ASK LAKE CENTRE DENTAL GROUP ABOUT TEETHING AND PACIFIERS
A TEETHING GUIDE FOR PARENTS
Teething can be stressful time for both babies and their parents, but it is a natural part of growth that your dentist can help you with. Dr. Hansen in their practice of pediatric dentistry have advice for parents of kids in the teething period between the ages of 3 and 14 months old. Most of all, be patient and loving with your teething baby.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TEETHING?
Many babies may not show signs of teething or even experience discomfort. Your baby may drool or have a rash on her cheeks. Wanting to bite and chew on hard objects is another sign your child is teething. If you have questions about these signs of teething or others, contact Lake Centre Dental Group and our staff will help you.
SOOTHE YOUR BABY’S SWOLLEN GUMS
However, some babies experience teething pain from swollen gums. If your baby is irritable or can’t sleep, have a clean chilled teething ring or a cold, damp facecloth ready for your little one to chew on. Because their sugar content can cause tooth decay, teething biscuits aren’t usually recommended. Older babies can chew on dried bread or half a bagel. Because of choking risks, it’s best not to give your baby raw vegetables or fruits for chewing on.
For a good start on your child’s lifetime of dental health, clean your baby’s gums and new teeth every day with a small, soft toothbrush or wet facecloth.
WILL TEETHING MAKE MY BABY SICK?
If teething disrupts your baby’s sleep or feeding routine, she may be more susceptible to colds or fever. Chronic coughs, fever, vomiting or diarrhea are signs of illness, not teething distress. Call your pediatrician immediately for advice.
DO DENTISTS RECOMMEND TEETHING GELS?
Your baby may not tolerate a teething gel’s topical anesthetic, and some babies are allergic to it as well. Instead, if your child is irritable and can’t sleep, check with your pediatrician to see if they would recommend occasional use of acetaminophen.
PARENTS AND PACIFIERS: SAFETY GUIDELINES AND DENTAL HEALTH
Because of infant deaths and choking incidents with pacifiers, safety regulations now require pacifiers meet certain standards. Check your baby’s pacifier often to make sure it is not cracked or broken. Check that the pacifier you buy follows safety guidelines that include:
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Durability to prevent breaking into choking hazards
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Large guard or shield to prevent choking on the nipple
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Short cords only that will not fit around the baby’s neck
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Non-toxic and sterile materials that can be boiled repeatedly
YOUR BABY’S DENTAL HEALTH AND PACIFIER USE
Infants have a natural instinct for sucking their thumb or fingers, and your baby may not want a pacifier. If you want advice on which kind of pacifier to try or to not try at all, call Lake Centre Dental Group for information. If your baby is using a pacifier, you want to consider important points about pacifiers to protect your child’s dental health from the beginning. If your child persists with pacifier or thumb sucking past 5 or 6 years old, consult your dentist. Here are some pacifier tips:
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Babies should have pacifiers that fit their age and size
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Deter early tooth decay by not coating the pacifier with sweets
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Make sure the pacifier nipple is soft to prevent damage to baby’s jaw