A baby who is teething may wake up crying several times each night and may cry persistently even when soothed. At such a time, offer the baby a drink of cool water or diluted fruit juice. Special preparations of acetaminophen suitable for babies also are available from most drugstores and may be helpful. During the day the baby’s gums may be rubbed with a teething salve to give temporary relief.
To prevent soreness on the baby’s mouth and face, apply a barrier cream and do not allow the baby to lie on a damp sheet.
Care of the Teeth
Vitamins A, C, and D and calcium (all in milk) are important for healthy teeth.
To keep the baby teeth healthy, parents should not permit bad eating habits. The baby should never be given undiluted sugary juices, nor a pacifier dipped in honey. Sweet drinks and foods are harmful to teeth, destroying the enamel. Once the baby can chew food, meals should be finished off with a piece of apple or some water. When the baby is one year old, clean the teeth after each meal with a soft, small brush, brushing the teeth up and down and making a game of it so that it becomes a pleasurable part of the daily routine. Use toothpaste containing fluoride. Many babies are given additional protection with fluoride drops from the age of one month if the fluoride content of the local water supply is insufficient.
