Parenthood is filled with all sorts of challenges; and though it’s always worth it in the end, some things can feel quite burdensome—including waiting for your child to finish teething. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make this process easier for your little one, including using teething rings! But what are these devices and are they truly safe? Here’s what your pediatric dentist wants you to know.
What Are Teething Rings?
The teething process usually starts when children are between four and seven months of age, and it can often be a painful and uncomfortable experience for them. Signs of teething usually include things like tender or swollen gums, drooling, irritability, trouble sleeping, refusing food, and biting on hard objects.
Teething rings can be quite useful for children dealing with teething discomfort. They’re essentially a type of teething toy that’s easy for small fists to grasp, and they safely provide the pressure needed to soothe your little one’s soreness that results from teething.
Tips for Safely Using Teething Rings
Some parents have concerns about allowing their children to use teething rings, but most dental professionals agree that correctly using teething rings made of appropriate materials is safe. Here are some tips to consider:
- Choose the correct material – Teething rings come in many materials, such as plastic or silicone. Be sure to avoid the ones that are filled with liquid, as they might break which can result in your child swallowing a foreign liquid. Certain kinds of teething rings have small parts, like decorations or rattles, attached to them. While they might entertain your child, these small parts are still a choking hazard.
- Consider keeping it cool – A chilled teething ring can provide a little extra relief for your child, but be sure that it’s not frozen solid, since your child will be biting into it! Simply place the ring in the refrigerator, rather than the freezer, beforehand to make it sufficiently cool.
- Always exercise caution – This is good advice in general, but you should always watch over your child when they’re using a teething ring, and never tie the ring around your child’s neck to keep it in place—this is a major choking hazard.
It’s also worth noting that feeding your child soft and cool foods like applesauce can soothe their gums, as can gently rubbing them with a cool washcloth. In any case, by staying informed about teething rings and following these tips, you can ensure that your little one makes it through the teething process with minimal discomfort!
About the Practice
Dr. Homer Sedighi and his skilled team are thrilled to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Chesterfield, MO community. The practice is proud to offer a wide range of pediatric services for children of all ages, so if your child is due for a visit or is experiencing some type of dental issue, don’t hesitate to contact the practice today for assistance. Telephone: (636) 428-3664.