Did you know that some babies are born with their first tooth? Or that other children won’t get their first tooth until they are over a year old? Generally though, children get their first tooth when they are between four and six months old.
Naturally, most parents are excited when a baby’s first tooth peeks through—though their excitement can be short-lived, especially when their baby gets grumpy. Fortunately, if your baby is teething, there are a few things you can try.
One of the first things you might do is give your child something to alleviate their gums. One thing you might try is a cold waffle or a frozen teething ring. Both of these foods—and other cool foods—can numb the gums. They can also break down the gums and make it easier for the teeth to break through.Similarly, giving your child something flavorful, such as frozen watermelon or banana can have any of the same benefits while distracting your child.
In fact, distracting your child is another option you should consider. Try giving your baby a favorite toy or showing them a video they enjoy. Similarly, you can try holding or playing with your little one,
You could also try medication. Some topical creams are designed to numb the gums. They work quickly, but should be used cautiously. Please consider discussing the possible side effects with a doctor before using these creams. You can also try baby Tylenol or ibuprofen—though you may want to wait until your baby is a year old or consult with a doctor before giving your child ibuprofen.
Finally, if your child has a fever of 101° F or more or has diarrhea, please contact your doctor. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 403.229.0510. Our entire team—including Dr. Nathalie Dowsett—is excited to hear from you soon!