Teething is something that all of us endure during our infancy, and for many of us, it’s quite an uncomfortable ordeal! And if your little one’s first set of pearly whites is beginning to emerge, the associated discomfort they’re feeling might be tugging at your heartstrings! Fortunately, teething rings are one of the best solutions for alleviating this discomfort and ensuring that your child can comfortably make it through this process. Here’s more from your pediatric dentist about teething rings and some ways you can safely use them to assist your little one with teething.
What Are Teething Rings?
As their name suggests, teething rings (sometimes called teethers) are a type of toy designed to assist infants with navigating the notoriously uncomfortable teething process. This usually begins to happen around 4 months to 7 months of age, but has been known to occur sooner and/or continue later. Some of the most common symptoms that manifest include swollen and tender gums, drooling, irritability, refusing food, insomnia, and the urge to bite hard objects.
Teething rings are generally small, and their ring shape is easy for infants to comfortably grasp. They’re made from a variety of materials including soft plastic, rubber, and silicone. They’re designed to provide soothing counterpressure to sore gums when bitten into; they also serve as a distraction from the pain.
Tips for Safely Using Teething Rings
You should rest easy knowing that dental professionals agree that when used correctly, teething rings are perfectly safe for infants—and they’re quite an effective solution for the discomfort associated with teething! Here are a few ways to ensure that your infant is safely and properly using their teething ring:
- Select a teething ring for your child that’s made from rubber, silicone, or soft plastic. Be wary of toys that have liquid inside of them or small parts attached to them, as they present a choking hazard.
- You can put the teething ring in the refrigerator before giving it to your child; the chilled ring can provide further relief for your little one. Just be sure not to freeze the toy, as it might become too hard.
- Always monitor your child while they’re using their teething ring, and never fasten the ring around their neck to keep it in place.
- Ensure that you’re keeping your child’s teething ring clean and sanitary, and never allow your child to use a teether that was previously used by another child. Replace old teethers as needed.
It’s also worth mentioning that in addition to safely utilizing teething rings, there are other ways you can soothe your little one’s discomfort including gently rubbing their gums with a cool washcloth, feeding them cool, soft foods like applesauce or yogurt, or giving them a bottle with cool water.
About the Practice
The team at Coral Kids Dentistry & Braces is thrilled to provide families in the St. Catharines, ON area with an unmatched level of dental care! They offer a wide range of pediatric services that are certain to help patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your little one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance. Telephone: +1 905-684-5437.