excessive tartar buildup may benefit from tartar-control toothpaste, while those with sensitive teeth may consider desensitizing toothpaste. Watch this clip to learn more about your options. 
   
For more information on the general, cosmetic, and sedation dentistry services available at Park 56 Dental, call our top cosmetic and emergency dentists at (212) 826-2322. Our dental practice offers comprehensive care in a welcoming and relaxing environment.