Teething – Worcester, MA

Creating a More Comfortable Experience for Your Baby

Mother holding her baby during the teething phase in Worcester

There is nothing quite like being a parent. Watching your baby experience different things for the first time can be exciting and enjoyable. However, when your little one begins the teething phase, excessive crying and fussiness can cause you to feel helpless while trying to ease their pain. Our team at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln is here to explain the process and what you can do to create a more positive and comfortable experience for your baby. If you need help or would like to speak to a member of our team, call our office today.

What is Teething?

Baby chewing on fingers while teething

Teething is a normal phase that every child goes through. It is when a baby’s primary teeth begin to erupt. This usually occurs between 6-12 months of age and can cause irritation as they push through the gumline.

This often results in your little one crying more than usual as well as gnawing on objects like fingers, teething toys, and washcloths to get relief. Since babies are born with 20 teeth beneath the gumline, it can take up to the age of 3 for all of them to erupt.

Indications Your Baby is Having Trouble with Teething

Mother holding her baby while it chews on its finger

Whether you are a new parent or not, identifying the symptoms of teething may not always be obvious. If you see that your baby is exhibiting or practicing any of the following, you can expect that their primary teeth are on their way:

  • Difficulty sleeping throughout the night
  • Increased fussiness
  • Facial rashes caused by excessive drooling
  • Poor appetite
  • Biting hands and other objects to apply pressure to gums
  • Pulling their ears or rubbing their cheeks

When We Need to See Your Teething Baby

Mother and father holding baby at the dentist’s office

There are two reasons we might need to see your baby while they’re teething. Should your little one have a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, develop a cough or cold, experience multiple instances of diarrhea or have a few droplets of blood in their mouth, you need to call our office right away.

A member of our team will get you and your baby in quickly so that we can evaluate the situation and determine how best to address the issue.

Otherwise, you may want to see us to learn what you can do to help your little one navigate teething at home. Our dental experts are here to provide helpful tips that can make it easier for you and your little one. We may suggest that you:

  • Provide them with a clean, cold washcloth, as this helps to temporarily numb the pain
  • Offer teething toys that are solid and do not consist of liquids, as they can leak when too much pressure is applied
  • Use a clean finger to apply gentle pressure to their gums