Teething

Teething can cause a lot of agony for both babies and parents.

Teeth buds develop in utero, and this means that from the moment they are born, babies have a jaw full of teeth that are constantly moving and growing. While some breeze through the teething process without fuss, most babies experience weeks or even months of discomfort and pain. Signs of teething start to show when your baby is 4-7 months old.

Being able to recognize these symptoms is essential, so you know what to expect and how to ease the pain for your baby.

• More drooling: This is one of the common signs of teething. Increased drooling during teething occurs because extra saliva is produced to lubricate bulging gums. Excessive drooling can lead to diarrhea and diaper rash in some babies. It can also cause a mild rash around the mouth, chin, and chest. Wipe any drool away, but not too often as this may irritate the skin.
• Difficulty sleeping: The discomfort caused by soreness and swelling disrupts sleeping patterns. Your baby will nap less and often wake up earlier than usual.
• Decreased appetite: Babies generally don’t like eating when in pain. This is because it triggers the tender and sore spots. Try to feed your baby as much as possible and call the doctor if caloric input drops dramatically.
• More biting: Teething turns babies into vampires – figuratively speaking. Your little one will on anything they come across including your breast, toys, and plastic spoons. Teething toys help a great deal so don’t be afraid to invest in a few!
• Fever: Teething babies can experience elevated body temperature, and this is sometimes known as teething fever. It’s, however, important to note that a true fever is not always associated with teething. It could be a sign of an infection that requires treatment. Consult a doctor if the fever is greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

The arrival of your baby’s first teeth is an exciting milestone, but the teething experience can be painful for everyone in the family.

First, teeth typically poke through at around six months, causing many babies their very vocal discomfort. Suggestions for teething treatments to soothe the gums of infants are many, but not all of the popular recommendations are safe. Keep the following teething treatment do’s and don’ts in mind as you try to provide relief to your teething baby.

Avoid These Teething Treatments

Amber teething necklaces have become popular in recent years, with advocates claiming that chewing on the stones triggers the release of a natural pain reliever. Unfortunately, no scientific evidence exists to substantiate these claims, and the beads could present a choking hazard.

The use of lidocaine should similarly be avoided. This topical anesthetic has the potential to be toxic to babies and younger children and can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death.

Rely On These Proven Strategies

Luckily, teething treatments that are both safe and proven do exist. Many infants find relief by chewing on a teething ring, and the soothing quality can be enhanced by placing the teething ring in the refrigerator first. Similarly, giving your child a cold pacifier or washcloth to gnaw on can bring comfort. Just make certain to supervise your baby when they are chewing on a washcloth to avoid any choking risk, and refrain from chilling anything in the freezer as too-cold items can hurt your child’s gums. Massaging the affected areas of the gums with a clean finger can also help; just take care to avoid being bitten. Lastly, baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain, but be certain to contact a pediatric dentist for correct dosing instructions first. And as your child’s teeth come in, be certain to take the

Similarly, giving your child a cold pacifier or washcloth to gnaw on can bring comfort. Just make certain to supervise your baby when they are chewing on a washcloth to avoid any choking risk, and refrain from chilling anything in the freezer as too-cold items can hurt your child’s gums. Massaging the affected areas of the gums with a clean finger can also help; just take care to avoid being bitten.

Lastly, baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain, but be certain to contact a pediatric dentist or your pediatrician for correct dosing instructions first. And as your child’s teeth come in, be certain to take the proper steps to promote life-long good oral health.

Feel free to contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns about teething treatments.