Welcome Dr. Angie Vartak!  |
Teething Guide for Parents Dupont, WA Watching your baby go through teething can be one of the more unsettling stretches of the first year. Fussiness sets in, sleep gets disrupted, and it is not always obvious whether your little one is simply having a hard day or actually cutting a new tooth. At Children's Dentistry of DuPont, we talk with parents in DuPont about baby teething almost every week, and having a clear picture of what to expect can make the process much less stressful for the whole family.When Does Teething Typically Begin?Most babies get their first tooth somewhere between four and seven months of age, though it is completely normal for teeth to arrive earlier or later than that window. Some babies are born with a tooth already visible, while others do not show any teeth until closer to their first birthday. The lower front teeth, known as the central incisors, are usually the first to break through, followed by the upper front teeth. By around age three, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Every child develops on a slightly different timeline, and family patterns often play a role. If one parent got their teeth early or late as a baby, their child may follow a similar path. There is a wide range of normal, so a baby who has not cut a first tooth by seven or eight months is not necessarily behind schedule. Common Signs Of TeethingBabies cannot tell you what is bothering them, so parents have to rely on behavior and physical cues. The signs of teething can vary quite a bit from one baby to the next, and some infants sail through the process with barely a fuss while others struggle noticeably. Watch for these common indicators:
Some parents also notice a mild rise in body temperature during teething, though a true fever is not a typical teething symptom and should be evaluated separately. Diarrhea, significant fever, rashes beyond the chin, and prolonged fussiness are generally not caused by teething and warrant a call to your pediatrician. How To Soothe A Teething BabyThere are several gentle, low-risk ways to ease a baby's discomfort while new teeth work their way through the gums. A clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring gives babies something safe to chew on while the coolness helps numb sore gums. Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger or a soft, damp washcloth can also provide relief. For babies who are already eating solids, cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt can be soothing, though always supervise feeding closely. It is best to avoid teething tablets, gels, or necklaces marketed for pain relief, since many of these products are not considered safe for infants. If your baby seems to be in significant discomfort, ask Children's Dentistry of DuPont or your pediatrician about age-appropriate options before trying anything new. Caring For New TeethAs soon as that first tooth appears, it is time to start a simple oral care routine. Wipe the tooth and surrounding gums with a soft, damp cloth or a small, soft-bristled infant toothbrush once a day. Once your child has several teeth, you can begin brushing twice daily with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, since prolonged contact with sugary liquids overnight is a common cause of early tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. An early visit lets our team check that teeth are coming in properly, answer questions about teething, and help your child get comfortable in the dental chair long before any treatment is needed. When To Reach Out To A Pediatric DentistWhile most teething discomfort resolves on its own within a few days of a new tooth breaking through, there are times when a call to our office is worthwhile. If your baby seems to be in persistent pain, if you notice discoloration on an erupting tooth, or if teething symptoms are paired with a high fever, it is worth having things checked out. Choosing a pediatric dentist for these early visits means your child is seen by someone with specialized training in infant and child oral development, not just general dentistry. Children's Dentistry of DuPont welcomes families throughout DuPont and the surrounding area for teething questions, first dental visits, and ongoing pediatric care. If your baby is showing signs of teething or you would like to schedule that all-important first appointment, call our office at (253) 244-9778. We are happy to walk you through what to expect and help your child build a positive relationship with the dentist from the very start. |
 Office Hours:Monday: 8am – 5pm (Clinic hours by special arrangement) Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 8am – 5pm Limited Friday: 8am – 1pm by special arrangement  
  |
