Teething is one of the most stressful points in both a parent’s and their baby’s life, causing irritability and restlessness for everyone involved. Teething is a natural part of your baby’s development, occurring when baby teeth push through the gums. This process usually begins at around six months but may begin as early as three months. During this time, your little one may dribble, cry or chew various objects.
Signs of Teething
Every baby is different, so their teething experiences will not be the same. Symptoms can include:
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Irritability
- Fussiness
- Slight temperature
- Excess drool
- Desire to chew and gnaw hard objects
- Coughing
- Sleeping changes
- Frequently rubbing ears or gums
How you can help your teething baby
We can’t stop the process of teething, but we can soothe the pain and frustration in several ways. It’s important, however, to make sure you do not give your baby anything to chew on that can pose a choking hazard. Often, applying light pressure with a clean finger and keeping the gums cool with a cold pacifier can help relieve some of the pain and discomfort felt. Teething toys aren’t safe choices, including the ones filled with liquid that can tear and spill or made of breakable material (like plastic) that can be a choking hazard. Be wary of over the counter medications as it quickly washes away in the mouth and may numb the back of the throat and make it hard to swallow, and some ingredients may have some side effects on your child. Teething necklaces are deemed dangerous in the child health field, they can strangle the baby. They can also choke if the necklace breaks and they swallow the beads. If you do choose to use one, make sure you put it on a wrist or ankle, always watch your baby when they wear it and take it away when you aren’t watching your baby.
If teething is affecting your baby’s eating and sleeping habits severely, make an appointment to see Dr Vahed.