During their first year of life, children undergo teething as their first set of teeth begins to emerge from their gums. Although this is a natural process, it can often be uncomfortable for infants, leading to difficulty in coping with the associated discomfort. However, did you know that using a teething ring can provide a safe and effective way to relieve this discomfort? Continue reading to learn how pediatric these specialized teething toys may help your little one.
A Closer Look at the Teething Process
Teething typically occurs between 4 to 7 months of age, although it may start earlier or last longer in some cases. It often causes discomfort in infants, resulting in symptoms such as swollen or tender gums, fussiness, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, disrupted sleep, and a tendency to bite on hard objects.
How Can Teething Rings Help?
Teething rings are specialized teething toys, often shaped like rings to facilitate easy gripping by young hands. They are typically made from safe materials such as rubber, soft plastic, silicone, and wood.
These rings provide relief to children by giving them something safe to bite on during teething, applying gentle pressure to soothe sore gums. Moreover, they act as a distraction from the discomfort that your child may experience during teething.
Tips for Using Teething Rings
Although most dental professionals consider teething rings safe for infants, it’s essential to keep some key points in mind. Here are some tips to ensure your little one uses their teething ring correctly:
- Choose the right teething rings – Choose teething rings crafted from safe materials such as silicone, rubber, or soft plastic. Avoid rings containing liquid or small attached parts, as these may pose a choking hazard.
- Use a chilled teething ring – To provide additional relief, refrigerate the teething ring for approximately 30 minutes instead of freezing it, as freezing may make it too hard. The cool temperature will help soothe your child’s gums.
- Supervise your child – Ensure to supervise your child while they use the teething ring and refrain from placing it around their neck, as this could also pose a choking hazard.
- Keep the toys clean – To maintain cleanliness, wipe the teething toys with a cloth or soak them in warm, soapy water before drying thoroughly.
- Don’t share teething rings – Don’t allow your child to use a teething ring that was used by another child before, and replace old teething toys when needed.
Ensuring your child’s teething experience is safe and comfortable involves selecting appropriate teething rings, supervising their use, and maintaining cleanliness. By following these tips, you can help ease your little one’s discomfort during this developmental milestone.
About the Practice
The team at Orenco for Kids Dentistry is committed to giving excellent care to young patients. Dr. Michael C. Royse works hard to help even the most anxious patients feel comfortable, ensuring they leave with a bright smile and a positive experience. They offer a variety of services to keep your child’s smile healthy as it develops. If you have questions about teething rings for your baby’s safety or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Royse, visit the Orenco for Kids Dentistry website or reach out to their office at (503) 640-6565.