Ask Your Pediatric Dentist: Teething Remedies [Updated for 2018]

Alpharetta, GA – Everyday I am asked by new mothers what are some natural remedies to help their child during the teething stage. All babies respond differently during this stage. Some children have a harder time during teething than others.

Early symptoms or signs that your child is teething are an increase in drooling, irritability when something is in their mouth, a decrease in appetite, along with the baby’s desire to chew everything in sight or put everything in his or her mouth. Fortunately, this stage will pass, but there are some strategies to help ease your child’s pain during this process.  The first set of teeth typically erupts around age 6-8 months.

Here are some strategies you can try at home to help make this transition less painful for your child!

Cold Things: Cold things help numb the gums and provide your baby some ease from pain.  You can freeze a carrot, a banana, a wet washcloth or even a big soup spoon and allow your baby to gnaw on them. You can even freeze your child’s pacifier and then give it to them. Make sure to keep an eye on your baby if you give them something frozen. You don’t want them to hurt themselves!

Pressure: You can gently massage or rub your baby’s gums with your clean finger.  The pressure helps provide relief and helps the teeth cut through the gum tissue. You can even make a game out of it by singing a song to your child while applying the message.

Typically, the bottom front teeth are the first two to sprout up. Then, the rest of the front teeth will grow in and eventually, the molars! Remember to massage the teeth in the areas where the teeth are currently growing; otherwise, all your hard work will go to waste.

Teething Toys: There are some plush or rubber toys that are soft, comforting and safe for your child to chew.  A few examples include: The Spelt Cushion Cotti or Sophie the Giraffe Teether.  There are many toys in the market that are made from organic farmed cotton or Phthalates and BPA free.

As your child is teething, make sure they aren’t chewing on random objects in your home. It’s easy for babies to get sick from bacteria when they’re chewing on objects like remote controls, balls, etc. You can keep your baby’s mouth and teeth clean by lightly brushing their incoming teeth with a finger toothbrush.

Dr. Nanna is a pediatric dentist at Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA. For more questions and advice , contact your local Pediatric dentist in Alpharetta.