The team at Apple Valley Dental Group has put together this quick guide to teething in infants, so that you can have the knowledge you need, to take care of your precious child!
What Should I Expect?
Teething usually starts at around 6 months of age, but can begin at any time between 3-12 months of age. The process takes about two years – most children have their full set of baby teeth by the age of 3.
During the teething process, your child may experience pain and discomfort when teeth erupt, which can cause them to cry more often, or be irritable. This is normal, and not a cause for concern. Common home remedies for pain caused by teething include:
- Cooling the area with a washcloth or a cold spoon.
- Providing a harder food (cucumber, carrot, etc) that your child can gnaw on
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as baby aspirin, ibuprofen, and other child-specific pain relief medications.
In addition, once your child starts teething, you’ll want to begin brushing their teeth with a specialized baby toothbrush and toothpaste.
When Should I Be Worried About My Child During The Teething Process?
Almost all children go through teething with no major complications, and pain can be managed at home. However, there are some times you may want to consider seeing a doctor or a dentist.
Watch out for these warning signs:
- High fever
- Excessive, constant crying and discomfort
- Disruption of eating/sleeping habits
These could be signs of complications such as infection, or a teething complication like eruption cysts.
Dr. Byers interacting with one of our young patients.
When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?
Seeing a dentist helps familiarize your child with the process of being examined – reducing the risk of dental anxiety in your young one, and helping them feel more comfortable. If possible, the next time that you have your dental cleaning, bring your baby or toddler into the exam room for a few minutes so that they can become familiar with the chair.
Come To Apple Valley Dental Group – We Provide a Friendly Approach to Dental Care for Young Children!
Got more questions about infant and toddler dental care? The staff at Apple Valley Dental Group is here to help – we understand how important it is that your child’s first experience at the dentist is a positive one!