Teething Troubles? How a Pediatric Dentist in Las Vegas Can Help

Posted on September 16, 2024

Your baby’s first few months are filled with important milestones. There’s that first smile, the first time they reach out to grab your finger, and the bane of so many parents, teething.

Teething can start as early as three months, but it’s more common to begin between months four and seven. No matter your baby’s age, teething can be a frustrating period for both you and your child. The good news is that a pediatric dentist can help.

Signs of Teething

Before making an appointment with a pediatric dentist, make sure that your child is teething. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

• Excessive drooling
• A mild temperature
• Red, swollen gums
• Increased biting
• Rubbing the gums

Teething is the time when your child’s first teeth begin to come in. This means that the teeth are moving outward from the jawbone through the gum tissue, which can be very uncomfortable.

What Can a Pediatric Dentist Do to Help with Teething?

If you’ve tried everything and you just can’t seem to soothe your baby, it might be time to consider a pediatric dentist in Las Vegas. They can recommend home remedies that will help ease some of your child’s discomfort, and they can help with more serious teething cases.

What might a pediatric dentist recommend for teething pain relief?

• Teething Rings and Devices – Use a cool (but not frozen) teething ring or similar teething device. Anything cool will help make your baby’s gums feel better, and hard surfaces can also help. Note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using teething rings made from firm rubber.

 

• Rub the Gums – Don’t have a teething ring? Don’t worry. You can rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger, or a cool, wet cloth to provide some relief.

 

• Topical Medications – If your baby’s discomfort is serious and nothing else seems to help, your pediatric dentist might recommend a topical numbing medicine. These can be purchased over the counter and don’t require a prescription.

 

• The Right Foods – If your child is already eating solid foods, you can try chilled apple slices and similar options to help provide some relief for their gums.

 

When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough

Sometimes, teething can be severe. In those cases, you’ll need to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Las Vegas. How do you know if your child’s symptoms are severe?

 

1. If your child is running a fever of more than 100.4 degrees, you’ll need to make an appointment.

 

2. If your child is experiencing chronic diarrhea, make an appointment with your pediatric dentist. Note that some diarrhea is normal, but chronic diarrhea is a sign of severe teething and may require medication.

Other Benefits of Seeing the Dentist

In addition to helping with severe symptoms, a pediatric dentist can also check your baby’s mouth to ensure that the teeth are coming in correctly. Regular dentist visits now will also help them feel more comfortable with the dentist as they age.

Remember – a healthy, beautiful smile begins as a child. A pediatric dentist will not only help you address your baby’s discomfort but will give them the best start for a confident, white smile in the future.