Learn about baby teething indicators, symptoms, and
effective remedies to ease your baby’s discomfort. Find out how to help now.
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| Baby Teething |
As a parent, watching your
baby grow is exciting. One big milestone is when your baby starts teething. This
is the stage when their initial teeth start emerging from the gums.
While it's an important
step in your baby's development, it can also be a challenging time for both you
and your little one.
Understanding Baby Teething: A Comprehensive Guide
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| Understanding Baby Teething |
Baby teething is a crucial stage that can be tough for infants and parents. This guide overviews teething signs, symptoms, and solutions to ease this period. Learn how to spot early teething signs, manage discomfort, and ensure proper oral care for your baby.
What is Baby Teething?
Baby teething is when a baby's first teeth (also called primary or milk teeth) start to push through the gums.
This usually begins when your baby is around 6
months old, but it can start earlier or later.
By the age of three, your child is expected to have all 20 of their baby teeth.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Every baby is different,
and there's no exact age when teething starts. Some babies might even be born
with a tooth or two! However, most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months
old
Don't worry if your baby starts teething earlier or later than this – it's perfectly normal for teething to begin anytime between 3 months and 12 months of age
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Teething can be
uncomfortable for babies, and they might show various signs that their teeth
are coming in. These are some typical signs and symptoms to watch for:
1. Swollen, Tender Gums
One of the most obvious signs of teething is swollen and tender gums. You might notice that your baby's gums look a bit red or puffy where the new tooth is coming.
2. Increased Drooling
Teething often causes
babies to produce more saliva than usual. This can lead to lots of drooling,
which might cause a rash on your baby's chin or chest.
3. Chewing on Objects
Babies often relieve the pressure on their gums by chewing on things. You might notice your
baby gnawing on toys, their fingers, or even your furniture more than usual
The discomfort of teething
can make babies crankier and fussier than normal. They might cry more often or
be harder to soothe
Teething pain can disrupt
your baby's sleep patterns. They might have trouble falling asleep or wake up
more often during the night.
Some babies might not want
to eat as much when they're teething because sucking can make their sore gums
hurt more
A slight increase in body
temperature (less than 101°F or 38.3°C) can sometimes occur during teething.
However, teething doesn't cause high fevers – if your baby has a temperature
above this, it's best to check with your doctor.
The pain from teething can
sometimes feel like it's coming from the ears or cheeks. You might see your
baby rubbing their cheek or pulling on their ear on the same side as the tooth
that's coming in.
Remember, every baby is
different, and some might show all these symptoms while others might only have
one or two. Some lucky babies might not seem bothered by teething at all!
How to Help Your Teething Baby
Seeing your baby uncomfortable can be tough, but there are several ways you can help soothe their sore gums and make the teething process easier:
1. Teething Toys
Giving your baby something safe to chew on can help relieve the pressure in their gums. Look for teething rings or toys made specifically for this purpose. You can even chill these in the refrigerator (not the freezer) to provide extra relief.
2. Cold Foods
If your baby is old enough for solid foods (usually around 6 months), you can offer them cold foods to chew on. Things like chilled cucumber or carrot sticks (under close supervision to prevent choking) can be soothing.
For younger babies, you can try a clean, wet washcloth that's been chilled in the refrigerator
3. Gum Massage
Lightly massaging your
baby's gums with a clean finger can alleviate discomfort. Ensure you thoroughly
wash your hands first.
If your baby is very uncomfortable, you can give them infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always check with your doctor first and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
5. Extra Cuddles and Comfort
Sometimes, distraction and comfort are the best remedies. Extra cuddles, singing, or playing can help take your baby's mind off discomfort.
6. Keep the Drool at Bay
Excessive drooling can cause irritation to your baby's skin. Keep a soft cloth handy to gently wipe away excess drool, and consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to protect their chin and cheeks
What to Avoid?
While there are many safe
ways to help your teething baby, there are also some things you should avoid:
1. Teething Gels: The FDA warns against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine, as they can have serious side effects
2. Teething Necklaces: These can pose a choking or strangulation risk and should be avoided
3. Frozen Teething Rings: While cold can be soothing, frozen toys can be too hard and might hurt your baby's gums
4. Alcohol: Never rub alcohol on your baby's gums to soothe teething pain
5. Homeopathic Teething Tablets: Some of these have been linked to serious side effects and should be avoided unless specifically recommended by your doctor
When to see a doctor
While teething is a normal
part of your baby's development, sometimes it's hard to tell if your
baby's symptoms are because of teething or something else.
- Has a fever over 101°F
(38.3°C)
- Is it severe pain
- Has diarrhea, vomiting, or a
rash (other than a drool rash on the chin or chest)
- Is not eating or drinking
- Show signs of dehydration
These symptoms are not
typically associated with normal teething and might indicate another issue that
needs medical attention
Caring for Your Baby's New Teeth
Once your baby's teeth
start coming in, it's important to start taking care of them right away. Here
are some tips:
1. Start Brushing Early: As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a soft, infant-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
2. Avoid Bottle Decay: Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as this can lead to tooth decay
3. First Dental Visit: Schedule your baby's first dental checkup by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears
Keep in mind that each baby is unique, so what helps one may not be effective for another. Be patient and try different methods to find what soothes your baby best.
Teething is a temporary phase, and before you know it, your baby will have a beautiful smile full of healthy teeth!
FAQs about Baby Teething
What are the symptoms of a teething baby?
Common symptoms of a baby teething include swollen and tender gums, increased drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, trouble sleeping, and a slight increase in body temperature.
Some babies might also show decreased appetite or rub their cheeks
and ears.
When do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months old, but it's normal for teething to begin anytime between 3 months and 12 months of age. Some babies might even be born with a tooth or two!
How to help a baby during teething?
You can help your teething baby by offering safe teething toys, providing cold foods if they're old enough, gently massaging their gums, giving pain relief medication if recommended by a doctor, and offering extra comfort and cuddles.
Keeping their faces clean and dry from excess drool can also help prevent skin irritation.
What is the best remedy for teething babies?
The best remedy can vary from baby to baby, but many parents find success with chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers when necessary.
Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medications. Sometimes, simple distraction and comfort can be the most effective remedy.
Conclusion
Baby Teething is a natural part of your baby's growth, but it can be tough on everyone. By spotting the signs early and using gentle soothing methods, you can make this time easier for your little one.
Remember, each baby is different, so don't be afraid to try new approaches.
With patience and care,
you'll get through this phase together. Soon enough, you'll be rewarded with
your baby's first toothy grin. Stay hopeful, trust yourself, and reach out to
your doctor if you're worried. This is just one more adventure in your
parenting journey.
