Baby Teething Tips
Teething can be a distressing time for your baby and for you too. We’ve put together an action plan of teething tips, so you can all get through it without gritting your teeth.
- Try taking your baby’s mind off their troublesome teeth with a change of scenery or play.
- Consider giving your baby a teething ring to provide relief from the pain. Don’t use a ring that is filled with fluid.
- Try cooling a teething ring in the fridge (never in the freezer).
- If your baby is six months or older, chewing a bread crust or bread stick, under supervision of course, can help.
- Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby’s gum for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing once they get used to it.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers - acetaminophen or ibuprofen could be given as pain relief; choose one that is labelled for baby’s age. Speak with your doctor before you give medications to your baby. Follow the instructions on the label or speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Experts do not recommend using other teething remedies, like gels you put on baby’s gums.
- As soon as teeth appear, brush them with tiny amount of non-flouridated toothpaste.
Sources
Health Link BC. Teething. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw55254 Accessed September 2020.
Canadian Paediatric Society. Caring for Kids. Healthy Teeth for Children. https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/healthy_teeth_for_children Accessed September 2020
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