We have expert advice for you from Dr. Maddie DiPaolo in today’s newsletter. Teething is when teeth first come through a baby's gums. It can be a frustrating time for babies and their parents. Knowing what to expect during teething can make it a little less painful.

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Starting the Teething Process

Tips for soothing sore gums

Teething is when teeth first come through a baby's gums. It can be a frustrating time for babies and their parents. While teething can begin as early as 3 months, most likely you'll see the first tooth start pushing through your baby's gum line when your little one is between 4 and 7 months old.

The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. They're usually followed 4 to 8 weeks later by the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors). About a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear.

As kids begin teething, they might drool more and want to chew on things. For some babies, teething is painless. Others may have brief periods of irritability, while some may seem cranky for weeks, with crying spells and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns.

Signs of Teething

• Swollen gums with white nubs (indicating teeth beginning to surface)

• Irritability beyond normally explained behavior

• Chewing on fingers, knawing on bottle nipples or toys

• Increased drooling and discomfort while feeding

• Less interested in solids

A few tips to make the teething process less painful

1. Gently wipe your baby's face often with a cloth to remove the drool and prevent rashes from developing. If the cloth is a wet wipe, blot the skin to keep it dry.

2. Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger. Try to avoid them clamping down on your finger but

3. Give your baby a teething toy to chew on. Make sure it's big enough that it can't be swallowed or choked on. Some can be left in the freezer for a cooling effect (see below).

4. Soothing gels (without Benzocaine). We listed a safe option below!

Dental Care

We sought the advice of board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Maddie DiPaolo DMD, MS, at Local Smile Co. The care and cleaning of your baby's teeth is important for long-term dental health. Even though the first set of teeth will fall out, tooth decay makes them fall out more quickly, leaving gaps before the permanent teeth are ready to come in. The remaining primary teeth may then crowd together to attempt to fill in the gaps, which may cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked and out of place.

• The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends starting dental care as soon as the first tooth emerges. It's time to start brushing!

• There’s a lot of fluoride debate, but let’s clear up some confusion. Fluoride toothpaste is safe and beneficial for your child’s teeth. Begin using it as soon as the first tooth emerges, applying a very tiny amount – about the size of a grain of rice. This small dose helps keep enamel strong and protects against cavities.

• If you’re concerned about fluoride, hydroxyapatite is a great alternative. This mineral also strengthens teeth and is found in products from brands like Risewell and Boca.

• Night feeds can make brushing challenging. If your baby breastfeeds during the night and brushing isn’t feasible, use a cloth to gently wipe their gums and teeth or consider xylitol tooth wipes. These are effective and easy to use when you're in a pinch.

Fluoride doesn’t just strengthen enamel; it also affects the bacteria in the mouth. It helps reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans. Xylitol, a sugar alternative found in some dental products, also reduces these harmful bacteria.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by conflicting advice, especially with the rise of holistic health trends. However, scientific evidence supports the benefits of fluoride in preventing decay. Sadly, misinformation can lead to inadequate dental care, even among well-meaning parents. Using fluoride or hydroxyapatite can make a significant difference in your child’s oral health.

Remember, every small step counts in establishing a lifetime of healthy dental habits. Start brushing early, use the right products, and don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice tailored to your child’s needs. Happy brushing!

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The best baby teething products

The Ultimate Living Parenting Guide & Free Resource List

We decided to compile The Ultimate Living Parenting Guide & Free Resource List for you to explore at your own pace. It is full of everything from free resources to courses, books, podcasts, and online content - all centered around better parenting.

Let us know if you feel we missed anything!