How To Help Your Toddler Cope With Teething

Early childhood is a time of surprisingly rapid growth. Babies wear newborn-size onesies for about a week. And moms and dads who stock up on small diapers often end up exchanging them for larger sizes.

Though it’s largely hidden from view, there are significant changes going on inside of your toddler’s mouth as well. Between 3 and 12 months, your child’s first tooth appears. Followed by 19 more in their first few years of life. Ouch!

Here are some signs that your child has started teething:

• More drooling than usual
• Increased irritability
• Ear-rubbing or tugging
• Red cheeks and chin
• Loss of interest in eating
• Restless sleeping

Teething can be stressful for both the toddler and parents.

How do I ease teething pain for my child?

Think chewy, cold, and safe.

• Teething ring/teething toys (not liquid-filled)
• Cold, wet washcloth
• Cold fruit or vegetable pieces

You can also use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if these techniques don’t ease the pain. Be certain that you follow the dosing instructions on the label. DO NOT give children aspirin. It can cause Reye’s syndrome-a potentially fatal metabolic condition. For the fruits and vegetables, make sure that the pieces are not so small that your son or daughter can choke on them.

Call 817-678-5112 to schedule a pediatric dental exam at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We recommend parents to start children’s dental visits when their first tooth appears. It’s important to have a pediatric dentist perform exams and answer all of your questions.