How To Help Your Child With Teething Pain

Infants who start to grow teeth may feel quite distressed due to the discomfort. The gums are generally soft and tender before a new tooth erupts. As a new tooth breaks the surface, the area of the gums may look swollen or red over the tooth. This usually happens on the sixth month of a child's life. However, many children may begin to grow teeth when the child turns two months old.

The lower central incisors or the bottom two teeth are typically the first to erupt. It is then followed by the upper central incisors, or the two upper front teeth. A classic indicator of teething is drooling, which generally begins at about two months before the first tooth erupts. A baby may additionally be irritable, cranky, and may have problems sleeping, which can be noticed 3-5 days just before the tooth shows. Teething pain can also intervene with a kid's feeding pattern.

Parents often dismiss other signs and symptoms like fever with a temperature of greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea, cough, vomiting, reduced urine output, and runny nose since they correlate it to teething. Having said that, parents must not be complacent when they notice these symptoms because they are not associated with teething. Your baby must be checked by your physician to rule out other causes.

Teething might be unpleasant for your child, but there are home treatments which can ease your child's discomfort. Teething rings help because babies get relief from the gentle pressure on their gums from chewing. Choose the ones made of firm rubber because it may be less hazardous to use in contrast to those filled with water. The liquid-filled types may bring about potential injury once it breaks. A feeding bottle may even do the job but it should be filled with water, and not juice or milk. Prolonged contact from sugar found in milk, juice or formula can result in tooth decay.

Babies are also generally relieved with chilled items. Teething rings that have been placed in the refrigerator can give comforting coolness. Never put the teething ring inside the freezer since it may only hurt your child. You can also have your baby bite down on a cold washcloth to provide relief. Parents need to be careful during this time simply because babies may put anything in their mouths, that may cause choking. Keep all items that are choking hazards away from your child's reach.

Because teething causes feeding problems, it may be wise to use teething nipples so that your baby can better tolerate feedings. If your baby has started eating solid foods, it is easy to offer his favorite food cold, like yogurt or applesauce. Rashes are also common to little ones who drool. A simple way to prevent skin irritation is to constantly wipe your baby's face with a clean cloth every time he drools.

Parents may be tempted to buy over-the-counter medications to ease teething pain. However, it may not be safe to do so without your physician's advice. Quite a few of these topical gels consist of benzocaine, which is a local anesthetic, and if applied too far back in the throat may interfere with the gag reflex. Parents must also avoid offering aspirin to a child because it has been associated with Reye's syndrome. Though teething may be generally dealt with at home, parents still need to be alert for symptoms, that may warrant a visit to the medical doctor.


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