For parents with very young babies (from four to seven months) we here at Radiant Dental Aesthetics have some helpful advice. We—Dr. Jacqui Yun and Dr. John Yun who are married with children—are experienced in the crankiness and restlessness of infants at ages four to seven months when teeth start to emerge. It’s a blessing to be taking care of your beloved baby but it can sure be a sleep breaker. Less sleep for both parents, and your infant is probably undergoing the first process of teething, which can be achy and uncomfortable for them.

As an expert kid’s dentist Dr. Jacqui recommends these ways to comfort your baby during this first teething stage.

1. Babies often chew on their fingers or other things near them to deal with aches and pains. Mindful of this instinct you can provide cold treats for your baby to chew on. It can provide enough relief that your baby will fall asleep. Here are pediatric-approved items to chew on: mesh feeder filled with chilled baby food; chilled fresh fruits (safe, such as bananas) if they’re eating solid food; chilled teether toy rated safe for babies; chilled damp washcloth rubbed against their gums.
2. Study gum massage for infants and then gently massage the gums of your baby girl or boy with a damp washcloth that has been chilled – the coldness provides more comfort for the infant for this kind of achiness, as it does for us as grownups.
3. Teething can also bring on rashes as it induces more drool (a lot more in many cases) from your baby and that constant drool can cause a rash. Thus, more discomfort. So be diligent in wiping up drool with a soft washcloth or bib. Then, petroleum jelly can be applied to any rash area that developed.
4. You as an impresario in mastering the art of distraction. Any way during the day or night you can distract your baby from the aches of teething is a successful pause in their discomfort. Perhaps a warm bath, a nice rhythmic bounce, using the sounds of white noise or gentle piano, singing or humming to distract your baby.