How to Cure the Teething Blues
Photo courtesy of Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
The Tooth Fairy has an evil twin. Her name is the Teething Fairy, and she's not so nice. Luckily, Dr. Pete has a few tips and tricks to prep for her visit and soothe those teething blues.
Encourage Teethers
Teethers can help with teething, as chewing will help new teeth make their way through the gums. Need to know which teethers are best? When you're buying a teether, make sure to search for either a silicone teether like this one or a freezable "water teether" like this one. Some teethers are filled with gel, which may not be safe to ingest, should your kid bite through.
Toothbrushing (brush, brush, brush)
Brush the teeth and gums at least every night during teething. Brushing the gums around new teeth will keep everything healthy and may help those new teeth come in a bit sooner. And if you need some tips for how to brush with young children, we’ve got you covered! Here are some brushing tips for toddlers and young kids.
Use Tylenol as needed
If it's been a fussy day, try giving a little Tylenol about 30 minutes before dinner time. This will get your kid through a meal comfortably and still be effective when he or she drifts off to sleep.
Time out / Take a break!
This means you, grown-ups. Yes, it turns out teething kids can make grown-ups a little fussy too. So inhale. And exhale. You're doing great. Remember that this won't last forever, and it's a good thing they're cute. Hang in there. And if you ever have any questions, Dr. Pete is here to help.
Avoid the gimmicks
Stay away from amber teething necklaces and teething gels such as Orajel for teething. Many teething necklaces create a strangulation risk, and teething gels containing benzocaine were removed from the market several years ago as they were proven unsafe for babies and toddlers.
If your little ones are due for a check-up, don’t wait to reach out to Dr. Pete! Request an appointment today to keep your kiddos’ smiles in tip-top shape, teething or not!