As your little one grows, teething is an inevitable milestone that can be as challenging for parents as it is for babies. It's a time filled with drool-covered chins, restless nights, and the constant search for something—anything—to ease your infant's discomfort.
You may have heard about baby teething gels and wonder if they're the right choice to soothe those tender gums.
Our blog aims to guide you through managing this phase with confidence—and we'll share tips from pediatricians on how to do just that. Keep reading to discover gentle ways to comfort your fussy little one during this toothy time!
Understanding Baby Teething
Understanding Baby Teething is crucial for parents eager to help their little ones navigate this uncomfortable phase. Awareness of teething's signs and symptoms, as well as its potential dangers, equips caregivers with the knowledge to provide gentle and effective relief for their infants.
Symptoms of Teething
Babies often show clear signs when they start teething. It's a time when parents need to be extra patient and attentive.
- Your baby may get cranky or irritable.
- They might drool more than usual.
- Look for them biting on hard toys or objects.
- They might experience sleeping patterns change.
- Their gums could be swollen and tender.
- You may notice a slight rise in their temperature, but not a full - blown fever.
When to Expect Teething
Teething often start around 4 to 7 months old. Their first teeth erupt, and by age 3, they usually have all 20 baby teeth. During this time, infants might drool more and want to chew on things.
Parents should watch for signs of pain or discomfort in their little ones as new teeth push through the gums. It's a natural process, but knowing what to expect can help you care for your baby's oral health better.
Keep an eye out for that first tooth around the four-month mark!
Teething Gels
As your baby's first teeth start to come in, you might think about using teething gels. But be careful. Teething gels can have ingredients like benzocaine that are risky for little ones.
Doctors sometimes recommend other ways to help with teething pain instead of these gels. Safe options include rubbing your baby's gums gently or giving them a hard rubber teething ring to chew on.
Always choose treatments without harmful chemicals and make sure you're looking after your baby's oral care safely.
Are Teething Gels Safe?
Exploring the safety of baby teething gels is critical for any concerned parent, as these products often contain ingredients that might pose risks to an infant's health.
Risks of Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic found in some teething gels like Anbesol, Orajel, and Hurricaine. It's meant to numb sore gums, but it can be dangerous. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that benzocaine can lead to methemoglobinemia.
This condition reduces the amount of oxygen carried through the blood and can be life-threatening.
Parents often want quick fixes for teething pain, but using products with benzocaine isn't safe. Even small amounts might cause serious problems in babies. Always check labels for this ingredient before buying teething gels or other topical medications for your child’s mouth pain.
Homeopathic Teething Gels
Homeopathic teething gels are often seen as a natural alternative to traditional treatments. Many parents choose them because they want something free from synthetic drugs for their baby's discomfort.
These gels typically contain herbal extracts and minerals that aim to soothe swollen gums. Users appreciate that homeopathic options don't have benzocaine, which can carry risks.
Some popular brands like Orajel™ make versions that cool and calm without the use of harsh chemicals. These gels are designed with safety in mind, avoiding additives such as artificial colors, SLS, or belladonna.
Pediatricians frequently recommend these types of gels because they're drug-free and offer a gentle way to help ease teething symptoms. Always check the label for how much gel to apply and talk to your healthcare provider about how often you can use it on your baby's gums.
Alternatives to Baby Teething Gels
it's essential to consider safe and effective options for relief. Here's a variety of alternatives to traditional teething gels that can soothe your baby’s tender gums without the potential risks.
Teething Rings
Teething rings give babies something safe to chew on. This can ease their pain and keep their gums strong. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using teething rings for sore mouths.
When you are choosing the teething ring you should follow this checklist:
- Material Safety: The teething ring should be made from safe, non-toxic materials. Look for BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free labels. Silicone and natural rubber are common safe materials.
- Solid Construction: Ensure the teething ring is made of a single piece of material without any small parts or pieces that could break off and pose a choking hazard.
- Easy to Clean: The ring should be easy to clean and sterilize to maintain hygiene. Some teething rings are dishwasher safe, which is a convenient feature.
- Cooling Feature: Some teething rings can be chilled in the refrigerator (not freezer) to provide extra relief. Make sure the ring is designed for cooling and check that it doesn't become too hard when chilled.
- Non-Liquid Filled: Avoid liquid-filled teething rings as they can leak and the liquid inside might not be safe if ingested.
Gum Massage
Gum massage is a safe and effective way to soothe your baby’s teething pain. Use a clean finger to gently rub your child's gums for a few minutes at a time. The pressure from the massage can help ease discomfort.
Make sure your hands are clean before touching your baby’s mouth to prevent any infection.
This method is recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA as an alternative to teething gels. Gum massage doesn’t cost anything and it gives you the chance to bond with your little one.
After massaging, if needed, you can move on to other pain relief methods like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a common medicine given to babies for pain and fever. But the American Academy of Pediatrics does not suggest it for teething. This medicine can help, but only use it if a doctor says it's okay.
Be careful with how much you give your baby. Always follow the dosing guide or ask your pediatrician for help.
Teething causes discomfort, and acetaminophen might seem like an easy fix. However, this drug doesn't address the actual gum irritation that comes from teeth poking through. If you choose to use acetaminophen for infants, make sure there is no other way to ease their pain first.
Check with a healthcare professional before giving any medications to your little one.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medicine that relieves teething pain. It can reduce inflammation and help your baby feel better. Give ibuprofen to babies older than six months as directed by a pediatrician.
Always follow the correct dose based on your child's weight and age. Never give more than recommended, and do not use it for more than a few days at a time unless advised by a doctor.
Check with your pediatrician before using ibuprofen if your baby has asthma or stomach issues. Some babies may react differently to this medication. If you see any signs of allergic reaction such as rash, face swelling, or trouble breathing, stop using ibuprofen right away and get medical help.
Importance of Consulting a Pediatrician
Talking to a pediatrician is key when dealing with teething troubles. They can give you safe and effective advice for easing your baby's pain. Don't go straight for teething gels that have benzocaine; they might be harmful according to the FDA.
Your baby's doctor knows all about the risks, like methemoglobinemia from certain gels.
Your child's health care provider can recommend other ways to soothe sore gums without those risks. They'll tell you about good chew toys or how rubbing your clean finger on your baby’s gums helps.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.