Teething and First Dental Visits: Guiding Your Baby’s Oral Development in Lansing, Michigan
New parents sometimes anticipate their baby’s first tooth with a mixture of excitement and worry. While reaching a new developmental milestone is always a cause for celebration, this particular one can come with considerable discomfort. However, teething is different for each baby, and need not be painful at all; plus, there are steps you can take to make the process easier for your baby—and yourself.
Teething refers to the process by which primary (baby) teeth emerge through the gums and become visible in the mouth. This usually begins between six and nine months of age, though it may start as early as three months or as late as one year. Most children have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of 3.
Recognizing the Signs
You are most likely to notice the following signs from about four days before the tooth breaks through the gums up until three days after the tooth appears:
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Irritability
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Biting and gnawing
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Excessive drooling, sometimes causing a chin rash
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Swollen gums
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Ear rubbing
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Decreased appetite
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Disrupted sleep patterns
A less common issue is the formation of an “eruption cyst,” a small, fluid-filled swelling covering an erupting tooth. Eruption cysts usually do not require treatment as the tooth will simply pop the cyst when it comes through.
How to Help Your Teething Baby
Teething babies generally get the most relief from cold and/or pressure on the affected area. This can be safely applied with:
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Chilled teething rings
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Cold, wet washcloths
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Chilled pacifiers
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Massaging baby’s gums with a clean finger.
Remember not to actually freeze your baby’s teething ring or pacifier, as this could burn the delicate mouth tissue. Over-the-counter pain medication may be helpful, but always check the correct dosage with your pediatrician or pharmacist. Numbing agents shouldn’t be used on babies under age 2 unless directed by a physician.
The team at Schaefer Dental Group looks forward to partnering with you in your child’s lifelong oral health. It’s best to start dental visits by your child’s first birthday to establish this health-promoting routine.