Teething Relief and Development Guidance

Teething Relief and Development Guidance

Welcoming a new baby is an incredibly joyful experience, but the teething phase can be a challenging and exhausting time for both infants and parents. Seeing your little one in discomfort is never easy, and navigating the countless teething products on the market can be overwhelming.

At LAVAAN Smiles, our compassionate pediatric team is here to support you and your baby through every milestone. We provide expert guidance, safe teething relief strategies, and comprehensive developmental monitoring to ensure your child's smile gets off to a healthy, happy start.

The Teething Timeline: What to Expect
Every baby develops at their own unique pace, but most infants will get their first tooth around 6 months of age. Typically, the bottom two front teeth (lower central incisors) are the first to make an appearance, followed shortly by the top two front teeth.

By the time your child is around 3 years old, they should have a complete set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Some babies breeze through teething with no issues, while others experience noticeable discomfort for a few days before a tooth finally breaks through the gums. Common signs that your baby is teething include:

Excessive Drooling: Teething stimulates saliva production, which can sometimes lead to a mild facial rash around the mouth and chin.

Irritability and Fussiness: Swollen, tender gums can make your baby unusually cranky or clingy.

Biting and Gnawing: Your baby will naturally try to relieve the pressure in their gums by chewing on their fingers, toys, or anything else they can get their hands on.

Disrupted Sleep: The dull ache of teething can interrupt their normal sleep schedule.

Decreased Appetite: The suction of nursing or bottle-feeding can temporarily increase gum pressure, making them hesitant to eat.

Note: While teething can cause a very slight elevation in body temperature, it does not cause high fevers, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your baby is experiencing these symptoms, please contact your pediatrician.

Safe, Effective At-Home Relief
When your little one is hurting, simple is usually best. Here are a few pediatrician and dentist-approved methods to safely soothe your baby's sore gums:

Gum Massage: Wash your hands thoroughly and use a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad to gently massage your baby’s gums. The light pressure provides immediate relief.

Cold (Not Frozen) Washcloths: Dampen a clean washcloth, place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, and let your baby chew on it.

Chilled Teething Toys: Solid rubber or silicone teething rings are excellent options when chilled in the refrigerator. Avoid liquid-filled rings, as they can break or leak, and never freeze teething toys rock solid, as extreme cold can actually bruise the delicate gum tissue.

Pain Medication: If your baby is unusually fussy, consult your pediatrician about the appropriate, weight-based dosage of infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin—only for babies over 6 months).

Teething Remedies to Avoid
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strongly advise against certain popular teething products due to severe safety risks:

Numbing Gels (Benzocaine): Over-the-counter numbing gels containing benzocaine should never be used on children under two, as they can cause a rare but life-threatening condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Homeopathic Teething Tablets: These are not regulated by the FDA and have been found to contain inconsistent, dangerous amounts of belladonna (a toxic plant).

Amber Teething Necklaces: These present a severe strangulation and choking hazard for infants and toddlers and are not proven to provide any medical benefit.

Your Baby's First Dental Visit
Did you know your baby should see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting?

During an Infant Oral Health Exam, we will check their jaw development, ensure their teeth are erupting normally, and give you a dedicated time to ask any questions you have about teething, brushing, and infant nutrition.

Partner With Us for a Healthy Start
You don't have to navigate teething alone. Schedule your baby's first visit with the caring pediatric experts at LAVAAN Smiles today to establish a wonderful, lifelong foundation for their oral health.

Visit us at one of our 3 convenient New York locations:

West Village: 474 6th Ave., New York, NY 10011 | 212-837-1833

Upper East Side: 1196 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10028 | 212-879-1845

Midtown West: 311 West 43rd St, Suite 405, New York, NY 10036 | 212-581-5050