Oh, teething! Parents dread this toddler stage that causes sleepless nights, frustration, and anxiety. Are you ready for when your baby will get their first tooth? Have you heard horror stories from family and friends? Well, teething is normal and you will get through it! Let’s discuss ways to reduce your baby’s discomfort.
What is Teething?
Your baby’s teeth begin developing in the womb. At birth, all baby’s teeth are fully developed and hiding in their gums. Eventually, baby’s hormones cause the cells in the gums to thin so that those first teeth can emerge. As the teeth push up from the gums, it can be painful for baby. Often, you may see a red and swollen spot on the area of the gums where a tooth is beginning to show.
Most little ones begin teething around age 6 months, beginning with the lower middle teeth, but teething could start any time from 4-12 months. Teething can last until baby is about two-and-a-half years old, with most toddlers having a complete set of baby teeth by age 3.
Teething Symptoms
Not all babies experience teething pain, but those who do usually feel it 3-4 days before the tooth appears. Parents report these frequent teething symptoms:
- Irritability
- Fussiness
- Gum inflammation
- Frequent biting
- Trouble sleeping at night
- Pulling their ear pulling on the tooth side
- Drooling
Research results show that babies pull at their ears because they feel it will help ease the pain from their gums that they feel in their heads. Excessive drooling can cause rashes around your baby’s mouth; be sure to wipe away drool and don’t let it sit on their face for long. Parents have also reported teething symptoms such as:
- Fever (greater than 101°F or 38.8°C)
- Diarrhea
Decreased eating or drinking aren’t typical teething symptoms and could signal your baby has a medical issue. Talk with your baby’s pediatric care provider and share your concerns about what your baby is experiencing.
Soothing Teething
To reduce your baby’s pain during teething:
- Pop soft chewy toys in your refrigerator or freezer for baby to chew on or hold against their sore gums; the cold temperature reduces inflammation
- Rub baby’s gums with a chilled cloth, spoon, or clean finger
- Give baby a chilled teething ring or pacifier
- Have your baby bite on chilled hard vegetables such as carrots, apples, or cucumbers
For medicated pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are safe to give to babies aged six months or older. Follow the labeled chart for dosage. Never give your baby aspirin because it can damage their liver and brain.
Soothing Teething Safety
It’s important to use safe pain-reducing solutions to soothe your baby. Here are a few tips to keep your baby safe:
- Don’t give chilled foods to your baby if they haven’t started eating solid foods to reduce the chances of choking
- Refrigerate, but don’t freeze items because they could bruise the gums
- Avoid teething rings with liquids because they can break
- Avoid teething rings or necklaces because they can strangle baby
- Keep away pain-numbing medications that have been used in the past; these medicines can numb baby’s throat and gag reflex, leading to choking
- Leave sugary foods and alcohol-related remedies out of baby’s routine as they lead to tooth decay
Caring for Baby Teeth
So how do you care for baby’s brand new teeth? The American Dental Association recommends wiping a wet washcloth across your baby’s gums once a day before their teeth come in.
After the teeth pop up, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth twice a day; once in the morning and once before bed. Dentists have advised that when your toddler turns two years old, you can upgrade to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Arrange to take your baby to the dentist when their first tooth appears.
Teething can be a rough experience for you and your baby. However, now you’ll recognize the signs and symptoms so you’re well-equipped to take on the challenge!
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