Having a baby is a joyous time in people’s lives. There are so many firsts to look forward to and celebrate, like when their teeth start to come in. Unfortunately, while this should be an exciting time for parents, your baby will not enjoy it as much. You may turn to remedies like teething rings to alleviate their pain and discomfort. But are these devices safe to use? Will they lead to the need for tooth repair in the future? Read on to learn more about the purpose of teething rings and how to properly use them for your baby.
What Do Teething Rings Do?
At around 6 to 10 months when your baby’s teeth first erupt, or emerge from the gums, it’s a painful process for them. You’ll probably notice that they cry more and are fussier during this period. Their gums may be tender or swollen, they drool a lot, or they may refuse food.
Chewing on a cool teething ring puts pressure on the gums, easing the pain and discomfort of your baby’s teeth coming in. It’s the same reason an adult will press down on their jaw when they have a toothache. Fortunately, there is no evidence that teething rings are damaging to your baby’s teeth.
Tip #1: Refrigerate, Don’t Freeze
Your baby’s gums are delicate, which is why it’s not recommended to let them chew on a frozen teething ring – they’re too hard on the baby’s gums. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, frozen teething rings can cause more harm than good, leading to possible bruising of the gums.
A cool, flexible teething ring stored in the refrigerator is the safest bet to offer your baby a little extra comfort.
Tip #2: Be Cautious
Keep an eye on your baby while they chew on their teething ring. You may find it beneficial to keep the ring on a loop around their neck, but this creates a risk of choking or strangulation. Let them hold it in their hand; one of the benefits of teething rings is they’re the perfect fit for those cute little fists!
Tip #3: Choosing the Right Material
Liquid teething rings contain things like water, salt, flavoring, or chemicals. Avoid buying these types of rings; your baby’s chewing can break them and allow them to swallow the ingredients or spill them onto them.
Also, some rings come with small objects attached to stimulate or distract babies. The problem is that these can become choking hazards. Opt instead for a one-part teething ring made from solid or empty rubber with no small parts that pose a risk.
Tip #4: Clean Them Often
Teething rings that are not properly cleaned often enough can harbor harmful bacteria from the floor and other surfaces and form a risk of infection. Throw in the drooling factor and you’ve practically got a breeding ground for germs.
Clean your teething ring regularly with hot water and a mild dish detergent. It may also be helpful to soak them in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar.
Alternatives to Teething Rings
If you’re worried about using a teething ring or haven’t had the chance to go out and get one yet, there are some methods you can use to soothe your baby’s sore gums:
- Gently rub the gums with a cool washcloth or a clean finger.
- If your baby is eating solid foods, give them something cool and soft, like applesauce.
- Provide a cool bottle, but only fill it with water.
Hopefully, this guide helps you safely use a teething ring as a remedy for a painful period in your baby’s new life.
About the Practice
Need dental care for your baby? Healthy Kids Dentistry handles kids’ oral needs from infancy to adulthood! And once you turn 18, you can head right next door to our adult dental office. Our dentists, Drs. Jose Garcia and Katiana Cruet, will take the time to assess and guide parents through the different stages of oral development along with risk factors kids may face at certain ages. If your little one needs dental care, schedule an appointment today online or call our Silver Spring office at (301) 871-8880.