Dr. Sychrava’s Parent Playbook: How to Soothe a Teething Baby

Teething marks a major milestone in your child’s growth. Precious smiles follow the initial few tiny teeth, but they may also mean sleepless nights, drooling, and sore gums. By knowing what to anticipate and how to calm your child, you can turn what could otherwise be a stressful time into one to manage.

Recognize the Signs of Teething

Most babies start teething between 6 to 12 months, but you cannot decide how your child’s journey will look just by witnessing your cousins ’ kids. Parents might notice their kids are:

• Drooling more
• Chewing toys or fingers non-stop
• Swollen or reddened gums
• Cranky or clingy behavior
• Restlessness during sleep

Mild fever is not unusual with teething, but a full-blown fever is not normal. If your baby gets a constant fever, rash, or other unusual symptoms, contact your pediatric dentist in Walnut Creek without delay.

Creating a Soothing Teething Routine

Comfort plays a big part in reducing your baby’s pain. Simple, safe solutions can calm sore gums and make teething more manageable:

• Gum massage – Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
• Chilled teething rings – The cold can aid in reducing gum swelling.
• Cold washcloth – Massage with a slightly cool and damp cloth can ease sore gums.

For additional gum care in infants, avoid feeding hard foods that may damage teeth or cause choking. Instead, give them soft, fit for their age foods.

When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s initial dental visit be by age one. Visiting a local pediatric dentist early enables parents to learn about feeding, cavity prevention, and good oral development.

Parents looking for the best pediatric dentist in Walnut Creek typically look for a dental partner who will take their child through all stages — from teething to teen orthodontics. Early visits also familiarize children with a dental office environment, and future check-ups will be less troublesome. 

Healthy Habits After Teething Starts

Once teeth come out, parents should focus on regular maintenance. For infants, brush two times daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush using a pea-sized fluoride toothpaste. This will protect teeth from cavities and establish good habits from the beginning.

As your child becomes older, instruct them to:

• Brush daily for two minutes
• Floss once daily when their teeth are touching
• Go to a child-friendly dental clinic like ours routinely

Developing a consistent oral care routine now will reap rewards in a lifetime of oral health.

Comfort Beyond the Teething Years

Teething may only last a few years, but your child’s smile will keep changing. Regular checkups provide proper alignment, track jaw development, and detect cavities early. Visiting Dr. Sychrava and staff provide thorough, gentle care to children of all ages. Call today to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist to preserve their smile for a lifetime.