Daily brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups are a big part of keeping toddler teeth healthy and strong. But, what a child eats can also affect the teeth. Here are some tooth-friendly foods to serve to toddlers.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Raw foods are great for the teeth. Chewing raw foods massages the gums which helps clean the teeth. Offer fruits and vegetables that create more gnawing and those that have high water content such as apple, cranberry, orange, pear, strawberry, watermelon, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber and sweet potatoes. However, fruits do contain natural sugars that can cause cavities so make sure your toddler brushes his teeth after eating them. Also, try to reduce your toddler’s banana and raisin consumption and avoid canned fruits since they are packed with added sugars and preservatives that are harmful to your toddler’s teeth.

Grill vegetables, make a bowl of fresh fruit salad, spread a small amount of your toddler’s favorite spread (e.g. peanut butter or jelly) or offer low-sugar dips to make fruits and vegetables tastier for your toddler’s palate.

Cheese

Cheese contains casein – a protein found in milk that is helpful for strengthening the tooth’s surface, phosphate which balances the pH content in the mouth, making it a less welcoming place for the bacteria to cause cavities and calcium, which helps keep tooth enamel strong.

Make this finger food more appetizing for your little one by adding it into his favorite grilled chicken sandwich, cutting it into fun shapes with a cookie cutter or make kebabs with fruits. Stick to aged cheeses such as cheddar, Gouda and Swiss which helps stimulate the flow of saliva to cleanse food particles from teeth.

Yogurt

Just like cheese, yogurt also contains calcium, casein and phosphate that replenish the depleted mineral contents of the teeth. Since toddlers like the taste of yogurt, you will not have a hard time feeding this to your little one. You can offer low-sugar yogurt for breakfast or as a snack and add some nuts or cereal to make it more enticing.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are healthy carbohydrates that will not cause dental problems unlike unhealthy carbohydrates (e.g. white bread and baked goods) that contain high sugar which can coat the teeth and cause cavities and tooth decay. Plus, they are also full of fiber, vitamins and minerals which helps make your toddler’s teeth healthy and strong.

Some examples of whole grains your toddler will surely love are whole grain bread, cereals, crackers, oatmeal, rice and pasta.

Nuts

Nuts are unprocessed foods which are good for the teeth. Eating nuts entail plenty of chewing causing the mouth to salivate more which helps reduce acids. Nuts are also loaded with calcium, magnesium and phosphate all of which promote healthy teeth and gums. Almonds, cashews, peanuts and walnuts are all excellent choices for snacks.

Water

You may think this is a no-brainer but did you know water is the last beverage children will drink if they are given a choice of drink? Unlike milk, juice and smoothies, water has no decay-causing sugars. It washes off food particles that get caught between the teeth. In addition, tap water contains fluoride which fortifies tooth enamel.

Give your toddler a cute sippy cup with a curly straw or add a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of water to up the appeal of H2O.

A nutritious diet should not just focus on your toddler’s growing body, but it should also include those small pearly whites. Make sure to add these good food choices to his daily diet for a healthy smile.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the secret to having healthy teeth and gums. One way to achieve that is by having regular dental check-ups. However, kids and dentists do not always see eye to eye. If your toddler is afraid of the dentist, here are some tips to try that can help your child relax.

Start Early

The earlier a toddler visits the dentist, the better. Not only will this help acquaint your toddler with what to expect and improve your child’s comfort with the dentist but this will also prevent cavities and other oral health problems. It is best to start that visit after his first birthday or when the first tooth is visible.

Choose A Good Dentist

Having a good dentist is very important to ensure your toddler has a positive experience during his early years so that he does not develop a lifelong fear of dentists. Find a pediatric dentist (an oral care provider specially trained to handle children) that is friendly, patient, empathetic, engaging and has a good sense of humor.

Prep Your Toddler

Discuss the significance of going to the dentist but try not to reveal too many details. Keep a positive outlook and explain things in a casual manner. If he has questions, answer them straight to the point, but, never use the words “shot”, “hurt” and “painful” as you will only aggravate his fear. Just tell him that you are going to the dentist to count his teeth and check his smile.

Another way you can prepare your child is to read picture books about dentists (try Dora the Explorer’s Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit To The Dentist or Going To The Dentist (Usborne First Experiences) by Anne Civargi). Also, you might want to consider role playing the situation. Pretend that you and your toddler are going to the dentist. Ask your little one to be the dentist and you are his patient. Never bring your child to your own dentist appointment to expose him. Your child’s pediatric dentist’s clinic is different from your dentist’s.

Keep Your Cool

You may be as nervous as your toddler but you should never talk about your fear of the dentist to your little one. Remember, you are your child’s role model and once you show your anxiety, your toddler will probably pick up the feeling. Keep your unpleasant experience to yourself for now.

Time It Right

Schedule your appointment at a time your toddler is in the mood. Most parents go for a morning appointment when children are neither exhausted nor sleepy. Remember, a well-rested and well-fed child is a happy toddler and a happy child means lesser outbursts.

Show Moral Support

On the day of your appointment, stay close to your toddler. Let him sit on your lap on the dental chair. Hold his hand and talk in a low voice and say “It is okay honey. You can do it.”. Distract him by telling stories, asking him to take deep breaths or make him look at the photos on the wall. Once he is done, praise him for a job well done.

In addition, be sure to keep this tip in mind - never bribe your toddler just so he will stop fussing or crying. Doing so will only boost his fear. Plus, giving him a candy as a reward sends the wrong message after the dentist stresses that having strong teeth means avoiding sweets.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism is very common among children, especially when their baby and permanent teeth appear. It is a treatable condition. Here are some tips you can follow to help your toddler stop grinding his teeth.

Reduce Stress

Although unproven, many experts believe that teeth grinding is caused by anxiety, pain and stress. Find out what is bothering your little one and try to resolve the issue. Make sure you observe the stress level of your toddler, especially a few hours before bedtime. Start a soothing bedtime routine so he is calm and at ease before bed. Give him a warm bath, followed by a warm glass of milk, a bedtime story and a hug and a kiss or extra cuddling to transition him into peaceful sleep.

Use A Mouth Guard

Using a mouth guard or a night guard is the best way to break the habit and stop your child from grinding his teeth instantly. Not only does it protect the teeth but it also alleviates the pressure of clenching and grinding. You can get a custom-made mouth guard from your dentist or a ready-made mouth guard (cheaper than a custom-made one) from online stores or your local drugstore.

Be Cautious of What You Feed Your Toddler

Be careful what you feed your toddler. Do not offer your toddler caffeinated and sugary foods and drinks before bed. Instead of giving fruit juice, hot chocolate and cookies, give your toddler plenty of water throughout the day. Teeth grinding often occur when a person is dehydrated.

Give A Massage

Give your toddler a mouth massage to help stretch and relax tense muscles which eases away tension. Before tucking your little one to bed, lightly massage his face and jaw. Use gentle circular rubbing motions to slacken everything up. Do this for five minutes.

Another way to massage your toddler’s jaw is by placing a warm cloth on his cheek next to his ear to loosen up tight jaw muscles.

Help Your Toddler Quit The Chewing Habit

Teach your toddler not to chew gum, toothpicks and pen and pencil lids. This gnawing habit is dangerous because it allows your toddler’s jaw muscles to become used to grinding, which will make him more susceptible to bruxism.

Visit The Dentist

Go for regular check-ups. Ask your dentist to check your toddler’s teeth. Your child may have teeth alignment problems or damaged teeth which causes him to clench or grind his teeth. The dentist can also give recommendations to keep your little one from further damaging his mouth.

Undergo Therapy

Your toddler may also undergo therapy known as biofeedback to stop teeth grinding. Your child will be wired up to a machine while he is conscious or asleep to identify when grinding occurs.

If all else fails, just wait it out. Teeth grinding may sound dreadful, but it is not something you need to worry about. Your toddler will eventually outgrow it sooner or later.

It is very typical for children to test their physical skills. So, when your little one pretends to be Superman and tries flying across the room, there is a huge possibility he will fall on his face and incur a tooth injury. Here is a guideline to help you handle your child’s tooth injuries.

Your Toddler Falls and Hits A Tooth

The first thing you should do is to put a clean piece of wet gauze on your toddler’s gums to stop any bleeding. You may also place an ice pack or cold compress on his cheek over the throbbing tooth or offer a frozen juice pop to help minimize the inflammation as well as distract your toddler’s mind off the pain. If the tooth seems to be out of place, a trip to the dentist is necessary in order for the dentist to evaluate whether the tooth needs to be repositioned or removed.

Your Toddler Knocks A Tooth

You need not worry if your toddler knocks out a baby tooth since a permanent tooth will grow in its place in time. But, if the knocked out tooth is a permanent one, you need to take your toddler to the dentist right away (within 2 hours) to stop the tooth from dying. Locate the tooth and wash it lightly in water (do not scrub). If you can, try replacing the tooth back in your toddler’s socket. Put a soaked gauze or small washcloth on top of the tooth and let your little one gently nibble to hold the tooth in place. Make sure he does not swallow the tooth. If this is not possible, submerge the tooth in a glass of milk or saline solution (mix ½ teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) and take it with you to the dentist.

Your Toddler Has A Chipped Tooth

Again, a visit to the dentist is needed. Place the fractured tooth in a solution of milk then go to your dentist’s office. If there is bleeding, place a cold compress or a tea bag to the area and wait until the bleeding stops. In addition, do not offer solid foods to your toddler to avoid further damage. It is okay to give your toddler a painkiller such as Paracetamol if the pain is excruciating.

Tooth Injury Prevention Tips

• Have your toddler wear a mouth guard each time he will play, especially when doing contact sports like basketball, soccer or hockey. You can buy one from your local pharmacy or sporting goods store.
• Install childproofing products in your home, particularly in areas where accidents are most likely to happen (stairway, living room, kitchen and backyard).
• Teach your toddler not to run or walk while something (hard objects like a toothbrush, Popsicle or lollipop) is in his mouth.

The best way to handle your child’s tooth injury and other accidents is to stay calm. Even if you are panicking, take a couple of deep breaths to clear your mind so you can think straight and comfort your toddler that everything will be okay.

“Mommy, my tooth hurts!”. There are different reasons why your toddler suffers a toothache. But there is one thing you can be sure of, toothaches can be really hard on your child. As a parent, it is your goal to do something to alleviate the pain. Here are a few toothache relief tips you can try.

Brush and Floss Teeth

Sometimes, food gets stuck in between the teeth which cause toothache. Use a penlight to check your toddler’s mouth. Brushing and flossing teeth can give instant toothache relief.

Cold Compress

Rub an ice cube or cold pack on the side of your toddler’s cheek, directly beside the throbbing tooth. Do this for approximately 20 minutes. The coldness will numb the affected tooth. Frozen slices of cucumber and potato also make ideal ice packs.

Mint

Peppermint has a soothing ability and is anti-inflammatory, making it a very good natural remedy for toothache. If your toddler can gargle, combine 15 drops of peppermint essential oil with ¼ cup water and let your little one swish the mixture in his mouth for 30 seconds, 3 times a day. If he does not know how to gargle, boil fresh peppermint leaves in a cup of water. Add a pinch of salt and have him drink it. You may also put dried mint leaf powder around the sore tooth and then make your toddler spit out every few minutes.

Clove Oil or Garlic

Rub clove oil on the affected tooth or make him chew garlic. Garlic is very effective in easing toothache as it stops the pain and kills bacteria, preventing further infection. It may taste icky and give your young one a smelly breath, but it is the fastest way to relieve the unbearable pain.

OTC Pain Reliever

You can also try giving your toddler over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For oral pain relief, use Anbesol. Anbesol contains Benzocaine – a topical painkiller that is used to remove pain. Just squirt a small amount in a cotton swab and help your toddler place it next to the tooth for 30 seconds. When giving pain reliever, make sure you give the correct dosage and that the medicine do not contain aspirin to avoid side effects.

Modify Your Toddler’s Food

Avoid giving your toddler cold, hot, sweet, salty and spicy foods and drinks as they can further irritate the aching tooth. Offer soft foods and liquids until the toothache goes away.

Provide A Distraction

Diverting your toddler’s attention is also another very effective toothache relief. Play board games together. Let him watch his favorite movie. Read a book. Cuddle with your little one. Give him a warm bath.

Seek Expert Help     

If you have tried all the remedies mentioned above yet your toddler’s toothache persists, see a dentist at once. The dentist will be able to determine the accurate treatment for the throbbing tooth pain. The dentist can either suggest filling it if the toothache is caused by tooth decay, a tooth extraction or perform a root canal.

In order to avoid toothache and ensure your toddler’s teeth are in tiptop condition, make sure to teach your toddler proper oral hygiene and that regular visits to the dentist are administered.

Tooth decay in children is a common dental problem which occurs because of their love for sweet food and dislike for brushing teeth. Here is some information that will help parents determine the causes, treatment and prevention of tooth decay.

Causes

• Overconsumption of sweet foods like candies, chocolates, cakes, cookies, etc.
• Overconsumption of caffeinated drinks.
• Bits of food left on the teeth (the germs “plaque” can turn those small pieces into acid which destroys the tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay).
• Chipped and cracked teeth due to a mouth injury.
• Poor oral hygiene (not brushing teeth frequently and properly).

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom associated with tooth decay is bad breath. Toddlers will experience a change in their mouth odor when teeth are decaying. Other symptoms include – toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, brown patches on the infected area, discharge of blood and pus from the infected teeth and tooth discoloration.

Treatment

Bring Your Toddler To The Dentist

Experts agree that children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. The treatment will vary depending on the severity of the tooth decay. The dentist may perform dental x-rays to examine the extent of the tooth decay of the child. The dentist will clean the toddler’s mouth, eliminate plaque and tartar or fill the cavities with a “filling” (a substance used to replace a decayed portion of the tooth) to keep germs away. In severe cases, the dentist may perform tooth extraction.

Receiving Fluoride Treatments

Brushing and flossing the teeth with baking soda or fluoride toothpaste can help clear the plaque present in the teeth. Children above 6 years old may use fluoride mouthwash. Getting fluoride treatments may also help stop tooth decay.

Prevention

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Teach your toddler to practice good oral hygiene by encouraging your little one to brush his teeth after meals and to regularly floss. If you have a hard time getting him to brush his teeth, turn tooth brushing into a game by taking turns brushing each other’s teeth or singing a song. Make sure to check his work to ensure he did a good job brushing his teeth.

Limit Sugar Intake

Giving your toddler too many sweet and sugary foods lead to faster tooth decay. Offer sweets and sugars occasionally. Substitute them with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, wheat bread and other foods that are yummy, healthy and good for the teeth and gums.

Have A Balanced Diet

Modify your toddler’s diet. Serve him foods such as dairy products like cheese, milk, cereals, eggs, bread, dark, green leafy vegetables, rice, fish, meat and poultry which contain high amounts of vitamins A, C and D, calcium and phosphorus - important nutrients that will help fight prevent gum disease.

Give Your Toddler Plenty of Water

The more water your toddler drinks, the better the saliva production in the mouth. Let your toddler drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help wash away the sugars left on the teeth after eating. Water with fluoride will also help protect your toddler’s teeth from acid production. Never substitute water for juice. Juice has a high sugar content which can increase tooth decay.

Make Dentist Visits Frequent

As soon as your toddler’s first several teeth have sprouted, take him to the dentist on a regular basis (once or twice a year). This way, the dentist will be able to keep your toddler’s teeth in excellent condition as well as give you advice about proper dental care.

Tooth decay in children is preventable. You may actually avert it by helping your toddler practice good dental care and tooth-friendly eating and drinking.

Bad breath in toddlers is possible. There are various reasons why this happens. Below are some of the most common causes of bad breath in children coupled with tips on how to effectively resolve them.

Cause # 1: Poor Oral Hygiene

This is the leading cause of bad breath in toddlers especially since toddlers can be very obstinate when it comes to dental hygiene. Inappropriate oral care can leave behind bad odors which can lead to even more serious health issues such as tartar build-up, dental abscess or gingivitis.

Solution

Like adults, toddlers need a dental care routine. As soon as his first tooth appears, clean it twice a day to prevent bacteria from growing and thriving. Over time, assist and teach your toddler the right way of brushing teeth. He should brush his teeth and tongue for three minutes, twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Flossing once a day and rinsing with a child-friendly mouthwash after every meal are also a must. Take your toddler to the dentist for regular dental check-ups.

Change his diet. Avoid giving him cheese, garlic, onions, soda and artificial juices since they trigger odor-causing germs. Give your toddler a mint candy he can chew to freshen his breath after eating flavorful foods.

Cause # 2: Thumb Sucking

Sucking is common in toddlers. Your little one may suck his thumb or a pacifier for comfort. This favorite activity can essentially lead to the development of bad breath since the thumb and the pacifier can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not correctly cleaned.

Solution

Distract your little one. Give him a toy, play a game, read a book, color or do things that will keep his hands busy. Keeping him preoccupied can help break the bad habit. Cover his thumbs with bandages in bright colors or those that feature his favorite cartoon character. Chances are, once he tries to put his thumb in his mouth, he will not like the feel of the bandages in his mouth which will make him think twice and decide against it. At night, try putting some Thum Thumb Sucking Nail Biting Treatment (a drugstore product designed for nail biters) on both his thumbnails. This product taste really bad allowing your toddler to break the habit at once.

For severe thumb sucking, using a thumb guard (a metal piece that prevents the thumb from going into the mouth) is one effective way to stop the habit.

Cause # 3: Mouth Breathing

Breathing through the mouth is common in toddlers. This can lead to a dry mouth which results to bad breath. A dry mouth leaves the tissues of the oral cavity dry which increases the chances of germs to grow more rapidly along the throat producing a bad mouth odor. Mouth breathing is often done due to allergies, a congested or stuffy nose, dehydration and overheating.

Solution

Quickly treat cold and allergy symptoms. Suction your toddler’s nose with saline and a nasal aspirator especially before bedtime. Doing this will help reduce the post-nasal drip and prevent mouth breathing. See to it your toddler gets plenty of fluids and snacks throughout the day. This allows the odor-causing bacteria to be moved around the mouth and get washed out. It also produces more saliva avoiding a dry mouth. Make sure your toddler’s room temperature is stable especially at night. Turn on the air conditioner or open windows to prevent overheating.

Cause # 4: An Illness or Condition

Sometimes, bad breath is a sign your toddler may be sick or is suffering a chronic condition. Cavities, gum diseases, respiratory infection, sinusitis, diabetes, tonsillitis or acid reflux can cause bad breath which should be addressed as soon as possible.

Solution

Check his nasal passages to ensure no foreign objects are stuck in the nose. Contact a health care practitioner so your toddler can be properly examined. Seeing a dentist also helps in detecting and treating mouth related problems.

Never make a toddler feel self-conscious of his bad breath. Bad breath in toddlers is easy to cure. Once the root of the problem is determined, proper action can be taken.

Is brushing teeth a constant battle for you and your toddler? Are you looking for ways to get your child to open up to it? Here are some creative ideas you can try out.

Buy Him His Own Tooth Brushing Utensils

Children love pretending to be a grown-up and like mommy and daddy, your toddler would definitely want things of his own. Make brushing easier by giving him his own tooth brushing gear. Get him a toothbrush specifically for toddlers. Make sure it has soft bristles and a long, non-slip handle for a better grip. His toothpaste must contain a small amount of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel and it must be safe to swallow. Giving him a cup with his favorite character printed on it will sweeten the deal even more.

Let Your Toddler Choose His Toothbrush

Erase your little one’s fussiness by allowing him to pick a toothbrush of his choice. It makes tooth brushing more fun and exciting knowing he took part in choosing the color and design. The next time you make a trip to the grocery store, tag your toddler along. Let him decide which brush he likes based on the cartoon characters on it. He will truly have a blast holding his Elmo, Spiderman or Batman toothbrush.

Also, why not try buying several brushes in different colors so that he can choose the one he wants when it is time to brush. An electric toothbrush is interesting especially at this point when he is still exploring things with his mouth. The buzzing motion can also help soothe your baby when he is teething.

Let Him Watch You Do It

Model good brushing habits. Encourage your toddler to brush his teeth by brushing your teeth in front of him. Make it look fun and you will surely have a toddler gear to brush his teeth like mommy.

Allow Him to Do It On His Own

Let your toddler put toothpaste on the brush. Let him brush his teeth. Even though he probably will make a mess, the fact that he gets to enjoy it makes brushing teeth a whole lot easier. Commend him for a job well done. Your support will encourage him to continue doing it.

Do It Together

Another way to get a child more interested in brushing teeth is to have one toothbrush for mommy, daddy and for your toddler. Make brushing teeth a part of your bonding time. This will make your toddler realize that tooth brushing is not so bad.

Assist him. With each of your hand on the handle, begin guiding him. Gently start brushing his front teeth, crevices, gums and tongue.

Turn Brushing Into A Game

Games can add life to an otherwise boring activity. Have your toddler brush the teeth of his favorite toys first and then brush his teeth. Counting while brushing is another fun way to make the process less dull and more exciting.

Tooth brushing is an important hygiene regimen, so see to it you incorporate entertainment so your precious one does it on a daily basis minus the stress.

Training your toddler early oral hygiene habits is very important if you want your child to have healthy teeth for the rest of his life. A good toothbrush is an excellent tool to get the best results out of brushing.

Getting the right toothbrush is the number one rule in kids dental care. There are a lot of toothbrush brands available in the market. Hence, choosing the best can be confusing. While all toothbrushes guarantee good quality and value for money, not all of them can live up to their promises. The next time you shop for your toddler’s toothbrush, remember these tips.

Toothbrush Buying Tips

Get The Correct Brush Size

Different types of toothbrushes are available. The key to finding the right match for your little one is to get a toothbrush based on your toddler’s age. A small brush can be a choking hazard while a big one may not clean his teeth properly. Here is a guide of age-appropriate toothbrushes:

• Finger Toothbrushes. If your little one is still starting to grow his teeth, an infant finger brush can take excellent care of his teeth. Finger brushes are extra soft making them easy to use. Your toddler can simply use a non-fluoride toothpaste or water. Best for toddlers between 8 to 12 months old.
• Toddler Toothbrushes. When your toddler reaches the age of 2, he can now switch to a toddler toothbrush. The brush’s head is slightly bigger which effectively helps in getting the hard to reach baby tooth molars that erupt in the back of your toddler’s mouth. When your toddler starts to spit out his toothpaste, you can now shift to using toothpaste with fluoride.
• School Age Toothbrushes. Once his adult teeth starts developing, a larger children’s brush is recommended to ensure his adult teeth remains healthy and strong. Make the switch once he hits the age of 5.
• Electric Toothbrush. Best used by 5 to 8 year old toddlers, kids love electric toothbrushes as there is a 3 minute timer fixed in them which ensures complete and longer brushing of teeth. It also helps boost your child’s motor skills. Look for brushes that are rechargeable and with replaceable heads.
• Regular Toothbrush. By the time your toddler reaches 9 years of age, the development of his teeth is almost complete, a regular or adult sized brush can be used.

Check Bristles

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you choose, always look for a brush that has soft and tiny bristles since your toddler’s teeth and gums are still in their growing phase. A hard bristled brush can only cause bleeding and pain especially if your toddler is a hard brusher. Remember, his toothbrush must massage his gums and teeth, not cause him discomfort.

Ensure Strong Grip and An Appealing Design

An unbreakable handle that is easy to grip permits your little one proper grasp over it. The perfect fit gives brushing handiness sans the threat of excessive air inhalation and choking. Choose a brush with an interesting design to make tooth brushing extra fun. A colorful brush that comes with flashing lights or a brush in his preferred color with a picture of his favorite cartoon character will do.

Go For A Round Headed Brush

Your toddler’s toothbrush must be in accordance to the size of his mouth and age. A toothbrush with a round head guards his teeth and cheeks on the inside and is easy to put into your toddler’s mouth.

Research online so you can compare the different types of toothbrushes. Check the websites of toothbrush brands for customer reviews so you know which product gives your toddler 100% dental protection.

Constant drooling, gnawing, irritability, diarrhea, rashes and fever are symptoms of teething. This can be a painful time both for you and your toddler.  Not knowing when it began, how long it will last and how much pain he is going through makes it even more difficult to face. Thankfully, there are easy ways you can do to help reduce your toddler’s pain and misery.

Generally, toddler teething takes place before your little one shows any signs of teeth growing. Thus, it is essential to keep an eye out and exercise precautions to make sure your toddler is as comfortable as he can possibly be.

Massage Gums

If your toddler allows you, massage his aching gums using your clean finger. It is best to do this twice a day (after he takes his bath in the morning and evening). For 2 minutes, vaguely put pressure and gently massage his gums. Most toddlers enjoy this teething remedy as it helps relieve the pain.

Use Teething Toys

Teething toys are rubberized making them flexible yet hard enough for your toddler to nibble on. Get him a teething toy with an appealing color and design. You can easily choose from the different brands available in the market. However, make sure you stay away from teething toys that have phthalates which can endanger your little tot’s health.

Give Solid and Frozen Foods

At this point, solid foods help alleviate his discomfort. Teething biscuits or a bagel are hard foods can pacify the pain. Carrots and baked potatoes cut into thin slices are prefect examples of solid foods he can munch on. Letting him eat crackers is good too. Frozen or chilled foods are also a good remedy for comforting your teething toddler. Try chilling yogurt, mashed bananas, pureed apples or mangoes cut into cube sizes into the freezer for a couple of minutes. These cold slushy foods provide numbness and can soothe his swollen gums. Plus, they are more appetizing to eat when served cold.

Wash The Area of The Mouth

A washcloth that is dipped into lukewarm water or stored in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes can also minimize the ache in his gums. You can either let your toddler chew on the washcloth or place it in the area where his gums are swelling. This is a very easy to do and inexpensive teething remedy that helps lessen your toddler’s pain instantly. In order to see what works best for your child, try different degrees of coldness and hotness.

Rub Topical Pain Relief

If he is drooling, wipe the area with a clean cloth. Never rub it into your toddler’s face as this will only trigger more reaction. After which, you can apply petroleum jelly on his chin to help shield his skin from further infection. Another option is to use topical gum gel which you can buy over the counter. Just rub a pea sized amount into his gums to keep it numb.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever for teething toddlers. A small dosage is enough to lighten the swelling. But, be sure to consult with his doctor for proper prescription and to check for possible allergic reactions.

Maximize Cuddle Time

Embrace, kiss, pat, and talk to your toddler. Cuddles can soothe your toddler’s temper tantrums. Tend to your toddler more than you usually do as he might only be seeking for more attention.