How old baby start teething. Baby Teething: Ages, Symptoms, and Effective Remedies for Parents
When do babies start teething. What are the common signs of teething. How can parents soothe a teething baby. Which remedies should be avoided during teething. How to care for baby’s new teeth.
The Teething Process: What Parents Need to Know
Teething, also known as odontiasis, is a natural process where a baby’s teeth begin to emerge through the gum line. This milestone in a child’s development can be both exciting and challenging for parents. Understanding the process can help you navigate this phase with confidence and provide the best care for your little one.
When Does Teething Typically Begin?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age. However, it’s important to note that the timing can vary significantly from one child to another. Some babies may start teething as early as 3 months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday. This variation is entirely normal and often influenced by genetic factors.
Is there a typical order for tooth eruption?
While every baby is unique, there is a general pattern for tooth eruption:
- Lower central incisors (6-10 months)
- Upper central incisors (8-13 months)
- Upper lateral incisors (8-13 months)
- Lower lateral incisors (10-16 months)
- First molars (10-16 months)
- Canines (16-20 months)
- Second molars (20-30 months)
By the age of 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for babies, and the symptoms can vary from child to child. Being able to recognize these signs can help you provide timely comfort and relief.
What are the common symptoms of teething?
While not all babies experience the same symptoms, here are some common signs to watch for:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Increased fussiness and crying
- Slight increase in body temperature (less than 101°F or 38.3°C)
- Desire to chew on hard objects
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
- Bringing hands to mouth frequently
It’s important to note that while these symptoms are common, teething doesn’t typically cause high fevers, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician as they may indicate other health issues.
Effective Remedies to Soothe a Teething Baby
As a parent, seeing your baby in discomfort can be distressing. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to provide relief during the teething process.
What are some safe teething remedies?
Here are some tried-and-true methods to soothe your teething baby:
- Cold compress: Offer a clean, damp washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator (not freezer) for your baby to chew on.
- Teething rings: Provide a solid (not liquid-filled) teething ring that has been cooled in the refrigerator.
- Gum massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger to provide relief.
- Hard, unsweetened teething crackers: For babies over 6 months, these can provide something safe to gnaw on.
- Cool water: If your baby is over 6 months, offer small sips of cool water from a sippy cup.
Remember, what works for one baby might not work for another. You may need to try different methods to find what soothes your little one best.
Teething Treatments to Avoid: Ensuring Your Baby’s Safety
While there are many safe remedies for teething, it’s equally important to be aware of treatments that should be avoided to ensure your baby’s safety and well-being.
Which teething remedies should parents avoid?
Steer clear of the following potentially harmful teething treatments:
- Teething necklaces: These pose a risk of strangulation and choking.
- Frozen teething rings: These can be too hard and may harm your baby’s gums.
- Teething gels containing benzocaine: The FDA advises against using these for children under 2 due to rare but serious side effects.
- Homeopathic teething tablets: These are not regulated by the FDA and may contain harmful ingredients.
- Alcohol: Never apply any form of alcohol to your baby’s gums.
Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication or treatment for teething.
The Controversy Surrounding Teething Necklaces
Teething necklaces, particularly those made of amber, have gained popularity in recent years. However, their use is highly controversial and not recommended by child health experts.
Why are teething necklaces not recommended?
There are several reasons why teething necklaces are discouraged:
- Strangulation risk: The necklace can get caught on objects or wrap around the baby’s neck.
- Choking hazard: If the necklace breaks, the small beads can be swallowed.
- Lack of scientific evidence: Claims about amber necklaces releasing pain-relieving substances are unproven.
- False sense of security: Parents may be less vigilant about other teething symptoms.
If you choose to use a teething necklace despite these risks, never leave your baby unattended while wearing it, and remove it during sleep times.
Safe Use of Teething Medication: What Parents Should Know
While medication can provide relief for teething discomfort, it’s crucial to use it safely and appropriately.
How can parents safely use medication for teething?
Follow these guidelines for safe use of teething medication:
- Consult your pediatrician before using any medication.
- Use only age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen (for babies over 3 months) or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months).
- Follow dosage instructions carefully, based on your baby’s weight.
- Avoid teething gels or tablets containing benzocaine or belladonna.
- Never give aspirin to babies or young children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Remember, medication should be a last resort after trying other soothing methods.
Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene
As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, it’s crucial to start good oral hygiene habits early. Proper care of baby teeth sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
How should parents care for baby’s new teeth?
Follow these steps to ensure proper oral care for your baby:
- Start cleaning before teeth appear: Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings.
- Begin brushing with the first tooth: Use a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: A rice-grain sized amount for children under 3 years.
- Brush twice daily: Morning and night, or as directed by your pediatric dentist.
- Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle: This can lead to tooth decay.
- Schedule the first dental visit: By the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.
Establishing these habits early will help protect your baby’s teeth and gums as they continue to develop.
Teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s development, and while it can be challenging, it’s also an exciting time. By understanding the process, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to provide safe relief, you can help your baby navigate this phase comfortably. Remember, every baby is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Stay patient, keep trying different soothing methods, and don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you have concerns. With proper care and attention, you can ensure your baby’s first teeth come in healthy and strong, setting the stage for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
Teething in Babies: Symptoms and Remedies
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Reviewed by Amita Shroff, MD
on November 30, 2022.
Reading time: 4 minutes
In this Article
- What Is Teething?
- When Do Babies Start Teething?
- Signs and Symptoms of Teething
- Order of Tooth Eruption
- Soothe a Teething Baby
- Treatments to Avoid
- Teething Necklaces
- Teething Medicine
- How to Care for Baby’s New Teeth
Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to come through their gum line. Another word for it is odontiasis.
Most babies begin to teethe between 4 and 7 months old, but some start much later. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s teeth come in on another timetable — it can be different for every baby.
The symptoms aren’t the same for every baby, but they may include:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness and crying
- A slightly raised temperature (less than 101 F)
- Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
- Lots of drool, which can cause a rash on their face
- Coughing
- Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Teething can be painful, but it doesn’t usually make babies sick. Call your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a higher fever, or cough and congestion. These aren’t normal signs of teething.
You also should call the pediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or you see any pus or swelling of their face.
When and how teeth come in can be different for every baby and may be based on family history. But most of the time, the lower front two teeth come in first between 6 and 10 months, followed by the opposite top two teeth and the two on either side of those between 8 and 13 months. Next come the two on either side of the bottom front teeth, then the first molars appear between 10 and 16 months. The teeth in front of the first molars are next, and the back molars are the last ones to come in.
In all, 20 “baby teeth” will eventually be in place, usually by age 3.
What works to soothe a friend’s baby might not work for yours. You may need to try different things to help your little one feel better:
- Something cold in your baby’s mouth, like a cold pacifier, spoon, clean wet washcloth, or a solid (not liquid) refrigerated teething toy or ring. Some experts say frozen teething toys are too cold and may hurt your baby’s mouth. Make sure to clean teething toys, washcloths, and other items after the baby uses them.
- Try offering a hard, unsweetened teething cracker.
- If your baby is older than 6-9 months, you can offer cool water from a sippy cup, too.
- Massage the gums by gently rubbing them with your clean finger. If the teeth haven’t come in yet, you can let your baby gnaw on your finger. If you’re nursing your baby, try dipping your fingers in cool water and massaging their gums before each feeding. That may keep them from biting your nipple while nursing.
Never put anything in your baby’s mouth that isn’t specifically approved to help soothe teething. Even some products described as teethers or teething aids aren’t safe choices, including ones:
- Filled with liquid that can tear and spill
- Made of breakable material, like plastic, that can possibly lead to choking
- That are frozen solid — these can be too hard on a baby’s mouth
Another reason to be aware of the material used to make the teethers: Some can be made from harmful substances, like lead. Look for ones made of rubber.
Child health experts don’t recommend teething necklaces. They’re dangerous: They can strangle the baby. They also can choke if the necklace breaks and they swallow the beads.
If you do choose to use one, make sure to:
- Put it on a wrist or ankle, not around the baby’s neck.
- Always watch your baby when they wear it.
- Take it away when you aren’t watching your baby, even for a very short time.
You may have heard that amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever when heated. That’s not proven, and doctors say using one is not a good idea.
Medicine that you rub on your baby’s gums to stop the pain of teething may not help. It quickly washes away in the mouth and may numb the back of their throat and make it hard for them to swallow.
Stay away from over-the-counter teething gels and liquids that have the ingredient benzocaine. The FDA says this ingredient shouldn’t be given to children under 2. It can cause rare but serious side effects.
A small dose of a children’s pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help your baby. Don’t use ibuprofen for an infant under 6 months old, and ask your doctor before giving your baby any medication. Use it exactly as the doctor says.
Teething can be rough for you and your baby at first. But it’ll get easier as you both learn how to soothe each new tooth that pops out.
Good oral hygiene is important, even before your baby has teeth:
- Until teeth start to come in, clean your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or piece of gauze at least once a day.
- Once they have teeth, clean your baby’s mouth the same way at least twice a day. After feedings is a good time for this.
- After their first birthday, you can start to use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride in it. You can also start flossing between their teeth.
Your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.
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Teething in Babies: Symptoms and Remedies
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Reviewed by Amita Shroff, MD
on November 30, 2022.
Reading time: 4 minutes
In this Article
- What Is Teething?
- When Do Babies Start Teething?
- Signs and Symptoms of Teething
- Order of Tooth Eruption
- Soothe a Teething Baby
- Treatments to Avoid
- Teething Necklaces
- Teething Medicine
- How to Care for Baby’s New Teeth
Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to come through their gum line. Another word for it is odontiasis.
Most babies begin to teethe between 4 and 7 months old, but some start much later. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s teeth come in on another timetable — it can be different for every baby.
The symptoms aren’t the same for every baby, but they may include:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness and crying
- A slightly raised temperature (less than 101 F)
- Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
- Lots of drool, which can cause a rash on their face
- Coughing
- Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Teething can be painful, but it doesn’t usually make babies sick. Call your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a higher fever, or cough and congestion. These aren’t normal signs of teething.
You also should call the pediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or you see any pus or swelling of their face.
When and how teeth come in can be different for every baby and may be based on family history. But most of the time, the lower front two teeth come in first between 6 and 10 months, followed by the opposite top two teeth and the two on either side of those between 8 and 13 months. Next come the two on either side of the bottom front teeth, then the first molars appear between 10 and 16 months. The teeth in front of the first molars are next, and the back molars are the last ones to come in.
In all, 20 “baby teeth” will eventually be in place, usually by age 3.
What works to soothe a friend’s baby might not work for yours. You may need to try different things to help your little one feel better:
- Something cold in your baby’s mouth, like a cold pacifier, spoon, clean wet washcloth, or a solid (not liquid) refrigerated teething toy or ring. Some experts say frozen teething toys are too cold and may hurt your baby’s mouth. Make sure to clean teething toys, washcloths, and other items after the baby uses them.
- Try offering a hard, unsweetened teething cracker.
- If your baby is older than 6-9 months, you can offer cool water from a sippy cup, too.
- Massage the gums by gently rubbing them with your clean finger. If the teeth haven’t come in yet, you can let your baby gnaw on your finger. If you’re nursing your baby, try dipping your fingers in cool water and massaging their gums before each feeding. That may keep them from biting your nipple while nursing.
Never put anything in your baby’s mouth that isn’t specifically approved to help soothe teething. Even some products described as teethers or teething aids aren’t safe choices, including ones:
- Filled with liquid that can tear and spill
- Made of breakable material, like plastic, that can possibly lead to choking
- That are frozen solid — these can be too hard on a baby’s mouth
Another reason to be aware of the material used to make the teethers: Some can be made from harmful substances, like lead. Look for ones made of rubber.
Child health experts don’t recommend teething necklaces. They’re dangerous: They can strangle the baby. They also can choke if the necklace breaks and they swallow the beads.
If you do choose to use one, make sure to:
- Put it on a wrist or ankle, not around the baby’s neck.
- Always watch your baby when they wear it.
- Take it away when you aren’t watching your baby, even for a very short time.
You may have heard that amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever when heated. That’s not proven, and doctors say using one is not a good idea.
Medicine that you rub on your baby’s gums to stop the pain of teething may not help. It quickly washes away in the mouth and may numb the back of their throat and make it hard for them to swallow.
Stay away from over-the-counter teething gels and liquids that have the ingredient benzocaine. The FDA says this ingredient shouldn’t be given to children under 2. It can cause rare but serious side effects.
A small dose of a children’s pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help your baby. Don’t use ibuprofen for an infant under 6 months old, and ask your doctor before giving your baby any medication. Use it exactly as the doctor says.
Teething can be rough for you and your baby at first. But it’ll get easier as you both learn how to soothe each new tooth that pops out.
Good oral hygiene is important, even before your baby has teeth:
- Until teeth start to come in, clean your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or piece of gauze at least once a day.
- Once they have teeth, clean your baby’s mouth the same way at least twice a day. After feedings is a good time for this.
- After their first birthday, you can start to use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride in it. You can also start flossing between their teeth.
Your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.
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How to understand that a child is teething
The appearance of a baby is not only a great joy for parents, but also new worries. The child grows quickly, and now his first teeth begin to cut. This is a difficult period for both the baby and his parents. The support of relatives, a positive attitude and the attention of adults will help to make it as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Interestingly, the formation of teeth in infants occurs while still in the womb. When a baby is born, 20 dental units are already laid in his gums. Each newborn develops individually. This also applies to teeth. Eruption begins at about 3-6 months. During this period, the baby becomes restless, naughty a lot, cries, suffers from diarrhea and fever.
Teething symptoms
It all starts with profuse salivation. The kid gnaws on toys, fingers of parents and everything that comes to hand. Then the following symptoms appear:
- Swelling of the gums. The tooth begins to erupt, and the structure of the muscle tissue changes. At this time, the mucosa slightly increases in size, the gum becomes red. The closer to the surface of the tooth, the more noticeable the spot on the gum becomes.
- Runny nose. The mucous membrane in the nose begins to secrete more mucus. At this time, it is important to constantly rinse the child’s nose, give him plenty of water, and humidify the air in the children’s room.
- Sleep problems. Due to pain, the baby may not sleep well, often wake up with tears.
- Decreased appetite. During this difficult period, some babies may eat worse or refuse to eat at all. Because of the pain and discomfort in the gums, the child will not enjoy eating. Don’t worry, your appetite will return as soon as the pain subsides.
- Tears. Due to unpleasant and painful sensations, the baby is more often naughty, crying.
- Wet cough. Due to abundant salivation, liquid enters the respiratory tract, mucus accumulates, which the baby tries to cough up.
- Diarrhea. The child swallows a large amount of saliva, due to which the stool becomes liquid.
- Increased body temperature. Due to the fact that the child is teething, the surface of the gums becomes inflamed. The body produces a protective reaction in the form of increased temperature.
It is normal for babies under 1 year of age to have their first teeth. However, the first symptoms may resemble the onset of a disease. Pain, heat and discomfort are associated with the fact that the tooth must break through the bone and gum.
Things to watch out for
Baby’s teething can bring infection. If you notice the following symptoms, you should immediately take the child to a specialist:
- Severe cough with a lot of sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing.
- The baby has a very severe runny nose, greenish or cloudy white mucus is discharged from the nose. If this process lasts more than 3 days, you should consult a doctor.
- High temperature persists for more than 2 days (at or above 39degrees), is not knocked down by antipyretics.
- Frequent diarrhea with blood and mucus.
- Constipation for more than 3 days.
Your baby’s immune system is weakened during teething. At this time, it is necessary to protect him as much as possible from possible diseases, to postpone vaccinations. For any anxiety or discomfort, it is best to consult a pediatrician.
Teething diagram for children
The two central incisors in the bottom row erupt first, either in pairs or one after the other. Then – the incisors in the center of the top row. The next to appear are two lower and upper side ones. Babies from 1 year old most often already have four front teeth in both rows.
After the incisors, canines and other dental units begin to appear. By about age three, a baby should have about 20 teeth, including incisors, molars, and canines. However, this process is different for every child. 20 teeth can be in a two-year-old child.
Teeth begin to erupt at 3-8 months. If the first appeared later, then the loss will begin later than in other children. By the age of 1, a child must have at least one tooth. If this does not happen, then the baby should be sent for examination. Specialists can detect rickets, hyperthyroidism and other diseases.
How to help your child when teething
There are many ways to help relieve pain during such a difficult period.
- Distraction. Buy your baby new toys, take him to a new playground, or put on some music. The child will switch his attention and forget about the pain for a while.
- Teethers. In stores, you can find many toys and rodent rattles that will help relieve itching and pain from the gums.
- Teaching gel. Before use, be sure to consult a specialist and strictly follow the instructions. Dental gels can be used no more than 5-6 times a day. They have the effect of mild anesthesia, so a violation of the regimen of use can lead to intoxication of the baby’s body, impaired digestion and breathing.
- Antipyretics. If the baby has a fever, you can give him antipyretics. Choose drugs specifically for children, consult a specialist before use.
- Medicinal decoctions of herbs. They can be purchased at a regular pharmacy. Mixtures with lemon balm, sage, mint and chamomile help well. They relieve inflammation from the baby’s gums, have antiseptic properties.
- The period of teething is not easy, but try to survive it with the maximum positive, supporting your baby and perceiving this time as the next stage of growing up, of which there will be many more ahead.
Teething in a child – What is the treatment for teething
Teething is a long-awaited, exciting and at the same time difficult stage of a baby’s development for the whole family. Whims, bad sleep, crying. It is impossible not to understand this behavior, because the child experiences severe discomfort. He cannot independently say what is bothering him, which is why he reacts to it in the same way as to any other stimulus.
Therefore, it will be useful for parents to know what to pay attention to in such a difficult period. Modern pediatric dentistry is very developed, thanks to which moms and dads have all the necessary information on how to help their child.
Which teeth erupt first: 6-7 months
It is generally accepted that the approximate period of eruption of the very first tooth in an infant is 6-7 months. This can happen both earlier and later, because everything is individual. Usually at the age of 6-7 months, the central lower incisors appear first in a small mouth. This is the kind of cute smile with two central teeth that babies smile in photographs.
During this period, the activity of the baby increases significantly. He can start crawling and exploring the world. Therefore, parents need to closely monitor the child: when the first teeth begin to cut, he will try to pull everything into his mouth to relieve itching.
How the upper teeth come in: 8-12 months
Upper central incisors can be expected around 8 months of age. In a month, the upper lateral incisors will also appear. The lower pair of most babies erupts by 11 months. Normally, by the age of 1, a baby should already have eight teeth.
However, even with normal development, babies may experience delayed eruption in 25% of cases. Quite rarely, this is caused by the absence of the rudiments of milk teeth – adentia. To confirm this diagnosis, the method of radiovisiography is used in a dental clinic.
How the first teeth come out: 13-20 months
At the age of 13-15 months, the upper first molars begin to appear, and after a while, the lower ones. Fangs usually erupt by one and a half years. These units most often cause many problems, since their eruption is more painful and can often be complicated by the general malaise of the baby.
The second painters come out at about 20 months of age. At this time, parents can detect the first problems with very small teeth. However, dentists are in a hurry to reassure – even if a child has rather problematic carious milk teeth, this is not a sign that the permanent ones will be the same.
Normally, by the age of 2.5, children should already have a complete set of milk teeth – 10 on each of the jaws.
How many days are the upper teeth cut?
If the child does not have any developmental problems, the eruption of milk teeth can last an average of 2-7 days. The most disturbing symptoms for the baby are usually observed in the first two days.
Some complications sometimes occur in infants:
- Prolonged delay – may be due to certain pathologies, such as adentia, or due to genetic characteristics;
- The appearance of a hematoma (cyst) – for a number of reasons, such as difficult eruption or various pathologies, a hematoma may form over a growing tooth. At first, this is manifested by darkening of the gums, after which a bump forms at the site of the eruption;
- Different order – teeth may not appear in the order described by the norm;
- Enamel hypoplasia – occurs in infants up to 10 months;
- Aphthous stomatitis – the formation of purulent sores on the gums and mucous membranes.
Difficult eruption and any complications during the appearance of the first teeth is a reason to contact a pediatric dentist.
Cutting the upper fangs – how to help the child
Most often, it is the eruption of fangs that gives the baby the greatest discomfort. To cope with painful sensations, special toys – teethers or teethers – can help him. They both distract the baby and help him cope with itchy gums when you want to put everything in your mouth. Teethers are specially designed so that the child can chew, suck, scratch their gums. Parents should only keep them clean and well disinfected so that the baby does not put an infection in the mouth.
Which teeth appear first
In 2019, American scientists conducted a study that confirmed the relationship between the timing of the appearance of the first teeth and the weight of the baby at birth. It has been found that premature babies experience this later – by 7-8 months. Babies who were premature and born with a lack of body weight, teeth began to erupt 2-6 months later than normal. In children born with overweight, teeth, on the contrary, appeared much earlier.
Which teeth grow first in children?
The first ones are in most cases the lower central incisors. But sometimes it happens that they are ahead of the upper incisors. This is just an individual feature of the body, and not a violation or pathology. The appearance of the first teeth in the upper jaw is always easier due to the more porous structure of the bone tissue.
Babies develop teeth in pairs. If one lower central incisor has erupted, a second one should soon be expected. This sequence is determined by nature on the basis of which of the teeth a child needs at a particular stage of development.
The lower and upper incisors are the first in the dentition. Then the upper lateral incisors come into play – they are often ahead of the lower pair. After that, chewing teeth, the so-called first molars, gradually begin to come out. The fangs erupt later. Only by the age of 2-3 years, the child completes the formation of milk teeth on both jaws.
How long does it take for a child to get their first teeth?
There are many reasons that can affect the time that teeth will be cut. This process affects the entire body of the child and proceeds under the influence of neurohumoral factors. How many teeth will be cut can be influenced by:
- Heredity;
- Genetic features of the organism;
- Birth weight;
- Preterm;
- Features of the mother’s diet during pregnancy and lactation;
- Mother’s bad habits during pregnancy and lactation.
Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly how many teeth will be cut, it all depends on the listed factors.
Teething symptoms
The initial symptoms that the baby will soon acquire teeth will be:
- sleep disturbance day and night;
- profuse salivation;
- anxiety and tearfulness;
- fever;
- the appearance of foci of inflammation on the gums;
- the appearance of irritation or rash around the lips;
- Diarrhea, cough and runny nose may occasionally occur.
All or only a few of these symptoms are characteristic of the period when teething begins. It can be noted that such symptoms are not specific and may occur due to various diseases. If the baby’s body temperature is above 38 degrees and his condition does not improve for 3 days, you should contact your pediatrician. Thinking that the baby is teething, you can miss a viral or infectious disease.
How gums swell when teething
When a baby is teething, gums swell. They swell, redden, there is a strong sensitivity and soreness. Small holes appear on the surface of the gums, from where teeth will appear, which can be very itchy.
To get rid of itching, babies begin to drag objects at hand into their mouths. It is important to prevent injury to the holes, as this can lead to various violations or make eruption difficult.
What does the gum look like when it erupts?
Many parents note that the day before their child has a new tooth, the gum in this place becomes thinner and acquires a whitish tint. The normal condition will be the presence of redness and swelling.
Gum Relief
This process takes more than one day and can take a whole week or even longer. Therefore, parents should first prepare to ensure that there are tools in the home medicine cabinet that will help ease the discomfort of the baby. Things to watch out for:
- If the child does not have a fever, but the gums are inflamed and itchy, dental gel will come to the rescue. Such funds can be found in any pharmacy, for example, Kamistad Gel. They contain anesthetics and cooling components that help relieve itching and pain. Such gels can be used up to 5-6 times a day – for this, a small amount of the product should be carefully applied to the sore spot and rubbed gently;
- If teething occurs with an increase in body temperature, children’s antipyretics based on paracetamol or ibuprofen (eg, Panadol, Nurofen, etc.) will help the child. They will help not only bring down the temperature, but also reduce inflammation. It should be noted that the appearance of teeth is rarely accompanied by a temperature above 39C.