Once your child’s first few teeth come through (usually before age one), it is time to schedule a pediatric dentistry visit. They can help ensure the teething process goes smoothly and address oral developmental concerns promptly. This review discusses several signs that indicate your baby has started the teething stage.
Pediatric dentistry tips: How to tell if your baby is teething
Teething can begin as early as four months of age and as late as 14 months. However, most babies start teething between six and twelve months. Parents can tell if their baby is teething by looking for physical signs, determining if they are uncomfortable, watching them closely to see if they are gnawing or chewing unusually, and taking their temperature. The following is a more detailed explanation of each pediatric dentistry tip.
Check for physical signs
Parents can start by checking their baby’s mouth for physical signs that teeth are emerging. When teeth emerge, gums can become sore and discolored; they can turn red and swell. As the teeth continually emerge, parents will also start to see them. If anything unusual (and mild) has changed with the child’s gums, they may be teething. If this is the case, it is time to visit the pediatric dentist.
Determine if your baby is in discomfort
Teething notoriously causes increased discomfort for babies. If the baby is crying more than normal and is not due to other medical or environmental causes, it may be teething. This is especially the case if there are also physical signs that teeth are coming through. In addition to crying more often than usual, baby teething may seem more irritable and fussy overall.
Watch if they are gnawing and chewing more than usual
Babies that are teething typically gnaw and chew more than they usually do. If parents have noticed that their child under the age of 14 months is starting to move their mouth more than usual, then it is time to visit the dentist and find out the condition of their baby teeth.
Take your baby’s temperature (check for a low-grade fever)
Of course, not all toddlers experience a low-grade fever related to teething. In addition, a low grade does not directly suggest teething is occurring. However, in many cases, teething symptoms can lead to a low-grade temperature of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, they may be teething if a mild fever is evident, not due to other causes.
Learn more from our pediatric dentistry team
Is your child showing signs of teething? If your child is teething or over the age of one and has not yet visited the dentist, then it is time to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist. Our pediatric dentistry office can assist your child’s oral care needs throughout the teething phase. Call us today to schedule a visit and get started.
Request an appointment or call Jayne F. Scherrman JS Pediatric Dentistry at 573-271-3062 for an appointment in our Cape Girardeau office.
Related Posts
Children can expect to receive comprehensive dental care at pediatric dentistry clinics, which includes everything from preventive care to necessary treatments and procedures. The focus is always on providing the best possible care for each child in a way that is age-appropriate and comfortable.The dentist and hygienist will see the child during a typical appointment.…
Your child's teeth will develop and change as they age. Likewise, the kind of dental care they need will change over time. The adult teeth may not develop properly without proper oral care, leading to gum disease and decay problems. Talking to a pediatric dentistry professional and asking the appropriate questions may help better care…
Pediatric dentistry treatments can stop and prevent tooth decay. This dental problem can influence a child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Poor oral health results in more than tooth decay. This situation could lead to harmful diseases and other conditions. If you want to know tooth decay’s effects on children, here are the details from…