How to Help Your Child Ease the Discomfort of Newly Erupted Baby Teeth

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.