Navigating the Teething Stage

Teething is a natural and necessary part of your child's growth. However, knowing that doesn't make it any easier to handle. Teething can make your baby cranky and fussy, and can be the cause of many sleepless nights. If your baby has started teething, or if you are trying to prepare for the onset of this stage, we've compiled some basic information that may help you. Consult with our Elgin Pediatric Dentist for more information about your child's specific needs.

Is My Baby Teething?

There is a great deal of incorrect information on the subject of teething that can be found all over the internet. Understanding what you should expect can help you know when you truly need to contact a doctor or dentist for your child. Normal symptoms of teething include:

• Irritability 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fussiness
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Chewing on fingers
• Low-grade fever 

Call your doctor if your baby has high fever, rash, or diarrhea. Contact your 60124 Pediatric Dentist if your baby's gums have severe swelling, redness, or bleeding.

Teething Remedies 

Soothing a distressed, teething baby can be difficult. With sore, inflamed gums, your baby may calm down with a chilled pacifier or teething ring. You may also try rubbing their gums gently with a clean finger or damp gauze. Some infant Tylenol may be appropriate in some situations. Follow the recommendations of your child's doctor or dentist. Do not use topical pain relievers, which can be dangerous for young children. Homeopathic teething gels and tablets have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for their safety.

Caring For Newly Erupted Teeth

As soon as your baby's first tooth emerges, dental care is needed. Gently wipe your baby's teeth and gums with a damp washcloth at least twice a day and before bed.

Once your child has two teeth that touch, begin cleaning between teeth daily using floss or an interdental brush. Your child should have their first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. Stay positive when telling your child about the dentist. We will check their teeth and ensure a comfortable, fun first visit.

If you have any questions or are concerned about your teething baby, please contact our 60194 Pediatric Dentist office to schedule an appointment.

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/
1640 Capital Suite Ste 500
Elgin, IL 60124
Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/
75 West Schaumburg Road Schaumburg, IL 60194

Encouraging Healthy Dental Habits for Teens

The teenage years bring with them greater independence and with that independence comes more choices to be made. Friends begin to exert a greater influence over diet and lifestyle habits than parents at this age.

Because teens still need to follow good oral health habits, follow these tips to help preserve healthy smiles during this transformative time.

Encourage Healthy Eating

Teens are always on the go, and may rely on energy drinks, fast food, and nutrition bars to get through the day. Most of these are loaded with sugar, carbs and acids, which can wreak havoc on their dental health.

●    Keep cheese sticks, fruit, and raw veggies on hand for healthy snacks

●    Stock the fridge with water, coconut water, and no-sugar teas

●    Trade traditional gum and candy for those made with tooth-friendly xylitol or other sugar-free sweeteners

You can't always make your teen follow a perfect diet, but having healthy choices at the ready can help make it easy.

Encourage Mouthguard Use

If your teenager plays football, soccer, lacrosse or another contact sport, insist that they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. Mouthguards can be custom fitted by a dentist or store-bought. Some fit over orthodontic braces.

A mouth protector should be rinsed after each use, disinfected regularly, and stored in a ventilated container.

Use Caution with Braces

If your teen has braces, they must exercise great oral care. Make sure to keep new toothbrushes or brush heads, plus floss, and a floss threader, handy.

Also, be mindful of what they eat: no sticky or crunchy foods and no chewing gum. For healthy prepared snacks any time, cut fruit into bite-sized pieces, add a little lemon juice or pectin to keep them longer, and store portions in sandwich bags.

Avoid Oral Piercings

The popularity of tongue and lip piercings comes and goes, but your teen should know that the metal in piercings can cause tooth damage and mouth infections. Tongue piercings, in particular, can easily chip teeth.

Tooth fractures may need filings, or, if they are deeper, require a tooth extraction or root canal.

Make Good Oral Health Easy

Reward regular brushing and proper flossing, and keep extra kits in your kid's gym bag, the car, and in their school locker for on-the-go care. Encourage good teeth-cleaning habits after meals, or suggest swishing and rinsing until there is an opportunity to brush.

Like adults, teens need to visit their dentist at least twice a year. Adolescents and teens tend to be self-conscious; having an attractive smile and sweet breath are good motivators for proper oral hygiene.

We can work with your busy teen's schedule, contact our Pediatric Dentist in Elgin today to schedule their next appointment.

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437
Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/
1640 Capital Suite Ste 500
Elgin, IL 60124
Kids First Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 847-717-5437 Url: https://kidsfirstpd.com/ cash, credit card
75 West Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194