How can I stop my teeth from hurting while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Challenge of Breastfeeding with a Teething Baby
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but it can also present challenges, especially when your baby begins teething. As those tiny teeth start to emerge, many mothers report discomfort or pain during nursing sessions. However, there are effective strategies to alleviate this discomfort while continuing to provide the best nutrition for your baby.
Recognizing the Impact of Teething
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although the timing can vary significantly from one child to another. As your baby’s teeth push through their gums, they may inadvertently bite or clamp down while nursing, leading to discomfort for the mother. Despite these challenges, it’s important to note that many babies do not bite while breastfeeding, and teething should not necessarily deter you from continuing this important relationship.
Strategies to Alleviate Discomfort
1. Positioning and Latching: Ensuring that your baby is properly latched can significantly reduce discomfort. A good latch not only helps with effective feeding but also minimizes the chances of biting. If you notice your baby is becoming fussy or is not latched correctly, gently break the latch by inserting your finger into the corner of their mouth and reposition them.
2. Timing Nursing Sessions: Pay attention to your baby’s teething patterns. If you notice they are particularly fussy or irritable, it might be beneficial to nurse them when they are calmer, such as after a nap or during a quiet moment. This can help reduce the likelihood of biting.
3. Teething Relief: Offering your baby a teething toy or a cold washcloth to chew on before nursing can help soothe their gums. This may reduce their urge to bite during breastfeeding, as they will have already had some relief from the discomfort of teething.
4. Distraction Techniques: Engaging your baby with gentle distractions, such as singing or making eye contact, can help keep them focused on nursing rather than on their discomfort. This can also create a more relaxed environment for both of you.
5. Self-Care for Moms: If you experience pain while breastfeeding, consider using a warm compress on your breasts before nursing to help relax the muscles and ease discomfort. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and consulting with a dentist about any dental issues can also be beneficial.
The Importance of Continued Breastfeeding
Despite the challenges posed by teething, it’s crucial to remember that breastfeeding remains one of the best sources of nutrition for your baby. Human milk continues to provide essential nutrients and immune support, which is particularly important during this developmental stage. Many mothers find that with patience and the right techniques, they can successfully navigate the teething phase without needing to stop breastfeeding.
In conclusion, while teething can introduce some discomfort into the breastfeeding experience, understanding the dynamics at play and employing effective strategies can help mothers continue to nurse comfortably. Embracing this phase with flexibility and support can lead to a rewarding breastfeeding journey, even amidst the challenges of teething.

What helps teething pain while breastfeeding?

While nursing
If you sense your baby is slowing down his or her feeding, fidgeting, shifting the tongue, or tightening the jaw, unlatch your baby and offer him or her a cold washcloth or teething toy to relieve discomfort. After your baby has had a chance to bite or chew, try breastfeeding again.

How to help tooth pain while breastfeeding?

Non-opioid pain mediation is preferred for dealing with pain while breastfeeding. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are the preferred medications to deal with pain. Both of these are found in breast milk, but the levels are low and result in minimal side effects with the infant.

How can I stop nerve tooth pain fast at home?

You can try to get rid of a toothache in 5 minutes by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, salt water, or wheatgrass. Next, you can apply clove oil, vanilla extract, or garlic paste to the affected area. Finally, apply a cold compress or ice pack. If the pain doesn’t resolve or if it’s severe, talk with your dentist.

How do I deal with my teeth while breastfeeding?

Other dental agents

1. Mouthwashes – can be used by a breastfeeding mother as they will not be absorbed into the bloodstream e.g. Corsodyl®, Chlorhexidine mouthwash, Difflam®, Benzydamine mouthwash.
2. Gels and liquids for mouth ulcers e.g. Anbesol®, Bonjela®, Medijel®, Rinstead®, Iglu®, Orajel® can all be used.

Why does my baby’s teeth hurt while breastfeeding?

That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting. When either of these things happen, it can cause nipple pain or discomfort.

What pain relief can I take while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

Does breastfeeding affect mother’s teeth?

It increases the risk of tooth decay.
Many breastfeeding mothers develop tooth decay and cavities, even from pregnancy. The cause of this can be one of multiple things. Some breastfeeding mothers vomit a lot due to numerous factors. Vomit washes the teeth with stomach acid, which erodes the enamel.

Does nursing a baby with teeth hurt?

For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days. For others, the act of sucking may make the gums hurt more. Sometimes, giving them a teething aid like a frozen washcloth or silicone teether can help calm them enough for a feeding.

What not to do while breastfeeding?

Don’t drink alcohol when you’re breastfeeding. Alcohol includes beer, wine, wine coolers and liquor. If you do drink alcohol, don’t have more than two drinks a week. Wait at least 2 hours after each drink before you breastfeed.

How do I get rid of pain while breastfeeding?

apply a cloth soaked in warm water to the breast (or a warm shower or bath) just before hand expressing to encourage the flow – do not apply a lot of heat as this may increase inflammation. take some paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose to ease the pain (these are safe to take while you’re breastfeeding)