Blog Highlights:
- Fever, rashes, and diarrhea should not be considered normal symptoms for teething babies
- Using a teething ring, pacifiers, a cool spoon, or a clean finger can help soothe your baby’s gums when teething
- Products that contain Benzocaine has been used to soothe teething babies, however, Benzocaine has been associated with a rare yet fatal medical condition
- Never use products that contain Benzocaine unless under the advice and supervision of a medical professional
- As soon as the first tooth erupts you need to schedule your child for a regular dental checkup
- Using fluoride toothpaste at the right amount is necessary for your child’s safety
- Tooth decay can occur as soon as the first tooth appears
Newborns don’t usually have any visible teeth on their gums. Children typically start developing their teeth anywhere between 4-7 months of age. And by the age of 3, children usually have their full set, comprised of 20 primary teeth.
What are the symptoms of teething?
Fussiness, irritability, and sleeplessness are just some of the symptoms that a baby can go through the moment a tooth starts to erupt. Some babies drool more than the usual, while some lose their appetite. Fever, rashes, and diarrhea are should not be considered normal occurrences for teething babies. It would be best to call your physician if your child suffers from any of these problems.
Soothing your teething child
When a tooth erupts, your child’s gums will become sore and tender. Experts suggest rubbing their gums with a clean finger or a small, cool spoon. You can also moisten a gauze pad with cool water to help soothe your baby. Teething rings, which can be bought at drugstores and boutiques, can also be used so your child can slowly chew on it and alleviate the pain. Most dentists and pediatricians recommend that you use teething rings or pacifiers to soothe your child during teething.
The FDA highly suggests that unless given under the advice and supervision of health care professionals, parents and caregivers should never use products that contain benzocaine for children who are under two years of age. Orabase, Baby Orajel, Anbesol, and Hurricaine are just some of the over-the-counter products that contain Benzocaine. Before using any of these products, you should know that Benzocaine has been known to cause a rare and fatal condition known as methemoglobinemia, a condition where your child’s oxygen content in his or her blood stream is reduced.
Caring for your child’s first tooth
Regular dental checkups are necessary as soon as the first tooth erupts. Although it is not necessary for your child to see his or her dentist right away, your child has to have his or her first dental checkup before your child’s 1st birthday.
- Parents can actually start cleaning their baby’s gums during the first few days of life using a clean washcloth or moist gauze. Doing so can help keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy. Decay can occur the moment the first tooth erupts. Your child’s four front teeth can emerge within the first 6 months; some children however, will have it a few months before, or after the first birthday.
- Children who are 3 years old or younger need to have their teeth brushed regularly as soon as they begin to appear. Parents or caregivers must use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, no more than the size of a grain of rice. Brushing must be done in the morning and before bedtime or as instructed by your child’s dentist or physician. Parents must supervise their child so that they will be able to use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.
- Children who are 3-6 years of age can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. They must brush their teeth thoroughly twice a day depending on the dentist’s or physician’s instructions. These children must have adult supervision, making sure that they brush their teeth properly and that they avoid swallowing the toothpaste.
