Relieving the Pains of Teething

Teething is whenever your baby's first pair of teeth breaks through the gums. This occurs usually around your baby's 6th month. However, it's not unusual for teething to begin anytime between 3 months to 1 year of age. By the age of 3, your baby will have every one of his/her 20 primary teeth. Usually, the low front teeth come out first, while the top of front teeth come out about 1 to 2 months later.

 

Signs That Your Baby Is Teething

You will notice some changes in your baby's behavior indicating that the baby is teething. Your child might become fussier than usual because of the discomfort in the gums. There can be itchiness, soreness, or swelling in your baby's gums before a tooth comes out. These symptoms start about 3 to 5 days before a tooth can be seen, and each goes away after the tooth breaks through the gums.

 

It's also possible to notice your baby biting on his/her fingers or toys to greatly help ease the discomfort in their gums.

 

In this milestone, you may experience difficulty in feeding your baby. She or he might refuse to consume and/or drink because of the pain in his/her mouth.

 

Drooling is another tell-tale sign of teething. Drooling could cause an allergy on your baby's chin or chest so be ensure that you wipe your baby's drool immediately.

 

Relieving the Outward indications of Teething

There are many ways to greatly help your baby feel much better while teething.

 

Teething gels may be applied to numb the gums near the region where in actuality the tooth is growing. While most health experts agree that teething gels may be used moderately, you must consult your doctor first before applying teething gels to your baby's gums. Teething gels contain ingredients like benzocaine and lidocaine, which may be hazardous or even used correctly. These ingredients are proven to create a baby's throat to become numbe when frequently swallowed. Benzocaine from benzocaine powder and lidocaine may also be toxic if large quantities build-up in your baby's body.

 

Never use aspirin or teething powder to help relieve your baby's discomfort. Particles of teething powder or aspirin could cause lung problems if inhaled. Also, aspirin should never be administered to an individual under the age of 29 because it's been associated with Reye Syndrome.

 

Try rubbing the gum where in actuality the tooth keeps growing for a few minutes using a clean finger or a cold teething ring. Your child will dsicover this soothing.

 

You may also provide your baby with safe objects that he/she can chew on, such as teething rings, teethers and toys specifically made for teething. Chewing on objects will take the pressure off the gums. Pick from a wide variety of nontoxic teethers and toys. Some are constructed with rubber, available with and without bumps. Other kinds are filled up with water which may be chilled in the refrigerator.

 

Clean teethers and toys after each use. Check care instructions to see in case a teether or toy is dishwasher safe. Avoid boiling water-filled teethers because they might burst open.