Teething in Babies: Recognizing the Signs and Providing Relief - HHB Life (original) (raw)

Teething is a significant milestone in a child’s life, marking the emergence of their first teeth. It can be an exciting but also challenging time for parents, as their little ones may experience discomfort, irritability, and changes in behavior. In this article, we will delve into the world of teething, exploring its stages, symptoms, remedies, and tips for soothing and caring for your teething child.

If natural remedies and tips do not help, consider getting age-appropriate dental services in Concord, NC for your kids.

What is teething?

Teething is a normal physiological event that occurs when your infant or kid cuts their first baby tooth at the age of 6 to 9 months. Some babies may sail through this phase easily without any trouble, while some may undergo a series of symptoms like excruciating pain, sore gums, drooling, sleep disturbances, fussiness, loss of appetite, fever, and diarrhea.

What are the stages of teething?

Teething typically begins around six months of age. The first teeth to erupt are the two bottom front teeth (incisors). The top front teeth (incisors) follow shortly after, and the rest of the teeth continue to emerge over the next two years. The stages of teething include:

1. Pre-teething (3-6 months): Babies may exhibit signs of teething, such as drooling and gnawing on objects.
2. Active teething (6-12 months): Teeth begin to emerge, causing discomfort, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and irritability.

Exploring the possible symptoms of teething in young kids

Teething can cause a range of symptoms in children, including:

• Sore, and swollen gums

• As the teeth poke through the gums, they become sore and inflamed.
• Increased inflammation can lead to swollen gums.
• You may also notice an eruption cyst which is a fluid-filled bubble appearing blue or grey.

• Loads of drooling

• Increased salivary secretion can result in excessive drooling that can be very uncomfortable to the child due to rashes around the mouth and chin.

• Low-grade fever

• Though teething has no direct link to low-grade fever in babies, the increased gum inflammation may slightly raise the baby’s body temperature. However, any temperature more than 38℃ is a cause of concern and needs medical attention.

• Change in eating and sleeping pattern

• Sore gums can alter your kid’s sleeping patterns and make them less likely to eat anything.
• The inflamed gums make them extremely fussy and cranky.
• They may even refuse to breastfeed since sucking the milk may aggravate the pain.

• Other symptoms may include:

• • Ear pulling
  • Cheek rubbing

What remedies can help teething babies and young kids?

While teething can be uncomfortable for children, there are several remedies to help soothe and calm them:

• Teething toys and objects: Provide teething toys, such as rubber teethers or cold teething rings, to help distract and comfort your child.
• Cold compresses: Apply a cold, damp washcloth to the affected area to reduce swelling and ease pain.
• Pain relief: Use over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, in consultation with your pediatrician.
• Topical anesthetics: Apply topical anesthetics to the affected area with a cotton swab to numb it. This soothes the inflamed gums.
• Homeopathic remedie s: Try homeopathic remedies like chamomilla, but consult your pediatrician first.

What are the tips for soothing and caring for your teething child?

In addition to the remedies mentioned above, here are some tips to help soothe and care for your teething child:

• Keep them comfortable: Dress your child in comfortable clothing and maintain a comfortable room temperature.
• Offer extra comfort: Provide extra physical comfort, like hugs and cuddles, to help your child feel secure.
• Keep them occupied: Engage your child in activities, like reading or singing, to distract them from discomfort.
• Monitor their temperature: Keep an eye on your child’s temperature, as teething can sometimes cause a low-grade fever.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Clean your child’s gums and emerging teeth with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush.

Conclusion

Teething can be a challenging time for both children and parents, but with the right knowledge and remedies, you can help your little one navigate this significant milestone. Remember to stay patient, offer extra comfort, and try various remedies to soothe your child’s discomfort. By following these tips and consulting your pediatrician when needed, you can help your child emerge from the teething process with a healthy, happy smile.