A pediatric dentist does not just clean teeth. Pediatric dentists also provide useful information for parents, including facts about teething. Get the answers to the frequently asked questions about teething, so you will know what to expect as your child grows up.
Parents are often surprised to learn that babies are born with 20 primary teeth. These teeth are not visible because they are below the gumline. Teething occurs when the teeth start erupting.
The first teeth usually erupt within between the ages of six and 12 months. Teeth generally continue to erupt until the child reaches the age of three. It usually takes one to seven days for each tooth to erupt.
Teething is an uncomfortable process for children. Children do not understand why they are in so much pain, so they might be fussier than normal during this process. Along with fussiness, parents should look out for other symptoms of teething.
Children want to relieve the pressure they feel from the teeth erupting through their gums. Many bite as a way to make their gums feel better.
The teething process causes the salivary glands to produce more drool, which can cause coughing and gagging. Parents should wipe excess drool away immediately, so it does not cause a rash.
Due to sore gums, many children lose their appetite during the teething process. It hurts too much to eat, so they avoid it at all costs. If the child does not eat for more than a day, contact a pediatric dentist for help.
Parents want to help their children when they are in pain, so they often look for ways to soothe their babies during the teething process. Parents have a couple of options for helping their children.
Teething children typically respond well to teething rings. These rings soothe their gums while they chew on them, providing them with much-needed relief.
Parents can also take an active role in soothing their children by massaging their gums. Just use a moist gauze pad or finger and rub along the gumline. The baby should feel instant relief.
Some parents choose to use numbing gels or teething tablets, but that is a mistake. These items can be harmful to babies, so avoid using these medications.
You can soothe your baby on your own during the teething process, but you will need to take your child to the pediatric dentist shortly after the first tooth erupts. The dentist needs to examine the teeth to ensure everything is coming in as it should. Also, if your child is having significant issues during the teething process, the dentist can help.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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