How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth During Teething: A Complete Guide for Parents

As a parent, witnessing your baby’s first teeth emerge can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. The teething process can often be uncomfortable for your little one, and it’s natural to feel concerned about how to properly care for their teeth during this time. Teething can begin as early as 4 months and continue until your child is about 3 years old, so it's important to know what to expect and how to keep your baby's teeth healthy.

1. Understanding the Teething Process

Teething is a natural process in which your baby’s first set of teeth, also known as primary teeth or baby teeth, begin to break through the gums. This process can cause discomfort, fussiness, and even difficulty eating or sleeping. As a parent, it’s essential to recognize the signs of teething so you can manage the symptoms effectively and ensure your baby’s teeth come through healthy and strong.

What Happens During Teething?

Teething typically begins around 4 to 6 months of age. The first teeth to emerge are usually the two lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. This process can take a few months, and not every baby experiences the same symptoms or timeline. Some babies may develop their teeth earlier, while others might take a little longer. During this time, you may notice your baby drooling more than usual, becoming irritable, or chewing on objects to soothe their gums.

2. How to Relieve Your Baby’s Teething Pain

Teething can be a painful experience for your baby, and as a parent, it’s important to have strategies to help soothe their discomfort. Fortunately, there are several ways you can help relieve your baby’s teething pain.

Chew Toys and Teething Rings

One of the most effective ways to alleviate teething pain is by giving your baby teething toys or rings. These are designed to be chewed on, which helps to massage the gums and ease the discomfort. Look for BPA-free, non-toxic options that are safe for babies to chew on. Some teething rings can even be chilled in the refrigerator to provide additional soothing relief.

Cold Washcloths

A simple, effective way to ease your baby’s teething pain is by offering a clean washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator. The cold fabric will help numb the gums and reduce inflammation. Make sure to supervise your baby closely while they chew on the washcloth to avoid any choking hazards.

Gentle Gum Massage

If your baby is struggling with discomfort, you can try gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. This can help relieve pressure and provide some relief. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before performing this task to avoid introducing any germs to your baby’s sensitive gums.

3. Oral Hygiene During Teething

Even though your baby’s first teeth may only just be emerging, it's important to begin developing a good oral hygiene routine from the start. Taking care of your child’s teeth early on can set the stage for a lifetime of good dental health.

Cleaning Gums Before Teeth Appear

Even before your baby’s teeth start to come in, you can begin cleaning their gums. After feedings, gently wipe their gums with a soft, damp washcloth or a silicone finger brush. This helps remove any milk residue, which could contribute to the growth of bacteria and increase the risk of tooth decay once the first teeth emerge.

Brushing Baby’s First Teeth

Once the first teeth start to emerge, it’s important to begin brushing them regularly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies and a small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste. Aim to brush your baby’s teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bedtime. This helps remove plaque and bacteria, preventing early childhood cavities.

Fluoride and Baby Teeth

Fluoride is essential for strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. However, fluoride toothpaste should not be used until your baby is around 18 months old, as they may swallow it, which can be harmful in large quantities. When your baby reaches this age, use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

4. Teething and Feeding: What to Expect

Teething can affect your baby’s appetite, making it difficult for them to eat. Some babies may refuse to nurse or drink from a bottle because the sucking motion can irritate their sore gums. It’s important to remain patient during this time and offer comfort as needed.

Offering Solid Foods

If your baby has started eating solids, you might find that they prefer cold or soft foods during teething. Offering chilled fruit like apples or pears (cut into small, manageable pieces) or cool purees can be soothing for sore gums. Just be sure to supervise your baby to avoid choking hazards.

Teething and Breastfeeding

For breastfeeding babies, teething can make feeding uncomfortable for both you and your baby. To make breastfeeding easier, try offering your baby a cold, damp washcloth to chew on before feeding to soothe their gums. If your baby is fussy during breastfeeding, try different positions to find one that makes them more comfortable. If the discomfort is persistent, consider speaking with a lactation consultant for additional support.

5. Common Teething Myths to Dispel

Teething can be overwhelming, and with so much information out there, it’s easy to get confused by myths and misconceptions. Let’s take a look at some common teething myths that you should ignore.

Myth: Teething Causes a Fever

While teething can cause your baby to feel a little warm, it does not cause a high fever. If your baby has a fever above 101°F (38.3°C), it may be a sign of illness and you should contact your pediatrician. Teething may make your baby fussy, but it shouldn't cause significant fever or other symptoms like diarrhea.

Myth: Teething Leads to Diarrhea

Some parents believe that teething can cause diarrhea. While teething can lead to some drooling, which may cause loose stools, true diarrhea is not a typical symptom of teething. If your baby experiences severe diarrhea or other symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor as it may indicate another underlying issue.

Myth: You Should Use Teething Tablets or Gels

Teething gels and tablets, especially those containing benzocaine, are not recommended for babies due to safety concerns. Benzocaine can pose a risk of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. Always consult your pediatrician before using any over-the-counter remedies for teething.