OMG! Feeding a teething baby is hard! As parents, watching your baby go through teething can be challenging, especially when it affects their eating habits. We understand your concerns about maintaining proper nutrition during this uncomfortable phase. Let's address some common questions and provide practical feeding solutions while keeping your baby's dental health in mind.
When Your Teething Baby Won't Eat: Understanding and Solutions
Loss of Appetite During Teething
It's common for teething babies to experience decreased appetite due to gum soreness and discomfort. This temporary phase typically improves as teeth break through. Here's what you can try:
Offer cold foods to soothe gums while providing nutrition
Serve softer versions of regular foods
Feed smaller portions more frequently when they're willing to eat
Time meals around teething pain medication if recommended by your pediatrician
Bottle-Feeding Challenges During Teething
When your teething baby refuses the bottle, try these approaches:
Experiment with bottle nipple sizes and flows
Serve milk at different temperatures (some babies prefer cooler milk during teething)
Try different feeding positions that put less pressure on sore spots
Consider temporary use of sippy cups if approved by your pediatrician
Feeding a Teething Baby
Is your teething baby refusing to eat? You're not alone! When those tiny teeth start pushing through, even your usually hungry baby might turn away from their favorite foods. The good news? This phase is temporary, and we've got practical solutions to help you through it. The key is offering the right foods at the right temperature – cool foods can soothe those sore gums while providing the nutrition your baby needs.
Soothing Foods for Sore Gums (6+ months)
Think cool and smooth! These foods can provide comfort while nourishing your little one:
Chilled yogurt or applesauce
Cold pureed fruits and vegetables
Frozen banana or mango slices in a mesh feeder
Cool, smooth purees
Foods for Babies with New Teeth
Once those first teeth break through, your baby might be ready to explore new textures. Here are safe, nutritious options that won't irritate tender gums:
Soft-cooked vegetables cut into manageable pieces
Ripe, soft fruits like bananas, peaches, or avocados
Well-cooked pasta
Tender meats pureed or finely chopped
Soft cheese cubes
Scrambled eggs
Protecting Your Child's New Teeth: Essential Tips
Sticky is Icky!
Truth, sticky foods do icky things to your teeth. Stickier foods are foods that are higher in carbohydrates, which tend to be processed foods. We know, "processed foods" has become an ugly word, but countless evidence shows that sticky foods are more readily broken down by the bacteria in the mouth and can lead to the process of starting decay.
Problematic Foods Include:
Cookies
Candy & Chocolate
Crackers
Cheerios
Fruit snacks and gummy vitamins
If your child does eat a sticky food, try to avoid leaving food residue in the mouth for too long. Rinse with water, wipe down the teeth with a clean wet towel, and, if your child is old enough, consider chewing sugar-free gum with Xylitol in it.
Grazing is for Cows!
Guess what parents, the recommended 3-2 rule for frequency of eating is a thing—and for a good reason. The best thing you can do for your child is to train them to eat 3 meals and 2 snacks. Let's face it, kids like to snack, but snacking 3 or more times a day puts your child at a higher risk for cavities.
Additionally, constant snacking also tends to lead to "grazing." Grazing on foods for a prolonged period leads to increased acidity. Have your children sit and eat, and when they are done take the food away. You want to do this because it allows your child's mouth to recover and help reduce the acid created from the bacteria that can harm your child's teeth. If your child is constantly eating, your child's mouth never gets the chance to recover and will remain acidic, which can lead to decay. Leave the grazing to the cows!
I Provide, You Decide
Picky eaters! They're tough to break. We get it, some children are picky eaters and that is super challenging for parents. For this reason, one of our favorite mottos is, "I provide, you decide." That means you offer healthy choices and let your child decide from those options! It's that simple.
Healthy Drink Choices: What Should Your Child Be Drinking?
Making smart beverage choices is crucial for both your child's dental health and overall nutrition. While it might be tempting to give your child juice or flavored drinks, especially when they're teething and fussy, sticking to these guidelines will help protect their developing teeth:
Stick to breast milk, formula, or water
Limit juice according to age-appropriate guidelines:
Ages 1-3: Maximum 4 oz per day
Ages 4-6: Maximum 4-6 oz per day
Choose whole fruits over juices
Avoid sugary drinks
When to Seek Help: Recognizing Warning Signs During Teething
While teething is a natural process, there are times when professional guidance is needed. Every baby experiences teething differently, but certain signs warrant attention from your healthcare provider. Contact your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if:
Your baby refuses to eat for an extended period
You notice signs of dehydration
There's excessive drooling or unusual irritability
You have concerns about teeth breaking through
Remember, every baby experiences teething differently. What works for one may not work for another. Be patient and flexible with feeding approaches while maintaining good dental hygiene practices. Your pediatrician and pediatric dentist are valuable resources for specific concerns about your baby's nutrition and dental health during teething.
Remember, every baby experiences teething differently. What works for one may not work for another. Be patient and flexible with feeding approaches while maintaining good dental hygiene practices. Your pediatrician and pediatric dentist are valuable resources for specific concerns about your baby's nutrition and dental health during teething.
Related Resources for Parents
Want to learn more about teething and infant dental care? Check out these helpful articles:
About Dr. Dina Chehab
Dr. Dina Chehab is a board-certified pediatric dental specialist committed to delivering exceptional dental care for infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs and complex medical histories. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed her advanced post-doctoral specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Southern California and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and published author, Dr. Chehab continues her involvement in academia as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Maryland Dental School and a Clinical Assistant Professor at USC's Ostrow School of Dentistry. She is passionate about ensuring every child receives the care they need and tailors her treatment approach to each child's individual needs, making dental visits both comfortable and enjoyable.
Connect With Us
To learn more about Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, visit our About Us page. For more tips and information, feel free to Contact Us and follow us on social media:
Instagram: @urbanapediatricdentistry
Facebook: @urbanapediatricdentistry
Comentários