Teething can be a stressful and painful experience for both the baby and the parents. But knowing the signs that indicate when your little one is teething and strategies on how to manage their discomfort can make the process smoother and less daunting. Find out in this article all you need to know about timing, symptoms, and pain relief for teething babies.
What is Teething?
The process of teething can be complicated for both baby and parent. Here’s a guide to help you understand the timing, symptoms, and pain relief options for your little one.
Most babies will start to teeth around six months old, but teething can begin as early as three months or as late as 12 months. The most common symptom of teething is fussiness, but some babies may also experience drooling, gum swelling, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping.
If your baby is in pain, there are several things you can do to help relieve their discomfort, including massaging their gums with a clean finger, giving them a cold object to chew on (like a teething ring), or using over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If your baby is experiencing excessive fussiness or persistent pain that does not seem to be relieved by home remedies, contact your pediatrician. They may recommend additional treatments like oral numbing gel or prescription medication.
Timing of Teething
Most babies start to teeth between 4-7 months old, with the two bottom front teeth usually the first to come in. However, it’s common for teething to begin a little earlier or later than this.
You may notice that your baby starts drooling more than usual and is fussy and irritable. They may also put everything they can get their hands on into their mouth as they feel the urge to chew.
If you’re wondering if your baby is teething, there are a few telltale signs to look out for:
• increased drooling
• chewing on everything in sight
• fussiness and irritability
• swollen gums
• low-grade fever
These symptoms can start a few days or weeks before a tooth erupts, so it can be tough to know if teething is the culprit. If you’re unsure, ask your pediatrician – they can tell you if your baby’s symptoms are due to teething.
Common Symptoms of Teething
As babies start to teeth, there are a few common symptoms that parents should be aware of. The most common symptom is increased drooling, as babies produce more saliva to help protect their gums. This can often lead to a rash around the mouth and increased fussiness and irritability.
The baby may also want to chew on everything in sight, which helps to soothe their gums. Some babies may have a mild fever or diarrhea during teething, but this is usually not causing concern unless it persists for more than a few days.
If your baby is having trouble sleeping or eating or seems particularly cranky, teething may be the culprit. However, it’s always best to talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned about any changes in your baby’s behavior.
How to Help Relieve Teething Pain
If your baby is teething, you may be wondering how you can help relieve their pain. You can do a few things to help make teething more comfortable for your little one.
First, give them something to chew on. You can offer them a cold, wet cloth to chew on or a teething ring. These can help to soothe their gums and relieve the pain of teething.
You can also massage your baby’s gums with your fingers to help ease the pain. Make sure to do this gently, so you don’t hurt their gums.
Finally, you can give your baby some over-the-counter medication for severe pain. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Always check with your doctor before giving your baby any medication.
When to Call the Doctor
If your baby is teething, you may notice that they are drooling more than usual, chewing on their fingers or toys, and trying to put everything in their mouth. They may also be fussier than expected and need help sleeping.
While these symptoms can be uncomfortable for your baby, they are usually not causing concern. However, if your baby has a fever or is in pain that does not seem to be relieved by anything you try, it is essential to call the doctor.
Your doctor can help you find ways to ease your baby’s discomfort and will let you know if anything else is going on that needs to be addressed.
Alternative Methods of Pain Relief
There are a few alternative methods of pain relief that can be used for teething babies. These include ice chips, frozen fruits or vegetables, a cold spoon or washcloth, or teething rings that can be cooled in the refrigerator. You can also massage your baby’s gums with your finger to help soothe the pain.
Conclusion
Teething can be challenging but exciting for babies and their parents. Knowing the signs to look out for, when to expect each dental milestone, and which pain relief options are available can help make this transition period more manageable.
While it’s inevitable that your baby will experience some discomfort during teething, you can provide relief and comfort throughout this process in many ways. With the correct information and preparation, you’ll be able to get through it with ease!
