A Pediatric Dentist Answers Teething FAQs

A pediatric dentist does not just clean teeth. Pediatric dentists also provide useful information for parents, including facts about teething. Get the answers to the frequently asked questions about teething, so you will know what to expect as your child grows up.
When will the baby teeth come in?
Parents are often surprised to learn that babies are born with 20 primary teeth. These teeth are not visible because they are below the gumline. Teething occurs when the teeth start erupting.
When will the teeth erupt?
The first teeth usually erupt within between the ages of six and 12 months. Teeth generally continue to erupt until the child reaches the age of three. It usually takes one to seven days for each tooth to erupt.
What are the symptoms of teething?
Teething is an uncomfortable process for children. Children do not understand why they are in so much pain, so they might be fussier than normal during this process. Along with fussiness, parents should look out for other symptoms of teething.
Biting
Children want to relieve the pressure they feel from the teeth erupting through their gums. Many bite as a way to make their gums feel better.
Drooling
The teething process causes the salivary glands to produce more drool, which can cause coughing and gagging. Parents should wipe excess drool away immediately, so it does not cause a rash.
Decreased appetite
Due to sore gums, many children lose their appetite during the teething process. It hurts too much to eat, so they avoid it at all costs. If the child does not eat for more than a day, contact a pediatric dentist for help.
Is it possible to soothe a teething baby?
Parents want to help their children when they are in pain, so they often look for ways to soothe their babies during the teething process. Parents have a couple of options for helping their children.
Teething rings
Teething children typically respond well to teething rings. These rings soothe their gums while they chew on them, providing them with much-needed relief.
Gum massage
Parents can also take an active role in soothing their children by massaging their gums. Just use a moist gauze pad or finger and rub along the gumline. The baby should feel instant relief.
Do numbing gels and teething tablets work?
Some parents choose to use numbing gels or teething tablets, but that is a mistake. These items can be harmful to babies, so avoid using these medications.
Do not forget to go to the pediatric dentist
You can soothe your baby on your own during the teething process, but you will need to take your child to the pediatric dentist shortly after the first tooth erupts. The dentist needs to examine the teeth to ensure everything is coming in as it should. Also, if your child is having significant issues during the teething process, the dentist can help.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist.
Recent Posts
Kids dental crowns are a common treatment in pediatric dentistry that restores and protects damaged primary and permanent teeth. Also referred to as dental caps, these restorations help maintain a child's oral health by covering and strengthening weakened teeth. Pediatric dentists often recommend crowns when other restorative treatments, such as dental fillings, are not enough…
Kids dental crowns can improve the appearance of your child’s smile. These restorations can bring back normal dental function at the same time. With kids dental crowns, a pediatric dentist can help your child restore the form and function of your child’s smile.Severe decay deteriorates the enamel and weakens the dental structure. With large fillings,…
Kids dental crowns can restore decayed and damaged teeth, even when fillings are not an option. They can also be combined with other restorations, such as dental bridges, to replace missing teeth. Covering, reinforcing, or replacing teeth with crowns promotes good oral health. Crowns also support a child’s oral development, improving speech development, social skills,…
When a child’s tooth becomes damaged or severely decayed, a pediatric dentist may recommend a kids dental crown as an effective solution. These crowns restore the tooth’s function, strength, and appearance while preventing further complications. While baby teeth are temporary, they are a fundamental part of speech development, proper chewing, and guiding the permanent teeth…