4 Pediatrician-Approved Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

You finally
got your baby’s sleep
routine
on lock. So when you tiptoe out of your sleeping infant’s nursery, you
foolishly think you’re home free.

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Think
again! Your baby’s cutting
a tooth,
and there’s seemingly nothing you can do about it.

“You’re spared the first one to three months, but after that, the teeth just keep on coming,” says pediatrician Ei Ye Mon, MD.

If you find yourself in the teething zone — which occurs anywhere between 4 months old and around 2 years old — you don’t have to be stuck there. Dr. Ye Mon gives her best teething remedies so you and your baby can live your best life, one tooth at a time.

Signs your baby is teething

All babies are different. So are their teething symptoms. Some will give no signs a new tooth is about to poke through. Others may show one or more of these symptoms:

1. Irritability. Fussy, cranky – whatever you call it, they are simply not themselves. Giggles have been replaced by whines and screams. They’re clingier than usual.
2. Drooling. Is that a Great Dane or your baby? Pack extra bibs!
3. Red and swollen gums. Open baby’s mouth and instead of pretty and pink, those gums are big and red.
4. Decreased appetite. With inflamed gums, eating can be uncomfortable, especially for toddlers who eat solid foods. “They may not eat normally when a tooth is getting ready to erupt,” Dr. Ye Mon says.
5. Mouthiness. Not to be confused with talking back (that comes later), this kind of mouthiness refers to when kids gnaw, chew and even bite the things around them — including mom and dad.

“It
usually takes about three or four days, but once the tooth breaks through the
gums, the symptoms should start decreasing,” Dr. Ye Mon explains.

But
don’t be surprised when it happens again. You might experience teething deja vu up to 20 times, since that’s the number of baby teeth lying in
wait.

Signs it’s more than teething

“It’s
normal for them to be upset about the pain around their gums, but they
shouldn’t be inconsolable,” explains Dr. Ye Mon.

Teething
symptoms also shouldn’t last for weeks at a time. If they do, take your baby to
the pediatrician to see if something else is to blame.

Other
symptoms that a doctor should check out include:

• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Diarrhea.
• Runny nose.
• Inconsolable crying.

Pediatrician-approved teething remedies

If
all signs point to a teething baby, Dr. Ye Mon recommends these simple teething
remedies:

• Wet cloth. Freeze a clean, wet cloth or rag, then give it to your baby to chew on. “It helps decrease inflammation along the gums,” she says. “Parents can also massage the gums with the rag.”
• Cold food. Serve cold foods such as applesauce, yogurt, and refrigerated or frozen fruit (for babies who eat solid foods).
• Teething biscuits. You can offer teething biscuits starting at 8 to 12 months of age. But pay attention to gum hygiene. “To protect against cavities, wipe the gum area and teeth with a clean cloth. As they get more teeth, introduce a toothbrush,” Dr. Ye Mon advises. “Get that routine set in place. You don’t even need toothpaste. Just brushing the plaque off can help prevent cavities later on.”
• Teething rings and toys. They’re easy for tiny fists to grasp and provide the pressure needed to soothe sore gums. “Avoid freezing the ones with gel because they may break more easily when your child gnaws on them,” she says. “Instead, use the refrigerator to keep them cold.”

Buyer beware: Teething edition

Use
caution with these common teething remedies, or avoid them altogether:

• Topical medications containing lidocaine or benzocaine. “No studies have proven the long-term benefit of these products,” Dr. Ye Mon cautions. “Plus, the effects last for such a short period. Meanwhile, your baby is swallowing it and getting high levels of the medication into the bloodstream.”
• Herbal products. “There haven’t been enough studies about the effectiveness of herbal remedies for teething,” she says. “Herbs are medications. They are still metabolized by your liver and kidneys. We don’t know the long-term side effects, so there is a risk.”
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you’re going to give your fussy child one of these medications, Dr. Ye Mon recommends starting with one dose. “If it gets to the point where one dose isn’t enough, see your pediatrician before doing serial dosing.” Also, check the Food and Drug Administration’s website for information about the safety of children’s medications.

For
your teething baby, an ounce of caution is worth a pound of cure.

Common Questions About Teething At 3 Months, Answered

Can your baby be teething at 3 months old? While most infants get their first teeth between 4 and 6 months old, it’s still perfectly normal for teeth to erupt sooner. In fact, although rare, babies can actually be born with teeth!

It’s not unusual for teething symptoms to begin at 3 months old. And when it starts, you’ll likely observe the same side effects: excessive drooling, chewing or gnawing on fists or toys, crankiness and lack of sleep (as if that’s not already an issue!). You might even see a little tooth bud weeks or even months before anything erupts. But, what if teeth actually come in at this age?

“If an infant is getting teeth at three months, it is likely due to heredity and what the child may be doing with the mouth,” says Diane Bahr, MS, CCC-SLP, CIMI and author of “Nobody Ever Told Me (or My Mother) That!” For example, “if the child is doing a lot of biting and chewing on fingers and toys, teeth may emerge early,” she adds.

Parents and caregivers dealing with their baby’s new pearly whites often have questions about how that cute new grin can affect things like breastfeeding or starting solid foods. Here are a few answers to ease your concerns:

Is my baby in pain? What can I do to help?

How your little one deals with teething really depends on them. According to Danelle Fisher, MD, pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., “[Teething] can take weeks to months and can cause some babies a great deal of pain where others take it in stride.” Topical anesthetics are tempting to caregivers who want to help ease the baby’s discomfort, but Dr. Fisher and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warn this isn’t a good idea.

“Parents should avoid any product such as gel with the ingredient bupivacaine or lidocaine in it, as these can be dangerous for children less than one year of age, causing a blood disorder,” says Dr. Fisher. “[Your] baby can use a teething ring with liquid or gel inside that has been refrigerated (the freezer is too cold). Also, some natural remedies or homeopathic remedies can help.”

Nevertheless, consult your pediatrician if these remedies don’t seem to do the trick.

How will teething affect my breastfeeding?

Some moms’ first inkling that their baby is teething comes with a firm and unexpected clamp down on their breast. Whether it happens when he’s teething at 3 months or later down the road, it will happen eventually. Congrats, you’re officially a teething toy!

A rude awakening, for sure, but your natural reaction is actually the best solution for your little chomper: Take him off the breast with a firm, “Ouch!” or, as Dr. Fisher suggests, “No bite!” before letting him resume feeding. It may happen several times, even before his teeth fully emerge, but it will work. Be sure to use the same words and tone each time so he knows you’re serious. If you continue to experience breastfeeding problems you believe are connected to teething, Bahr suggests seeing a lactation consultant.

If you were planning to breastfeed only until your baby’s teeth erupt, however, speak to your pediatrician about how to wean successfully and what type of formula is best for him.

Does early teething mean early solids?

Although there’s some conflicting research of late, the AAP still suggests starting your baby on solids at no younger than 6 months old. Those early teeth do cause her to chew more, but her little belly isn’t quite ready for solid food. Provide lots of safe toys to nibble on and keep an eye out for signs she’s ready for solids.

Will early teething affect mouth development?

Bahr says, “Parents should take the child to a pediatric dentist to evaluate the health and development of early emerging teeth.” She cautions that some activities and issues can affect development, too. “Excessive pacifier use and thumb-sucking [that goes beyond 10 months] can inhibit the developmental mouthing and teething process.” Bahr has an extensive interview on her website that delves into mouth development during the baby’s first year and how to avoid common problems.

A special note for parents and caregivers who bottle-feed or use pacifiers: While your baby is teething, keep an eye out for nipple wear. Babies often gnaw on the nipples of their bottle/pacifier, and the tip can become separated and pose a choking hazard. If there is any noticeable wear on either, replace it right away.

This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.

Baby Teething Symptoms and Treatment

The signs that your baby is teething aren’t always as easy to interpret as one might think. For example, parents often believe that their babies are teething when they begin drooling and putting their fingers in their mouth around the age of 3 or 4 months. However, this is often simply a developmental milestone and has nothing to do with actual teething.

Very often, even when infants have classic “teething symptoms,” they will not get their first tooth for a few more months and sometimes not until they are more than a year old. In fact, sometimes symptoms that parents think are signs of teething are actually signs of illness or infection. That’s why it’s important that parents learn how to interpret their baby’s symptoms so that they can tell whether it’s just a first tooth or something else that might be going on.

Teething Symptoms

Your baby’s first tooth can come in anytime between 3 to 15 months, with the average age being between 4 to 7 months for most infants. In fact, some experts do not believe that teething causes any symptoms for most infants. Instead, they believe that parents just blame teething for everything between 6 and 24 months of age.

If teething does cause symptoms, those symptoms usually only start four days before the tooth comes in and last for about three days after.

Here are the symptoms you might see:

• Biting toys, fingers, and nipples if breastfeeding
• Decreased appetite for solid foods
• Drooling
• Dry or chapped skin around the mouth
• Ear rubbing
• Gum rubbing
• Irritability
• Sucking on fingers, toys, or clothing
• Waking up at night

Keep in mind, the more bothersome symptoms—such as decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, or ear rubbing—are most commonly limited to the day the tooth actually erupts. However, they may appear a day or two beforehand. Contrary to popular belief, teething does not last for weeks or months on end unless your child has teeth coming in one after another.

Teething and Fever

Teething doesn’t cause fevers. If your baby has a temperature that exceeds 100.4 F, they should be evaluated by their doctor.

It is true that gum inflammation can cause a slightly elevated temperature, but the spike in temperature will be small and not enough to constitute a fever. If your baby does have a fever, it is most likely the result of an unrelated illness or infection, such as an ear or urinary tract infection (UTI).

Babies around the age of 6 months are at increased risk for infection because they begin to lose the immune protection from antibodies they were born with. They’re also putting everything in their mouths at this age, which can expose them to bacteria and viruses that might make them sick.

Some parents incorrectly associate teething with diarrhea, but while drooling can loosen stool, it won’t cause true diarrhea. Diarrhea is serious and can lead to dehydration.

Teething also doesn’t cause rashes, though it is possible for excessive drooling to irritate the skin on your baby’s mouth, making it look red, dry, or chapped.

When to Call the Doctor

If your baby has a fever above 100.4 F, diarrhea, a rash, or is inconsolable, call your pediatrician so their symptoms can be evaluated. Your child could have a respiratory illness, an ear infection, or another unrelated condition.

A delay in treatment, especially with fevers or diarrhea, can result in dehydration or other severe complications.

You should also call your doctor if your baby is inconsolable, isn’t eating or sleeping well, or if their symptoms last longer than a week.

When in doubt, it is always best to call your pediatrician. They can help you identify whether your baby’s symptoms are due to teething or something more serious.

Ultimately, you know your child best. Although most pediatricians don’t blame many symptoms on teething, if your child has the same symptoms every time they get a new tooth, teething is the likely culprit—especially if the symptoms seem relatively mild and your baby seems otherwise to be well.

Treatments for Teething Symptoms

Not all babies need treatment for teething. If your baby doesn’t seem to be uncomfortable, you don’t need to do anything.

If they do seem to be in pain, there are a few things you can do that might provide some relief:

• Offer them a teething aid, such as a wet washcloth or teething rings. Just make sure that any teether you offer meets current safety standards and if you chill the teether, make sure it is just cold but not frozen solid.
• Serve them a teething biscuit, cold food (such as yogurt or purees), or chilled vegetables and fruit in a mesh baby feeder.
• Gently rub or massage your baby’s gums with your finger.
• If your child is over 6 months old, you might be able to offer a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure that you give your child the correct (and safe) dose.

If you frequently use medication to comfort your child who you think is teething, double-check with your pediatrician to make sure that there isn’t another cause for their symptoms.

Teething Treatments to Avoid

There are a number of treatments that are not recommended by pediatricians or the FDA because they pose safety risks. These include:

• Benzocaine teething gels, sprays, ointments, or lozenges (such as Anbesol, Baby Orajel, or Orabase). Not only is topical anesthetic easily swallowed, but it can also lead to a serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, which causes too little oxygen to be delivered to the body’s cells.
• Prescription lidocaine gels can make swallowing difficult, which increases your baby’s risk of choking or breathing in food. Lidocaine can also be toxic, affecting your child’s nervous system and heart.
• Teething bracelets, necklaces, or other teething jewelry. Anything that can be worn poses a strangulation risk, especially if your baby can put it around their own neck. In addition, most teething jewelry contains amber, wood, marble, or silicone beads, which could break or chip off and lead to choking. Others use string or elastic bands that can snap and your baby could swallow or choke on a bead. Some of these materials also pose a risk of possible injury to your little one’s sensitive gums, increasing the risk of infection.

A Word From Verywell

Parents often worry that their baby is in a lot of pain when teething begins, but the good news is that for most children, the process is relatively painless. If your baby does seem to be in discomfort, there are things you can do to help soothe their temporarily inflamed gums. Just be sure you know the signs of something more serious and if you’re ever unsure, check in with your baby’s doctor for advice.

7 Signs Your Baby is Teething

Is your baby showing teething symptoms, or are they fussy for some other reason? If baby is exhibiting any of these seven signs, she is almost certainly teething.

Whether it’s brushing those teeth after they finally arrive or waiting for them to come in, baby teeth sure cause a lot of trouble! The process of getting these teeth can be effortless or excruciating depending on your baby. Even with minor cases, most babies show some teething symptoms.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

The tricky thing about teething is that symptoms can start 2 to 3 months before a tooth surfaces! This can be brutal for baby and family if there’s a lot of discomfort.

Teething Symptoms: How Do You Know If Your Baby is Teething?

Watch this video to find out.

The key is to look for these seven teething symptoms

1. Biting more than usual

This teething symptom will turn your baby into a vampire. Bite, bite, bite on anything from plastic spoons, to toys, to your breast. Griffin liked chewing on hard plastic things the best., but there’s a plethora of teething toys on the market which may also help.

2. Excessive drool

When babies are still newborns, they’re still learning how to swallow their saliva—this causes excessive drooling. Fast forward to teething, and the drooling starts again (or never stops in some cases). When baby is teething, the body creates extra saliva to lubricate the tender and bulging gums.

3. Fussier than usual, especially at night

These teething symptoms make babies who once slept through the night start to wake up several times for comfort. In the quiet hours of night, a baby often feels the teething pain more because there are fewer distractions.

4. Disturbances in sleep patterns

Because of teething discomfort, babies will usually nap less and wake up earlier in the morning. Fun times for all involved with these teething symptoms!

5. Fever, rashes, cough, and diarrhea

Although some doctors disagree, many mamas detect a slight fever (under 100 degrees) in their babies when teeth are imminent. Additionally, the extra drool can cause facial rashes, chafing, and coughing, since it pools at the back of the throat. Some babies even develop diaper rash and diarrhea.

6. Decreased appetite

When babies are in pain, they generally don’t want to eat, especially since it triggers their sore spots. Keep trying to feed them as much as possible, despite the resistance. Call your doctor if baby’s caloric input decreases dramatically.

7. Pulling of ears and rubbing of chin and cheeks

Babies can be quite resourceful and administer self massage. By pulling and rubbing around their jaw, they create counter pressure that eases some of the pain and throbbing.

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Baby Teeth Chart: Which Baby Teeth Come In First?

If your little baby is acting different lately because of teething symptoms, take heart there’s good reason. Soon enough, her little pearly whites will surface. Here’s a quick look at which baby teeth come in first:

Baby Teeth Chart What Order Do They Come In chart by Mama Natural

For more on which baby teeth come in first, check out this whole post on the subject.

Baby Teething Pain Relief

While all of these baby teeth come in, we don’t have to be victims to teething symptoms. There are some great things we can do to comfort baby in the midst of the teething process:

1. Lower inflammation: Inflammation from teething stimulate nerves, causing pain.
2. Boost the immune system: There is some debate whether teething lowers the immune system, or whether the emergence of colds and fevers while teething is simply a coincidence. Either way, boosting baby’s immunity can’t hurt.
3. Apply cold and pressure: Cold helps numb the area, while pressure soothes inflamed gums.
4. Try teething toys: Safe and non-toxic objects that baby can chew apply counter pressure to aching gums.
5. try amber necklaces: Baltic amber necklaces release an oil that contains succinic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory. Of course, there are also silicone teething necklaces that baby can chew on.
6. Herbal remedies: To help ease teething pain, make an herbal tea, soak a washcloth, freeze it, then let baby chew on it.

Want to learn more? Check out my full post on effective teething remedies.

How About You?

What teething symptoms did your baby have?

Teething: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Teething usually begins when a baby is between 6 and 8 months old. All 20 baby teeth should be in place by the time a child is 30 months old. Some children do not show any teeth until much later than 8 months, but this is usually normal.

• The two bottom front teeth (lower incisors) usually come in first.
• Next to grow in are usually the two top front teeth (upper incisors).
• Then the other incisors, lower and upper molars, canines, and finally the upper and lower lateral molars come in.

The signs of teething are:

• Acting cranky or irritable
• Biting or chewing on hard objects
• Drooling, which may often begin before teething starts
• Gum swelling and tenderness
• Refusing food
• Sleeping problems

Teething does NOT cause fever or diarrhea. If your child develops a fever or diarrhea and you are worried about it, talk to your health care provider.

Tips to ease your child’s teething discomfort:

• Wipe your baby’s face with a cloth to remove the drool and prevent a rash.
• Give your infant a cool object to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold apple. Avoid liquid-filled teething rings, or any plastic objects that might break.
• Gently rub the gums with a cool, wet washcloth, or (until the teeth are right near the surface) a clean finger. You may place the wet washcloth in the freezer first, but wash it before using it again.
• Feed your child cool, soft foods such as applesauce or yogurt (if your baby is eating solids).
• Use a bottle, if it seems to help, but only fill it with water. Formula, milk, or juice can all cause tooth decay.

You can buy the following medicines and remedies at the drug store:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or ibuprofen can help when your baby is very cranky or uncomfortable.
• If your child is 2 years or older, teething gels and preparations rubbed on the gums may help the pain for a short while. Be careful not to use too much. DO NOT use these remedies if your child is younger than 2 years old.

Be sure to read and follow package instructions before using any medicine or remedy. If you are not sure how to use it, call your child’s provider.

What not to do:

• Do not tie a teething ring or any other object around your child’s neck.
• Do not place anything frozen against your child’s gums.
• Never cut the gums to help a tooth grow in, because this can lead to infection.
• Avoid teething powders.
• Never give your child aspirin or place it against the gums or teeth.
• Do not rub alcohol on your baby’s gums.
• Do not use homeopathic remedies. They may contain ingredients that are not safe for infants. 

When do Babies Start Teething

Part of the fun of having a newborn is looking forward to each of their milestones — that first gummy smile, rolling over and, of course, your baby’s first teeth. Unfortunately, these brand new teeth are preceded by the often uncomfortable teething stage. Most parents know when their little one is teething, as their baby expresses the discomfort the only way they know how — crying, fussing and an inability to sleep.

Although the process may not be easy, this milestone shows that your little one is on track developmentally. Teeth are the precursor for a well-rounded diet. Without them, your little one would have to eat pureed food forever. When their teeth erupt, your baby can begin enjoying solid food, which will help them gain weight so that they can continue to grow and develop.

When Can You Expect Your Baby to Start Teething?

The truth is, every baby is different. Generally, you can expect your infant to begin teething between three and six months. Usually, the two bottom teeth pop out first, followed by the four upper front teeth. Before your baby enters this time frame, a few signs and symptoms will indicate that they’re beginning to teethe. Every parent should have a few tips that will make the process easier for both themselves and the baby.

First Dentist Visit

What Are the First Signs of Teething in Babies?

So how will you know if your baby is teething? Not every infant has symptoms of teething. Others have a bit of a miserable experience as the tooth pushes up through the bone and then the gumline. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that your baby is beginning this phase include:

• Crying and irritability
• Drooling
• A low-grade fever under 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Enlarged and firmer gums
• Increased biting
• Interruptions in sleep

What You Can Do to Help Your Teething Baby

By the time your little one is 24 months old, they should have their complete set of baby teeth. The good news is that teething does not last throughout that entire period. Flair-ups come and go in episodes, and toward the end, your baby will get used to the sensation of erupting teeth.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help minimize your baby’s discomfort:

• Apply a cold compress: Chill — don’t freeze — a wet washcloth or toy, as cold can help naturally numb the gums.
• Give them cold foods or drinks: Applesauce and pureed fruit are great options.
• Rub the gums: Use a clean finger to gently massage your child’s gums.
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever: Ask your pediatrician about using a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve painful symptoms.
• Consider teethers: Just be careful your baby’s new teeth don’t puncture the plastic.
• Avoid topical teething gels or teething tablets, as these can potentially cause your baby to get sick and only offer temporary relief.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule Your Baby’s First Pediatric Dental Appointment

Although many parents wait until their kids are toddlers, professional dental care should start by the time your child’s first tooth has erupted and no later than their first birthday. If your baby is teething, it’s time to contact Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Our team specializes in treating children from their first baby tooth until they’re teenagers ready to head off to college. Not only can we provide tips to help comfort your child during the teething process, but we can also ensure that they’re on track for proper oral hygiene. Contact us today to request an appointment.

Dr. Dana grew up in Portland, and went to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for dental school. She then moved to Anchorage, AK for her residency in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Dana takes a holistic approach to pediatric dentistry & is able to use her own parenting experience to sympathize and understand each family’s unique dynamic.

Teething in Babies – Pediatric Dentist in Frisco, TX

Teething in babies is a process that can start as early as 3 months or as late as 14 months with signs and symptoms that can begin 2-3 months before the appearance of the first tooth. The average age for that first tooth is about 6 months, but parents should not worry if their baby experiences teething differently than a previous child or a friend’s baby. Teething in babies depends on different factors, including heredity (when mom or dad began teething) and if your child was born early (preemies typically teeth late).

Teething in Babies: Symptoms, Signs and Eruption Timeline

No matter when teething begins, the teeth typically erupt in pairs and often in a particular order, although if they do appear out of sequence, there is generally no cause for concern.

A general timeline for tooth eruption is:

• 6-10 months: Lower central incisors (2 bottom front teeth)
• 8-12 months: Upper central incisors (2 top front teeth)
• 9-13 months: Upper lateral incisors (on either side of the upper central incisors)
• 10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors (on either side of the lower central incisors)
• 13-19 months: First molars
• 16-23 months: Upper and lower canine teeth (next to the lateral incisors)
• 2 years: Second molars (behind the first molars)

Symptoms of Teething in Babies

The teething process is different for each individual baby, but most babies exhibit at least some of these common teething symptoms:

• Excessive drooling: Babies tend to produce extra saliva when teething, so be sure to have bibs handy.
• Facial rash: Excessive drooling can cause chafing and redness around the mouth and chin. Gently pat the area dry with a bib or soft cloth or use Vaseline or Aquaphor to protect the skin.
• Biting: Babies bite on just about anything to relieve the pressure created by newly erupting teeth. Counterpressure created by gnawing on something alleviates this discomfort.
• Pulling or rubbing the ears: Teething pain in the jaw often transfers to the ear canal due to the shared nerve pathways.
• Irritability, general fussiness, or crying: Just like adults, babies get fussy when they are uncomfortable. The gums often become inflamed as the tooth passes through, especially when the larger molars are coming in. Many babies seem to become accustomed to teething discomfort over time, while some tend to be acutely aware of teething pain throughout the entire process.
• Nighttime wakefulness: Tooth eruption does not stop at the end of the day and, for some children, even seems to be more prominent during nighttime hours. Teething is often the cause of lost sleep for both the child and the parents. Try letting your child settle down on his/her own, or if necessary, soothe your child back to sleep rather than create a habit of nighttime feedings that will be hard to break after teething is complete.
• Change in eating habits: Some babies refuse to eat because the sucking motion from nursing/bottles or the spoon on their gums creates more discomfort. Others may want to eat more because the bottle or spoon creates counterpressure and gives relief. Be patient and try multiple methods of feeding if necessary.
• Increased coughing or gag reflex: The excessive amount of drooling during teething can cause gagging or coughing. As long as your baby is not showing other signs of sickness, you need not be concerned.
• Swollen, red, or puffy gums: Your baby’s gums may appear red and swollen just prior to a tooth erupting. In some instances, especially involving molars, a bluish cyst may present that breaks when the molar pushes through. Some bleeding may occur but is not harmful to your baby.
• Low-grade fever: Doctors are still divided on whether babies can experience fever due to teething, however, if your child does run a low-grade fever while teething, keep a watchful eye out for other symptoms. A fever over 101° or for longer than 3 days is best evaluated by your pediatrician.

Teething Remedies for Babies

If you have a teething baby, you have probably received solicited and unsolicited advice on how to alleviate teething discomfort. Some methods are tried-and-true, while others can actually be harmful to a baby. If you are unsure about using a particular method for teething relief, ask your doctor.

Safe teething remedies for babies include:

• Counterpressure/massage: Teething toys or even your finger can create friction, soothe teething pain, and help break down gum tissue. Be sure not to give your baby anything too hard that could damage incoming teeth.
• Chilled (not frozen) washcloth: The cold temperature helps numb the gums and the thick fabric creates counterpressure which feels good.
• Cold food or drinks: Chilled applesauce, yogurt, or even cold water in a bottle can relieve aching gums. Be sure to supervise your child while eating and do not give large chunks of cold food that can create a choking hazard. Your doctor can advise you on age-appropriate foods that you can use.
• Distraction: Teething is generally a dull, aching pain, and distracting your baby with a special toy or activity can often take his/her mind off of being uncomfortable.
• Extra comfort: Sometimes the hugs and snuggles from mom or dad are just what the doctor ordered. Extra one-on-one time can sometimes be the best remedy for a fussy teething baby.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: If other methods are unsuccessful, over-the-counter pain medicines usually provide temporary relief for teething. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are unsure of the recommended dose.

Remember, every baby is different, so you may have to try a few methods before you find one that works best for relieving your child’s teething symptoms.

What to Avoid When Your Child is Teething

Some teething remedies found on the internet and other sources, while effective at alleviating teething pain, can actually be dangerous.

DO NOT:

• Rub any type of alcohol on your child’s gums: Rubbing alcohol or tiny amounts of liquors, such as brandy, can be poisonous to babies.
• Give your child extremely hard food (such as toasted bagels or zwieback crackers) or frozen foods (such as bananas or carrots): These can soften and become choking hazards.
• Use amber teething necklaces: Placing anything around a baby’s neck is dangerous and the beads can be a choking hazard if they are pulled off.

Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth

As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, it is important to start good oral hygiene right away. It is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist at the first sign of tooth eruption or by age 1, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Other tips for taking care of your baby’s new teeth include:

• Use tap water (most contain fluoride) to brush your child’s teeth: Your dentist will advise you on using fluoride toothpaste.
• Do not let your child go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing milk, juice, or other sugar-containing drinks: This practice is a main cause of early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay).
• Gently brush teeth twice a day with a baby tooth brush
• Give your baby water (once he/she is able to have it) after meals to help wash away residual food

Remember that your baby’s primary teeth, while not permanent, are important to keep healthy. They serve a vital role in your child’s long term dental health. Learn about permanent tooth eruption in children.

At Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry, our top priority is helping your child achieve and maintain a cavity-free, healthy smile for life.

If your child’s teeth are emerging and you would like to schedule your baby’s first dental check-up, please contact Dr. Zarmin Lalani and her team at Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry Frisco, Texas, by completing an online appointment request or phone 469-365-5437.

90,000 Teething in children: symptoms and complications

Teething in children often raises a lot of questions from parents. As a rule, during teething, babies experience discomfort, which significantly affects the child’s nervous system and makes parents pretty worried. In this article, we will look at the order, symptoms and complications of teething.

Teething in children

In what order do children erupt? As a rule, this is the following order of growth of milk teeth:

1. First two lower central incisors – 6-8 months
2. First two upper central incisors – about 8 months
3. First two upper lateral incisors – 8-12 months
4. First two lower lateral incisors – 10-12 months
5. First four chewing teeth – 14-20 months
6. First four canines – 18-24 months
7. Second four chewing teeth – 2-3 years

Symptoms of teething

What are the symptoms of teething in a one-year-old child? What are the symptoms of teething in children? Typically teething symptoms in children under one year of age include:

• Profuse salivation. It can cause coughing and hoarseness, as well as a rash around the mouth and chin
• Swelling, redness and soreness of the gums
• Itchy gums. Toddlers often try to relieve it by chewing on almost anything they can get their hands on
• Decreased or completely absent appetite, as well as refusal to eat
• Temperature rise
• Sleep disorders
• Increased excitability
• Changing chair
• Runny nose

It is important to understand that when teething in children, the symptoms can be different and it is not at all necessary for the child to have everything from the list.Teething symptoms in children after one year are very often similar to those that are present before one year old. Even with the eruption of molars in children, the symptoms may be similar, but everything, of course, is purely individual.

Complications of teething

It is important to monitor the symptoms of the first teeth eruption in a child in order to predict complications. Complications may include:

• Early teething. The norm is 6 months, but it may be such that the child’s teeth will begin to erupt at 2 months
• Teething too late.It is possible that even at 8 months, the child has not yet erupted teeth. The consequence of this situation can be adentia – this is a complete or partial absence of teeth in the oral cavity
• Wrong line of teething
• Abnormal tooth formation or tooth anomalies
• Anomalies of tooth growth
• Enamel hypoplasia. Represents a lesion of the enamel of the teeth that occurs in children under 10 months of age
• Aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis.It is the process of the appearance in the oral cavity of small purulent ulcers
• Hematoma of the gums. May occur if a blood vessel is damaged

In the INTAN implantation and dentistry centers you can provide a wide range of pediatric dentistry services. All services are provided only by highly qualified dentists with a special approach to children and knowledge of how to carry out the treatment so that the little patient likes it.

The first teeth in a child – BLOG of pediatric dentistry UtkinZub in Moscow time

That is, a baby should have 8 teeth by one year.But the development of teeth in children is a very individual process. In a quarter of children, the early appearance of the first teeth is observed – up to 3 months of age. This is quite normal, just such children have their own natural schedule. There is also quite often a delay in teething relative to the generally accepted WHO standard. If a child of 7 months has no teeth – that’s okay. But if the delay is more noticeable and after 10-12 months the teeth have not appeared, be sure to consult a qualified dentist.It is also necessary to examine a specialist in the absence of individual teeth, gaps in a row, non-standard order of appearance. If a milk tooth erupts outside the dentition, or the tooth has an unusual shape, our dentists will assess the complexity of the situation and take all the necessary measures to correct it.

What time children cut their teeth further: after a year, chewing teeth begin to break through, starting from the back of the lower jaw, alternately moving to the incisors, then from below, then from above.The fangs are the last to appear. Thus, by the age of 2.5-3 years, the baby should have a complete set of milk teeth – 20 pieces. If you have any concerns about the timing, sequence or correctness of the development of the dentition in a child, contact the Utkinzub clinic. Specialists will conduct a thorough examination, try to identify the cause of the abnormal process and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary. Although often an experienced specialist will advise you to just wait – and everything will work out by itself.Often teething outside the row is associated with the fact that the jaw is small, and the teeth grow immediately of the usual size and simply do not fit in the place allotted to them.

As the jaw grows, the teeth sit in place and the row straightens out. But only a professional dentist can correctly assess the situation. If the problem is more serious, treatment will be started on time. About how to understand that a child’s teeth are climbing, we will tell you in more detail in article “ Behavior of a child during teething “.

How can I relieve my child’s pain when their teeth are teething?

Unpleasant sensations can spoil the mood of the baby for a long time, therefore it is necessary to maintain his positive emotions
Photo: pixabay.com

The emergence of teeth is a test for a child, so it is important to help him.

The first teeth begin to appear on average at the age of 4-8 months, however, they may begin to cut in 2-3 months, or they may be “late” and appear by one year, this is individual and not related to physical or mental development.

The beginning of the process of the appearance of the first tooth is usually characterized by one or more symptoms:

• Temperature rise
• Increased salivation
• Redness or swelling of the gums
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Violation of the daily routine

To support the child in this stressful situation requires frequent body contact, motion sickness, gentle touching and a calm voice.Babies pick up intonations, so they should not be nervous or anxious.

Special silicone teethers can help relieve pain, which can be additionally placed in the refrigerator so that the child feels a cooling effect that will reduce swelling and pain.

Massage of the gums also has a relieving effect. To do this, you can use silicone fingertips with bristles or pimples. In the absence of this, the index finger will also do, the main thing is to thoroughly disinfect it.

There are also special dental products designed specifically to facilitate teething. You can buy these at the pharmacy, and the pediatrician will help you choose.

Source: MedicForum.

90,000 What parents need to know about teething in children

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What parents need to know about teething in children

29.05.2017

All parents are eagerly awaiting when their baby’s teeth begin to erupt, which will be evidence of his transition to a new stage in life. However, this period is often very difficult and alarming. The baby is tormented by pain and vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose and increased body t. But there are times when teeth erupt practically without the above symptoms.

The reason for the increase in body temperature is the reaction of the body to the release of active substances in the gums during the eruption of the tooth, due to which inflammation occurs.

Temperature control

Experts say that during the period of teething in children, it is necessary to control the increase in temperature. At the same time, they assure that an increase in temperature above 38 degrees indicates an infection that has settled in the baby’s body, which means that the help of a doctor is required who can make the right appointments. A rise in temperature to 37-37.5 degrees can be caused precisely by teething, but even at such a temperature, the baby is often capricious: he eats badly, cries, and cannot sleep.
It is important to know what methods can be used to relieve a child of agonizing symptoms.

When you can and should bring down the temperature

If a child’s teeth began to erupt at 3 months and the process is accompanied by an increase in temperature, you should know that you can knock it down only after overcoming the threshold of 38 degrees. This is important so that the child’s body learns to cope with such a problem on its own.

The only case when it is allowed to bring down even a low temperature is an increase in temperature, accompanied by convulsions.Even if this time there are no seizures, but they were once after a rise in body temperature, it is better to bring it down. It is important to remember that it will first decrease by literally a few degrees. In order for it to return to normal, you will have to wait.

Ways to lower the temperature at home

• Rubdowns can be done at intervals of 2 hours. A soft cloth moistened with water at room temperature is used to wipe the hands, knees, armpits, groin area. It is important to avoid hypothermia!
• Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended to reduce fever.This will relieve intoxication and protect the child from dehydration.

The main thing that the parents of a child whose teeth are teething will most need is patience.

If your baby has dental problems, the “Dentistry Center” will come to the rescue. Experienced children’s dentists work here, who will find an approach to any fidget, and in a playful way, they will treat children with teeth using the most modern methods.

The doctors of our clinic work with visitors of all ages.

How babies teething

Teething in children

An important indicator of the physical development of children is the time when teeth are teething. At the age of 6-7 months, the first two lower middle incisors erupt, at 7-8 months – two opposite upper incisors. Then, at 8-9 months, two more upper incisors are cut through, and during the last quarter of infancy, two lower incisors are cut through. Thus, by the end of the first year of life, a healthy child should have eight teeth.

Like other indicators of development, the timing of teething has individual characteristics, therefore, even in healthy children, their later or (less often) early teething is possible. However, a significant delay in the growth of teeth in children is a symptom of a child’s disease, most often rickets.

Is teething accompanied by impaired well-being and health status of children? Most do not.

However, in some children with increased reactivity, teething may be accompanied by a slight increase in temperature, mild disturbance of the intestinal tract, and sleep disturbance.

During the period of teething, increased salivation is often noted. It is necessary to constantly wipe the child’s face with a clean handkerchief, but by no means the oral cavity. The kid at this time, in order to somehow calm the itching of the gums, unconsciously pulls everything into his mouth. You should not scold him for this, and, knowing that the child will certainly want to taste toys and other objects, try to keep them always clean.

The use of medications to calm a child during teething is not desirable, the best way to soothe itchy gums in a child is a baby gel.It goes without saying that sharp objects, as well as small toys, balls that can be swallowed, can make breathing difficult, and cause injury should not be in places accessible to children.

What affects the correct bite of the teeth

Many factors influence the incorrect position of the teeth. Some are determined by the constitution, others by genetics, and there is little that can be changed. But other factors are rooted in children’s habits. Thumb sucking until late childhood or non-anatomically sensitive nipples interfere with the normal development of teeth.Incorrect position of the teeth, which must be corrected with the help of more or less prolonged measures, are the possible consequences of such habits. Parents should try to wean their children from thumb or dummy sucking in a timely manner so that the correct bite is formed.

How to help a child with teething

The appearance of a newborn in a family is an indescribable joy. Great relief comes when the period of infantile colic has passed.And as soon as moms and dads relax and start enjoying life, a new problem appears – teething. And everything starts all over again …

In order to somehow help their baby, parents are ready to do anything: buy, apply on teeth, cover up, drip, etc. During this period, TV advertising “Teething drops” fits very well. Parents run to the pharmacy, give a miracle cure to the child, but there is no result. Another ad is Teething Gels.Rather to the pharmacy. And there was no result, and there is still no result.

STOP! In this situation, you need to stop. Remember that people have lived on the planet for a long time. And children are constantly faced with teething. Yes, sometimes it brings discomfort to both the baby and his entire family. But this is completely normal! You should have a little patience and you can forget about teething like a bad dream.

Medicines for teething

The first thing parents think about when faced with the problem of teething is how to help the baby? What products can I buy at the pharmacy? Let’s deal with all their diversity.

Gels with local anesthetics

Currently, there are 2 pain relievers found in dental gels: benzocaine and lidocaine.

1. Benzocaine.

Benzocaine has been banned from use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The reason for the ban is toxicity and lack of safety. Benzocaine medications can cause methemoglobinemia, the main symptoms of which are gray-brown skin, lips and nails, headache, shortness of breath, tachycardia, nausea, and even death.

These symptoms may appear several minutes or hours after benzocaine use.

2. Lidocaine.

This remedy can cause numbness in the throat and, consequently, impairment of the function of swallowing. Failure to comply with the dosage leads to violations of the cardiovascular system, convulsions, allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock and death.

Since 2014, lidocaine has been banned for use in teething by the American FDA.

Homeopathic gels

There seems to be nothing wrong with homeopathy – after all, there is no active substance in such preparations. And if children become calmer after them, then we can remember the placebo effect. They smeared the gums – the parents calmed down – the child calmed down.

However, there is still a catch. In 2016, a number of homeopathic dental medicines were withdrawn due to the detection of a toxic concentration of belladonna in the composition of these products.As a result of the use of these drugs, children experienced convulsions, difficulty breathing, lethargy.

Herbal gels and anti-inflammatories

Theoretically, these drugs can be used, but one should not forget that they are able to wash out of the oral cavity after a few minutes. From this it is clear that the effect of them will not last long and the child will start crying again. At the same time, you need to remember about the likelihood of allergic reactions and individual intolerance.

What then to smear with?

Nothing. The American and Canadian Dental Associations do not recommend any gels for teething in children.

How parents can help your baby:

1. Give your baby pre-chilled rubber or silicone teethers. If they contain liquid inside, they must be refrigerated in the refrigerator, not in the freezer. When cleaning teethers, do not boil them, as high temperatures can damage the plastic.

2. Offer your baby teether toys with a ribbed silicone or latex surface.

3. If the child has already learned to eat solid foods, offer chilled pieces of fruits and vegetables, as well as drying. This is a good way to distract your child from painful sensations. The main thing is to be near the child at this time and make sure that he does not choke.

4. Offer breastfeeding more often (when breastfeeding). The baby calms down thanks to the action of several factors at once: massage of the gums, proximity to mom and the soothing effect of milk itself.

5. Give chilled water from a sippy cup or bottle (suitable for babies over 6 months old).

6. Massage the gums of the crumbs with clean fingers or special silicone fingertips.

7. Just be there during this difficult period, hug more often, hold in your arms, stroke and try to distract.

8. In case of severe pain, give the baby pain relievers (you need to consult a pediatrician!).Children’s Nurofen or Paracetamol will help relieve pain syndrome. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the child.

9. The American Academy of Pediatrics gives a rather unusual advice for a Russian person: let the child chew damp rags or socks that have been pre-cooled for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.

10. Continuously wipe excess saliva from your baby’s lips and chin. This will prevent the occurrence of irritation and thereby alleviate the suffering of the crumb.Additionally, you can apply a neutral baby cream to the mouth area.

Do not worry. After all the “torment”, the teeth will finally appear. And now your task is to keep them clean and healthy. Solemnly hand your baby his first toothbrush and baby paste (0+), and boldly brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening.

90,000 How to relieve teething pain in a child

• The gum at the site of the expected eruption becomes inflamed and swollen.
• A baby’s cheek on the teething side may turn red and hot.
• Children may constantly rub their ear on the teething side.
• The child begins to chew everything that comes to hand.
• Salivation increases, resulting in irritation on the chin.
• The child becomes irritable and shows other signs of discomfort such as restless sleep and refusal to eat.
• At this time, children may periodically slightly rise in temperature.

What is the average duration of teething in children?

Usually the first tooth appears at the age of 6 months to a year.

A baby is born with all 20 milk teeth already under the gum – just waiting for the eruption. And there is a clear pattern or order of teething. The front teeth (incisors) usually erupt first, and all subsequent teeth, upper and lower, appear one by one. The molars at the end of the gums begin to appear at about 12-15 months of age, while the chewing teeth (or small molars) usually erupt by one to one and a half years of a child’s life. All deciduous teeth usually appear by the age of three.

How to soothe teething pain

There are several options to help your baby with teething to make this difficult period of his life more comfortable:

Chew toys

You can purchase special chewing rings of a wide variety of shapes and materials intended for a child during this period. These rings help to significantly reduce the discomfort in the child and help in the early appearance of the tooth.

You can also use chewing toys (made of special soft fabric) and various nipples for a baby bottle.

Proper nutrition

Cool water is the best option during teething, especially if the child drinks from a special baby sippy cup. Drinking a chilled drink will somewhat calm irritated and sore gums, just like consuming fruit purees or drinking yoghurts stored in the refrigerator.You should not give your child too sweet drinks due to their negative effect on the condition

Creative Distraction or Special Play

Try to distract your child with some creative actions from discomfort and pain in the mouth. Hug him, play with him, prepare a warm bath for him. If your baby is still breastfed, feed him.

Gum massage

If you lightly massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger, the pain will calm down a little. It can also help the tooth erupt.

Wiping the oral cavity

It is necessary to wipe the child’s mouth with a handkerchief to eliminate possible irritation on the chin skin with profuse salivation. It is also necessary to change the child’s bedding in a timely manner.

Dental gels

These drugs are available from many pharmaceutical companies. They may contain local anesthetic ingredients. Gels are temporary as they are easily washed off with saliva.

Children’s dental gels contain components with a high safety profile, some of which can be used as early as 5 months of age. The FDA recommends that parents and guardians do not use benzocaine products for children under 2 years of age, as they can cause serious illness in young children. In any case, for the correct choice of a dental gel for a child, a specialist consultation is required.

Medicines

If your child has severe pain or a fever , you can give your child medicine for such cases, which can help reduce fever and pain .

For example, you can try Nurofen for children , which is available in various formats: suppositories, oral suspension , approved for use in children from 3 months and older (with a child weighing 5 kg). There are also 90,079 tablets for children from 6 years old 90,080. The drug begins to act in 15 minutes , and the effect of relieving pain and lowering the temperature can last up to 8 hours. ¹

Seek medical attention if the child has a high fever, an unusually uncomfortable or painful condition that suggests a problem that is more serious than teething symptoms.

Finally, do not forget that teeth naturally cut in all children, so do not take too close to your heart the unpleasant painful conditions of the child at this difficult time for him (and the family).