Babies don’t arrive with a dazzling smile; their first teeth take time to emerge.
And when they do, it can be a bumpy ride for both baby and parent.
Fussy, cranky, and constantly chewing on everything in sight – these are common teething symptoms.
While it’s a natural part of growing up, there are plenty of ways to soothe your little one’s discomfort and make this phase a little easier.
Let’s explore some effective remedies to help your baby smile through the teething process.
Teething Troubles
Why is teething so painful? We may not be remember our time as babies, growing out our first baby teeth but its not hard to imagine (especially if you’ve had a couple of wisdom teeth growing funny).
Babies’ gums are very sensitive, and when their first teeth start crowning, it increases this sensitivity.
Teething usually happens between 4 to 7 months. It can happen much sooner or much later, depending on the baby.
Teethers offer an excellent solution to the discomfort, helping your little one manage the pain so that they can eat, sleep and do other baby things without much fuss or difficulty.
Here are a few suggestions that you can try.
Designed to refresh and soothe the gums during teething, the Chicco Fresh Relax Teethers-Cherry 4M+ is great for teething pain.
It has ergonomic handles and different textures that enrich the chewable surface.
The Chicco teethers come in other shapes like Ice Cream 4M+.
Another recommendation is the Chicco Physio Soft Soother Silicone. This teether is perfect for day and night use.
Available in rubber and in transparent or colored silicone, its exclusive ‘Mum effect’ finish makes it extra velvety and pleasant for your baby.
The soother’s one-piece construction is extra soft and gentle, ensuring it doesn’t bother your baby, even during sleep.
Its break-like base allows lips to rest comfortably.
The ventilation holes promote air circulation to prevent saliva buildup.
Pearly White Smile
Now that your baby has a fresh emerging set of chompers, helping them maintain a healthy oral routine is also important to take care of those new baby teeth.
But first, don’t misunderstand. Even if your baby hasn’t started on solids, they still need to have their teeth brushed.
The sugars in breast milk can easily feed the mouth bacteria, causing tooth decay.
So as soon as those baby teeth start crowning, its time to get them their first toothbrush.
Make sure you find ones that are specifically designed for babies as these have soft bristles that are gentle on their soft gums.
Without further ado, here’s a good suggestion.
Designed for ages 6 to 36 months, the Chicco Toothbrush is made in Italy and tailored for your baby’s small mouth.
Its rounded head and thin neck, coupled with extra soft ‘tapered technology’ bristles, gently clean teeth and soothe irritated gums.
The slightly angled neck reaches the back corners of the mouth, while the large, soft anti-slip handle ensures an easy grip for both parents and kids.
Fun decorations make brushing enjoyable for little ones, and a brush cover is included for hygiene.
A Fresh Breath
A good toothbrush must be paired with a good toothpaste.
But it’s not just about making sure your baby has nice-smelling fresh breath.
Brushing alone is not enough. Toothpaste is important for neutralising the damaging mouth acids that can wear away at your baby’s fragile enamel as previously mentioned.
Look for one specially formulated for infants as these are not as harsh as the adult version.
Infant toothpastes in general do not (or rather, should not) contain any mint as it is too harsh for them.
Take a look at these options you may try.
The Chicco Baby Toothpaste is perfect for babies 12 months and up.
But if your baby is 6 months and above, opt for the Apple Banana flavour.
Once your child is grown up enough, you can get them their own full oral health set.
The Chicco Oral Care Set is equipped with a toothbrush, a 50ml tube of Toothpaste and a gargling cup.
This is a perfection option for toddlers 12 and up.
Healthy Teeth for Life
Never underestimate the value and importance of teeth. They are more than just a tool that lets us eat and enjoy our food.
They also are important for speech, maintaining facial structure and even for breathing.
Starting on their oral care early sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy pearly whites.
Brushing twice a day in the morning and night is just the tip of the iceberg.
As they grow, rememeber to teach them the importance of flossing as well.
With any luck, they’ll have a full set of teeth well into adulthood and beyond!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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