Your child is cranky, gnawing on everything, but you’re not sure what is going on — there are no teeth in sight. Teething is actually a lengthy process, and until you visit the pediatric dentist, you may not understand the multiple stages involved. To prepare for your visit and help your child find the comfort they seek, consider the following ways you can help your teething child through each cycle.

The Stages of Teething

First Year

During your child’s first year, anywhere from six to 10 teeth may erupt in their mouth. On average, your baby will get their first tooth around six months of age, but this can vary by a few months. At the beginning of this teething stage, your child will likely want to chew on things, drool excessively, and pull on their ears to relieve shooting pains in their gum and jaw areas. Soothe your child using teethers, some of which can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer to provide extra pain relief. You can also massage aching gums with your finger or a cold washcloth.

Second Year

As your child continues to thrive, they will begin to develop some of the more uncomfortable symptoms associated with teething as the canines and small molars come in. Because your child is older now and used to eating more solid foods, you can start giving them frozen fruit to chew on to relieve sore gums. Massaging your child’s teeth and gums with a toothbrush can be beneficial not only to overall hygiene but also to aching mouths.

Third Year

By the third year, your child will likely have all or most of their baby teeth. Because this cycle includes the largest molars, your child may still experience discomfort. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe sore gums, as well as oral numbing products for children to treat sensitive spots. With most of their teeth in their mouths by the age of three, visit the pediatric dentist to ensure all the teeth coming in are healthy and cavity-free.

If your child is in the beginning stages of teething and you want more tips and tricks to provide relief, talk to the pediatric dentists at Four Corners Dental Group. This family dentist provides compassionate and comfortable care for patients of all ages, ranging from hygiene checkups to sealants and fluoride applications for children. To learn more about how they can help your child achieve a healthy smile, visit them online or call (907) 258-3384 to schedule an appointment in Anchorage. To reach their Wasilla location, call (907) 376-2790.