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Teething – Fitchburg, MA

What to Expect From Your Little One’s Budding Smile

As a parent, few things light up your world like seeing your child smile. And nothing pains your heart like hearing their helpless cries. At Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we know how difficult the teething phase can be for you and your little one, which is why we are here to share plenty of tips and tricks for this difficult time. If you need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our pediatric dentist in Fitchburg today!

What Is Teething?

Smiling baby lying on a bed

Between 6 and 12 months old, your baby’s once gummy smile begins to transform as their primary teeth break through their gum line. In response, your little one may become irritable, show signs of discomfort, or have difficulty sleeping soundly through the night. In most cases, their bottom and top teeth will emerge first, before their remaining 20 primary ones come in gradually (until around the age of 3).

Signs a Baby Is Having Trouble Teething

Father smiling while holding son

Throughout the teething process, it’s natural for your baby to experience some of the common symptoms, including:

  • Fussiness or irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping at night
  • Not eating as much as they used to
  • Facial rashes
  • Biting their hands or teething toy to relieve pressure
  • Pulling their ears
  • Rubbing their cheeks

However, if your little one begins exhibiting any of the below symptoms in tandem with teething, then you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible:

  • A temperature over 102-degree Fahrenheit
  • More than two bouts of diarrhea
  • A severe cough or cold develops
  • More than a few droplets of blood

When You Should Bring Your Teething Baby to See Us

Closeup of baby's first teeth

To ensure your child’s oral health is in tip-top shape, we recommend bringing them in for their first visit when their first tooth emerges or when they turn 1. That way, we can conduct a thorough exam, address any concerns, and guide you through caring for your little one’s smile. In fact, even if everything is completely normal, we’d be happy to simply share some useful tips to relieve your baby’s discomfort, such as:

  • Massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger
  • Offering your child a cold, rubber teething toy (just put it in the freezer beforehand to help numb their gums as they chew)

Is it time for your little one’s first appointment? Or would you like to speak with our team more in-depth about relieving your child’s discomfort during the teething process? Contact our office today so our knowledgeable dental professionals can help!