How to Soothe a Teething Baby

Few things tug at the heart strings more than a crying baby. One of the most common causes, of course, is teething. What is teething? Teething is the process of the initial 20 teeth beneath the gum line beginning to emerge. A young child will start getting their deciduous teeth, or milk teeth, around six months and they will keep sprouting up to three years of age. A teething baby will show some symptoms, either mild or extreme. As a new parent you’ll need to look out for signs of teething to try and alleviate the situation.

Some of the common signs of a teething baby may include the following:

• Restlessness and crying
• Swollen or tender gums
• Grabbing and putting things in the mouth
• Loose stool
• Drooling
• Rubbing cheeks and pulling ears
• Putting their hands to the mouth
• Trouble falling asleep

Doctors advise parents to be very careful with babies not to assume all these symptoms are a teething problem and ignore larger issues that could be putting the child at risk. They should take each health problem the baby has seriously and, where necessary, seek the advice of a health professional. Once you confirm you’re dealing with a teething child, here is some advice on how to soothe a teething baby:

Massaging the Gums

You can use your fingers to massage the baby’s gums and this can help lessen the discomfort. You will need to clean your hands first because babies are exceptionally delicate, and dirty hands may cause more problems than you want to solve.

Avoid Medication if Possible

Unless the teething pain is extreme, most doctors advise that parents avoid using medication. This is because teething is a process that may take a while. You do not want the baby to take ibuprofen or other pain medication for an extended period to deal with a teething problem.

Cold Spoon or Washcloth

Put a small spoon in the refrigerator and let the baby put it in their mouth. The cold metal can help to reduce the discomfort caused by teething. You might need several spoons for this solution since they will quickly become warm once placed in the mouth.

Use a Cold Washcloth

Another option that involves cooling off the gums is using a washcloth that’s been dipped in icy water or kept in the refrigerator. Wipe the child’s gums with a cold washcloth when they’re experiencing pain and it should help provide relief. Ensure the washcloth is clean as a dirty one may expose the baby to potential infections. 

Use a Pacifier, Teething Toy or Ring

There are plenty of products on the market to assist with teething, and many of them can be effective tools in helping to soothe your teething child. You can clean these toys and put them in the refrigerator to cool them before giving them to your child. Cold teething toys and pacifiers work wonders in soothing irritated gums and numbing the pain. There are many types of teething rings, toys, and pacifiers available, so you may want to try a few different options to ensure you choose what your baby is most comfortable with.

Some teething toys and pacifiers offer a two for one option of providing soothing cool and helping your child eat. These types of toys can be stored in the refrigerator and store chilled fruit or other cooled foods that can provide relief while also feeding your child their favorite foods. 

Wipe the Drool

Another way you can help a teething baby is to wipe the drool from the baby’s face. This will protect the baby from getting rashes associated with drool. The last thing you’ll want is a teething baby developing a rash. If you thought a teething baby was heartbreaking, it only gets worse when you add the discomfort of a rash! You should also use a bib to protect the baby from wetness. A teething baby can have trouble sleeping, so many parents find success when they cuddle the baby and massage their legs. This will make your child feel attended to and may even soothe them enough to get them to fall asleep.

Figuring out how to help a teething baby can be difficult for parents, but there are tools and strategies you can try to help keep your child comfortable. Work through the above approaches and consult your dentist and pediatrician if your child has persistent problems and they will help you find a solution that’s best for you and your baby. If you’re located in Southeast Michigan and you’re looking for a family dentist, please give us a call at one of our Fortson Dentistry locations today.