Teething – Randolph, MA
Helping Your Little One with Their Budding Smile
As a parent, very few things in this world are tougher to endure than when your little one is in pain—so if your child is finally teething, their discomfort might be tugging at your heartstrings! Here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team knows that this process isn’t always easy for children and parents alike, which is why we’re here to help! Keep reading below to learn a little more about teething and some signs that indicate your child might be having trouble. If you or your little one needs immediate assistance, don’t wait to contact our office in Randolph!
What Is Teething?
Teething is the process by which an infant’s first set of teeth, known as the baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gum line. This typically occurs between 6 and 12 months of age but has been known to begin sooner or end later. Generally, the bottom and top front teeth emerge first, followed by the subsequent primary ones that fill out the rest of the mouth. In response to this occurrence, your little one will probably become irritable and show signs of discomfort; but you can rest assured that this distress is only temporary; most children are done teething by the age of 3.
Signs a Baby Is Having Trouble Teething
It’s natural for your baby to experience a few or several of the following symptoms as they begin teething:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Fussiness or irritability
- Refusal of food
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- The urge to bite hard objects
- Pulling their ears and/or rubbing their cheeks
However, if your little one begins to exhibit any of the symptoms listed below as they’re teething, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact us quickly, as it might be a sign of a serious underlying issue:
- A fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Multiple bouts of diarrhea
- A severe cough or cold that worsens
- More than a few droplets of blood
When You Should Bring Your Teething Baby to See Us
It’s recommended that you bring your child in for their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth emerges, or on their first birthday. That way, we can examine your little one’s teeth and ensure that their oral health is in the best possible shape as the teething process continues. Even if everything seems normal, this is in your and your child’s absolute best interest! We can also share some useful tips to help you ease their discomfort, including advice like:
- Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or cloth.
- Offer your child a teething toy made from a safe material like rubber or silicone. You might also consider putting it in the fridge beforehand so that it’s chilled for additional soothing relief.
If you have any other questions or concerns about the teething process, our knowledgeable team is just a phone call away; don’t hesitate to contact us today!