Baby Teething Tips

Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Pediatric dentist treating a child in Millcreek, UT.

Baby Teething Tips

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Baby Teething Tips From your slc pediatric dentist

Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Pediatric dentist treating a child in Millcreek, UT.

Your newborn infant is born with 20 teeth hidden behind the gum line. Before you realize it, your cheerful baby has become irritable and prone to drooling regularly, as those teeth begin to emerge.

The first tooth typically emerges between 6 months and one year and can be hard on your little one. Today on the blog, Dr. Ari shares tips and remedies to help your teething baby.

Teething Signs in Your Baby

When your baby starts teething, it may be a challenging period. There are, however, a variety of baby teething strategies to assist in comforting your youngster. If your infant is approximately six months old (time varies), you may notice the following teething symptoms:

  • Gums that are either sore or sensitive
  • Drooling
  • Irritability
  • Chewing
  • A rash from drool around the mouth

Typically, the first tooth to develop is one of the bottom incisors. It is a good idea to check your baby’s mouth for any lumps that might indicate freshly emerging teeth. Teething may take longer for some newborns than others, so infants may experience symptoms months before a tooth appears.

How to Help Ease Teething Pain

Smiling child at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry in Cottonwood Heights, UT near me.

Gently Massage Your Baby’s Gums

Applying pressure with a clean finger to your baby’s gums may help relieve the pain. Gently rub their gums and see how they react.

Massaging sore gums may assist your infant in relaxing and falling asleep.

Use a Cold Washcloth or Rag

Another idea to help soothe sore gums is to soak a clean washcloth in cold water for your baby to chew on. You can also place the cloth in the refrigerator to chill.

If your infant is chewing on something, even a washcloth, you should never leave them alone since this might pose a choking hazard.

Chilled Pacifier

If your child takes a pacifier, you can use it to cool down and calm their gums. Clean the pacifier and store it in the refrigerator. The cooling may numb the gums and reduce some of the discomfort. 

Teething Toy

For a teething baby, a teething toy can provide them with something fun that also helps to soothe gums. There are many teething toys out there that you can purchase online. Make sure that you buy your toy from a reputable company that has had their products tested for safety.

Frozen treats

If your kid has started eating solid meals, you might try freezing some fruit to help calm inflamed gums. Chilled, mashed bananas are an excellent starting point! Other fruits can be placed in a mesh feeder for your baby to suck on. The mesh feeder will assist in preventing choking. Chilled apples, pears, or strawberries are just a few examples of fruit you might try. It’s important to keep an eye on your baby at all times while they are eating solid foods.

A popsicle or a little ice cream can also help alleviate discomfort and help soothe sensitive gums.

Additional Cuddling Time

Extra snuggle time is sometimes the most excellent approach to treating a baby in pain. Rocking your baby in an oversized chair or carrying your infant around the home (in a baby carrier) are also excellent options to help soothe them. The additional cuddling time will help you both get some much-needed slumber.

Medicated Pain Relievers

As a last option, you might discuss the possibility of supplying over-the-counter pain medicine with your doctor. These medications assist in relieving discomfort and allowing the infant to sleep. Again, your doctor can advise you on the proper dosage and the best sort of pain medication to use.

Tips for Feeding a Teething Baby

Smiling child at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry in South Salt Lake, UT.

If your baby has moved onto solid foods, they may try to avoid eating when they begin teething. Many foods may cause your baby’s gums further irritation. They also may start drooling more which can also irritate your baby’s skin.

During this uncomfortable time, there are a few things you can try to help your baby feel more comfortable.

Bib for Drooling

It is beneficial to have your infant wear a bib when teething. A teething baby will have a propensity to drool. Make it a point to clean away drool from your baby’s chin and face to avoid additional irritation. To prevent a rash, your child’s face should be kept dry.

Soft Foods

Avocados, yams, mashed potatoes, and bananas, are all foods that are soft and won’t further irritate your little one’s gums. Be sure to monitor your baby at all times while they are eating.

Cold Foods

Cold foods such as smoothies and purées are another great way for your baby to receive the nutrition they need while helping with gum pain.

Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry

Questions about your child’s oral health? We’re here for you! Contact our Pediatric Dentist office in SLC today to learn more.

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in

How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Child

Pediatric dental care team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, Taylorsville.

How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Child

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Choosing a Child's Toothbrush

Friendly pediatric dentist with child patient in Sandy, UT near me.

At Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, we love helping parents make the best decisions for their little ones. We pride ourselves on parents and patient education. In fact, one of our most frequently asked questions is how to choose a toothbrush for your child. With so many options on the market, it can be a challenge.

If you’ve ever been to your local grocery store’s dental area, you’ll understand what we’re talking about. There are brushes with varying lengths of bristles, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when used. In addition, there are brushes that play songs, brushes that light up, and more.

Options to Consider When Picking a Toothbrush

Toothbrush Size

When choosing a toothbrush for a child, ensure it fits comfortably in their hand. If the size and angle are uncomfortable, the youngster will be less inclined to use it long enough to clean all mouthparts. Our dentist for kids in Salt Lake City shares that small, age-appropriate toothbrushes work the best in little mouths to get into tight spaces. If you are doubtful, consult with your kids dentist.

Soft Bristles or Firm Bristles?

The hardness of the bristles is a critical consideration. Stiff bristles may be more effective for cleaning charred meat from a grill or hard water deposits from a shower floor-  your teeth! Our friend Dr. Boals, shares that brushes with medium or hard bristles might cause gum injury.

The bristles of soft and extra-soft toothbrushes are firm enough to provide a deep clean and remove plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles are also more adaptable for reaching and can reach all the nooks and crevices. So, make sure to always look for a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Electric Toothbrush or Manual Brush?

Kids’ toothbrushes come in both electric and manual options. When deciding which one is best, it will largely depend on your child’s preferences. Research shows that an electric toothbrush with a small brush head does clean teeth better than a manual toothbrush. That being said, the BEST toothbrush for your kids is the one they want to brush with. Dr. Ari brushes with a manual toothbrush some days, and an electric one on other days, depending on how he feels. An electric toothbrush is not a replacement for good brushing technique and habits.

Toothbrushes for Different Age Groups

Pediatric dental care team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, Taylorsville.

Toothbrushes for Babies

Oral-B Pro-Health Stages Toothbrush (Ages 0-2)

This brush has a rubber grip handle which allows for easy brushing for parents. The handle also allows for your child to eventually begin to use the brush themselves. It has ultra-soft bristles that are perfect for your baby’s tender gums.

Toothbrushes for Toddlers

Colgate My First Toothbrush

This toothbrush is perfectly sized for toddlers and has an easy grip handle so your child can start to learn how to brush their teeth on their own. It features soft bristles that are gentle yet still effective at cleaning your toddler’s teeth.

Colgate Kids Battery Toothbrush

If your toddler prefers an electric toothbrush, the Colgate Kids Battery Toothbrush is a great way to get them starting to learn how to brush their teeth. These brushes are available in multiple different colors and feature popular cartoon characters. It also has a timer that will help to encourage your toddler to begin the habit of brushing for two minutes.

Toothbrushes for Kids

Oral-B Kids Electric Tooth Brush 

The Oral-B Kids Electric Tooth Brush is a great option for kids. It has a small circular head like the cleaning tools you would see at the dentist. It is also available in lots of fun themes and colors.

 

Get Your Child Involved

We want your child to be excited about their oral health. Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC, shares that letting your child pick out their toothbrush is a great idea. Having a toothbrush that plays their favorite song, is their favorite color, or is an excellent, funky shape, is an easy way to get your kiddo excited to brush.

“Our team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry will do everything possible to avoid cavities with frequent cleanings and examinations. We are highly qualified to provide your children with high-quality, cutting-edge dental treatment while developing excellent dental habits that they can carry with them at home.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

What About Flossing?

Smiling child at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry in Cottonwood Heights, UT

Maintaining good oral hygiene in children is crucial for their overall health, and this includes both brushing and flossing. While it’s beneficial for kids to start practicing these habits early on, it’s important for parents or caregivers to actively assist with brushing and flossing until children develop the necessary dexterity. Typically, this level of manual dexterity is similar to the skill required to tie shoelaces quickly and efficiently, which usually occurs around the age of 7.

Until then, children might not have the fine motor skills needed to thoroughly clean between their teeth and along the gumline. By taking an active role in their dental care routine, you can ensure that their teeth and gums remain healthy, preventing cavities and gum disease. Encouraging your child to practice alongside you can also help them learn the correct techniques and build good habits for the future.

Plan A Dental Cleaning For Your Child

how to choose the right pediatric dentist

Are your child’s toothbrush and brushing methods effective? We can help you find out. Our exceptional dental hygienists at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry teach our patients of all ages to correct brushing practices.

Cavities can emerge when your child’s teeth are exposed to sugary or carbohydrate-containing meals. Sugars and carbs can build upon and around your child’s teeth after they eat, causing plaque to form on the enamel. As a result, your children may develop cavities. Fortunately, we specialize in Children’s Cavity Prevention.  In addition, we will work hard to instill a passion for brushing and flossing in your child, resulting in better checkups and fewer cavities. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today to learn more!

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in