Is your 2-month-old baby showing signs of teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can you distinguish between teething and illness. What are some effective remedies for teething discomfort.

Understanding Drooling in Infants: More Than Just Teething

When it comes to infant development, drooling is often misinterpreted as a sure sign of teething. However, the reality is more complex and fascinating. Drooling typically begins around two to three months of age, well before the usual teething period. This increase in saliva production is actually linked to the development of your baby’s digestive system.

Researchers believe that this excess drool serves several important purposes:

• It aids in the development of the digestive system
• It contains disease-preventing proteins and antibodies
• It helps protect your baby’s gut
• It prepares the body for the transition to solid foods

The appearance of drool is a positive sign that your baby’s body is preparing for the next stage of development. While it can be messy, it’s a crucial part of your infant’s growth process.

The Science Behind Infant Drooling: Why It Happens

Have you ever wondered why babies seem to drool so much more than adults? The answer lies in muscle development and control. Adult salivary glands produce between 2-4 pints of saliva daily, but we barely notice it due to our ability to swallow efficiently and the natural barrier created by our teeth.

Babies, on the other hand, face a different scenario:

• They lack full control over their swallowing muscles
• The muscles around their mouth are still developing
• They don’t have teeth to act as a natural dam for saliva

As a result, babies don’t develop complete control over their oral muscles until they are between 18 and 24 months old. This explains why infants often appear to be “drool faucets” during their early months.

Debunking the Myth: Is Drooling Always a Sign of Teething?

Many parents associate increased drooling with the onset of teething. While it’s true that drooling often coincides with the teething period, there isn’t necessarily a direct connection. Drooling typically starts around 2-3 months and can last until a child is 12-15 months old, which happens to overlap with the typical teething timeline.

What causes this increase in drooling? It’s primarily due to the development of your baby’s salivary glands. As your infant grows, these glands become more active, preparing for the transition from an all-liquid diet to solid foods. When your baby develops motor skills like chewing on her hands, it triggers saliva production, signaling readiness for eating solid foods.

This synchronization between physical development and digestive readiness is a remarkable aspect of infant growth. It ensures that your baby has the necessary tools (saliva and muscle control) just when they’re needed for the next stage of feeding.

Managing Excessive Drooling: Tips and Tricks for Parents

While drooling is a normal and healthy part of infant development, it can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents. Here are some practical tips to manage excessive drooling:

1. Use bibs: Keep several clean bibs on hand and change them frequently throughout the day.
2. Gentle wiping: Use a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe your baby’s chin and mouth area regularly.
3. Protect clothing: Consider using waterproof bibs or drool catchers to protect your baby’s clothes.
4. Stay hydrated: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated to maintain healthy saliva production.
5. Be patient: Remember that this phase is temporary and an important part of your baby’s development.

It’s important to note that while excessive drooling can be messy, it’s generally not a cause for concern. In fact, saliva plays a crucial role in your baby’s health by helping to wash away bacteria and break down food as they begin to eat solids.

Dealing with Drool Rash: Prevention and Treatment

One common issue that can arise from excessive drooling is a rash around the mouth and chin area. This “drool rash” is caused by the constant moisture on your baby’s delicate skin. Here are some strategies to prevent and treat drool rash:

• Keep the area dry: Gently pat the area dry with a soft cloth throughout the day.
• Create a moisture barrier: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a pediatrician-recommended barrier cream to protect the skin.
• Use gentle products: When washing your baby’s face, use mild, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
• Consider overnight protection: Apply a moisture barrier before bedtime to protect your baby’s skin during sleep.

If the rash persists or worsens, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician. They can recommend specific treatments or check if the rash is caused by something other than drooling.

Teething vs. Illness: How to Differentiate

One of the most challenging aspects for parents is distinguishing between teething symptoms and signs of illness. Contrary to popular belief, teething does not cause high fevers or severe symptoms. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), teething may cause a slight elevation in temperature (around 99°F or 37.2°C), but it does not cause true fevers.

How can you tell if your baby is teething or sick? Here are some key differences:

Teething symptoms:

• Increased drooling
• Mild irritability
• Slight increase in body temperature
• Desire to chew on objects
• Swollen or tender gums

Illness symptoms:

• High fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Severe irritability or lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing, runny nose, or other respiratory symptoms
• Diarrhea or vomiting

If your baby shows signs of illness rather than typical teething symptoms, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician promptly.

Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

While teething is a natural process, it can cause discomfort for your baby. Here are some safe and effective remedies to help soothe your teething infant:

1. Teething toys: Offer your baby safe, chewable toys designed for teething. Look for ones that can be refrigerated for added relief.
2. Cold washcloth: A clean, damp washcloth that’s been chilled in the refrigerator can provide soothing relief when your baby chews on it.
3. Gentle massage: Use a clean finger to gently massage your baby’s gums, providing pressure and relief.
4. Cold foods: If your baby has started solids, offer cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt to soothe sore gums.
5. Pain relief: For severe discomfort, consult your pediatrician about using infant-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Remember to always supervise your baby when using teething remedies and avoid using teething gels or tablets unless specifically recommended by your pediatrician.

When to Consult a Pediatrician

While drooling and mild teething symptoms are normal, there are times when you should seek professional medical advice. Contact your pediatrician if:

• Your baby develops a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• You notice signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet diapers, dry mouth)
• Your baby shows signs of severe pain or discomfort
• There’s bleeding or severe swelling of the gums
• Your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
• You notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors that concern you

Your pediatrician can provide personalized advice and ensure that your baby’s symptoms are not indicative of a more serious condition.

Understanding the complexities of infant development, from drooling to teething, can help parents navigate this exciting yet challenging time. Remember that every baby is unique, and what’s normal can vary. By staying informed and attentive to your baby’s needs, you can provide the best care and support during these crucial early months of development.

Baby Drooling? 5 Revealing Things About Your (Adorable) Drooling Monster

Photo by YinYang / iStockBibs aren’t just for meal time! By the time your baby is around two months old, you may find yourself with more and more soggy blankets, drool rags, and onesies. Sure, non-stop drool can be messy, but it’s not just a slick, slippery hassle—infant saliva serves some very important purposes in your little one’s development. Here are some of the burning questions we’ve heard about drool, and the, ahem, easy-to-digest answers:

1. I swear the drool started coming out of my baby overnight. What gives?

Researchers believe a baby’s excess drool production is connected to a developing digestive system—so the appearance of drool is likely a sign that your baby’s digestive system is in full development mode. Great! Saliva is vital for digestion—which is why your mouth waters when you smell a delicious dinner on the stove. While drool can be, well, wet, that saliva protects your babies’ gut and may also protect her toys and other objects with disease-preventing proteins and antibodies. Cool, right?

2. Why does so much drool fall out of my baby’s mouth and onto her shirt?

It’s a matter of muscle. Saliva glands in your mouth produce around 2-4 pints of saliva every day: Adults don’t notice as much because we’re pros at keeping accumulation down by swallowing (and a row of mature teeth act like a dam to keep the flow in). Babies, however, don’t develop full control over their swallowing muscles and the muscles around the mouth until they are between 18 and 24 months. Hence: baby = drool faucet.

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3. I heard an increase in drool means my baby’s teeth are on the way.  

According to some, drooling is considered a classic sign that your baby’s teeth are getting ready to push through the gums. But there’s not necessarily a direct connection. While it’s true that drooling is very common for children around 2-3 months old, and typically lasts until a child reaches 12-15 months-s (roughly the same age that teething begins) drooling merely means your baby’s salivary glands are starting to fire up after not being needed as much when eating easy-to-digest milk. When your baby develops motor skills like chewing on her hands, motor receptors in her mouth send signals to the brain to initiate saliva production, a sign that she may be ready to eat. Basically, your baby develops the muscles and digestive saliva just as soon as she needs it to eat solid foods. Amazing!

4. She goes through 8 bibs a day or more. Seriously. Is there anything I can do to stem the drool flow?

While carrying around so many drool-catching bibs may take up more real-estate in your diaper bag, it’s important to remember that drooling, and even an abundance of drool, can be healthy. In his blog on excessive drooling, Dr. William Sears notes that “saliva bathes the teeth and gums, washing away accumulated food and bacteria. ” It helps babies break down food, and does all kinds of good things for the gut. The drool fest should end when all of his teeth are in.

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5.  The drool was alright, but the resulting rash has me worried. What can I do?

Sometimes drool can lead to a rash around the mouth, owing to irritation that arises from excess moisture. To keep drool from getting in contact with baby’s skin, do wipe the drool off often with a soft, gently cloth. Because babies drool at night as well, before bed time, apply an moisture barrier ointment around his mouth and cheeks: Your pediatrician can guide you to the creams that are best for your baby, depending on his age.

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Major Milestones

Teething

Caring For Kids

Infant

Health

Infant (0-1)

Is My Baby Teething or Sick?

Let’s talk teething with Nurse Blake!

‍News that may shock you: according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), teething does not cause fevers. While it can cause a slight elevation in your little one’s normal temperature (~99°F / 37.2°C), there’s no proven link between teething and a “true” fever (>100.4°F / >38°C).

An important thing to keep in mind is that the timing of teething coincides with two things: your baby’s immune system is waning from birth AND they are beginning to put everything in their mouth. Seeing an uptick in illness around this time is normal. So while a mild fever (and potential other symptoms like diarrhea and runny nose) may coincide with your babe’s teeth coming in, correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation.

Luckily, this doesn’t change a lot for you. Whether you think your baby has a fever because of teething or because of an illness, a mild or moderate temperature can be managed at home for now. Here’s when to call the doc:

• If your little one is 3-6 months old and develops a moderate fever. Call the doctor within 24 hours if your 3-6 month old gets a fever of ≥ 102 ℉ (38. 9 ℃) rectally.

• If your little one is 6-24 months old and has only a fever with no other symptoms for 24 hours. A fever without other symptoms can sometimes point to a bacterial infection in this age group, which needs treatment. If your child has cold-like symptoms with their fever, such as runny nose or diarrhea, you’re likely dealing with a virus and you don’t need to call yet.
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• At any age, if your little one develops a high fever. Call if your baby’s fever hits ≥ 104 ℉ (40 ℃) rectally or in the ear.
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• At any age, if your kiddo has a fever for 72 hours. Call the doctor if your baby has a fever ≥ 100.4 °F (38.4℃) rectally or in the ear for 72 hours.

*Friendly reminder: baby’s temperature should not be checked in their ear until they reach 6 months of age. Stick to rectal! 

How Can We Help With Teething Discomfort?

Mild fever aside, if your baby is uncomfortable and likely teething, let’s help ‘em out.

• Rub your clean finger along their gums, applying light pressure
• Use a cold or slightly frozen washcloth to apply pressure
• Offer cold foods, like fruit or applesauce
• Let them chew on teething rings or toys but avoid the ones filled with gels, as they’ve been shown to break open; chill the rubber teething rings in the fridge
• Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is okay for babies 3 months and older
• Ibuprofen, such as Motrin or Advil, is okay for babies 6 months and older

Ibuprofen ChartAcetaminophen Chart

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Things to avoid:

• Teething necklaces or amber beads

• Why? Major choking hazard and many cases of strangulation. Additionally, the pain-relieving substance called succinic acid, has not been proven to relieve pain.

• Medications with lidocaine or benzocaine, such as teething tablets, gels or sprays

• Why? These are supposed to numb your baby’s gums but there have been many adverse reactions such as seizures and trouble breathing.

Comfort Measures For Accompanying Symptoms

As I mentioned at the beginning of this email, many parents notice a few common symptoms that seem to coincide with teething. Here’s how to keep your baby comfortable if they’re experiencing these symptoms:

Diarrhea

If your little babe is experiencing diarrhea, assume it’s from a virus and is contagious – increase your handwashing! Make sure they are peeing every 4-6 hours to avoid dehydration and take early steps to get ahead of diaper rashes.

• Skip the commercial wipes and opt for warm water on soft cloths instead
• Use a thick layer of protective or barrier ointment during diaper changes, such as A+D, Desitin or petroleum jelly
• Increase air time for those cute little buns
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Runny Nose and/or Drooling

We’ll tackle these together because the biggest problem with moisture becomes chapped skin.