Safe Teething Treatments for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Parents might be tempted to soothe a teething baby by rubbing medication on the gums.  However, the FDA warns that prescription drugs are not safe for treating teething infants.  These safer alternatives are a far better choice!

Safe Teething Treatments:

• Gently massage the gums with your finger.
• Give your child a cool teething ring.
• Let them chew on a cool, wet washcloth.

Cool objects act like a mild local anesthetic.  The cool temperature soothes the gums by dulling the nerves that transmit pain.  This is a great alternative to help sooth your teething baby.  However, you should always have adult supervision to make sure that they don’t accidently choke on the teething ring or wash cloth. 

The FDA reminds parents that drugs such as viscous lidocaine or benzocaine are not safe for treating teething in young children.  Small children can easily overdose when given medications to ease the pain of teething.  You should never use medications except for when they are prescribed by a professional.  Read more about the FDA recommendations on their webpage.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for your teething tot.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

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photo credit: Ryan Dickey via photopin cc