Hey mum and dad, is your teething baby keeping you up at night? We understand how challenging the teething phase can be both for you and your little one. Today’s post addresses how to soothe sore gums and care for your baby’s new teeth.
Drooling, crankiness and tears can make teething a dreadful ordeal for babies and parents alike. Here are some tips to help ease the pain — for both of you.
When?
While timing varies widely, babies often begin teething by about age 5-7 months starting with the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors), followed by the two top front teeth (upper central incisors).
Signs
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Irritability or crankiness
- Sore or tender gums
- Slight increase in temperature — but no fever
Many parents suspect that teething causes fever and diarrhoea, but researchers say these symptoms aren’t indications of teething. If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or diarrhoea, please see your paediatrician.
Best way to soothe sore gums?
If your baby seems uncomfortable because of teething, consider these simple tips:
- Rub your baby’s gums: Use a clean finger or wet gauze to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure has been proven to ease the baby’s discomfort.
- Keep it cool: A cold spoon or cold piece of fruit (chunks that your baby can’t swallow), and a chilled, not frozen teething ring can be soothing on a baby’s gums. To avoid cavities, don’t dip these items in sugary substances.
- Try medication: If your baby is especially cranky, consider giving him or her infants’ or children’s over-the-counter pain medications (speak to your paediatrician for some recommendations)
Treatments to avoid?
To keep your baby safe, desist from using:
- Over-the-counter remedies, including homoeopathic teething tablets.
- Teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These pain relievers can be harmful — even fatal — to your baby.
- Teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets. These items pose a risk of choking, strangulation, mouth injury and infection.
When Do I need to call the doctor?
Teething can usually be handled at home. Contact the doctor if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable or if teething seems to be interfering with his or her eating or drinking.
How do I care for my baby’s new teeth?
- Run a soft, clean cloth over your baby’s gums twice a day — after the morning feeding and before bed. The cleansing can keep food debris and bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth.
- When your baby’s first teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean his or her teeth twice a day.
- Until he/she learns to spit, say at about age 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than the size of a grain of rice. Then switch to a pea-sized dollop as your child approaches 2 to 3 years of age.
- It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. It is recommended to schedule a child’s first dental visit at or near his or her first birthday.
Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
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