The process of teething is a very painful thing that seems uncontrollable. Children begin the teething process as early as three months and it can last as long as three full years. That’s a long time to be in constant uncomfortable pain. Although it may be hard to remember what it felt like when your teeth broke through your gums, you cannot deny those wretched screams in the middle of the night.

 

If you have a teething child that cannot fight the pain or is having trouble sleeping due to teething, you may need to find some alternative solutions to keep the whole family happy, healthy and rested.

 

Teething Toys

 

More than anything, your child needs something soft to chew on. When pressure is applied to forming teeth, it releases the pain. Teething toys made of rubber are a great toy, as long as the child cannot break off any of the rubber and actually swallow it. Even filling your child’s bottle with water and letting them chew on that would alleviate the pain.

Something Cold

 

Anything that is safe for your child to eat, and is cold, will tremendously relieve their pain. If your child is a little older, try cold yogurt or a chilled, peeled carrot for them to suck on. If you’re desperate or on the go, grab a washcloth or an old t-shirt and soak it in cold water. The key is to make sure it isn’t frozen to protect the gums from being damaged by hard surfaces.

 

Massage Their Gums

 

It may seem extreme, but using your own fingers to apply pressure works wonders for children. Just make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after to avoid sharing germs. If you don’t want to use your fingers directly you can use gauze or a shirt around your fingers. Pay attention to your child’s reaction to the pressure you apply to make sure you aren’t causing further pain.

 

Pain Relievers

 

This is a last resort for many people, but sometimes it is necessary to relieve an uncontrollable pain. Acetaminophen is the safest bet for infants age 3 months or less. Consult your dentist or doctor about the appropriate amount to give your teething child. Avoid giving your child Aspirin at all costs as it is proven to lead to illness in young, developing children.

 

Teething is a painful process for children and an exhausting feat for parents whose top priority is their own child’s health and happiness. If your child just started teething, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas today. The sooner your child has an effective oral health routine, the better off their overall health will be later in life. Our dentists and staff members have valuable advice for teething babies and how to set up your child’s dental future.