Teething is every parent’s worst nightmare. You might bring a little angel home from the hospital, but that all changes when your baby’s first teeth start trying to break free. While there is no cure, there are a few things you can do to make the pain more manageable. Here’s a look at when teething is likely to occur, signs of teething, and how to handle it.
When Will My Baby Start Teething?
Teething generally begins at about six months, but it could be months earlier or later. Teething sessions usually have a month or six them. Teething almost always occurs in pairs and generally alternates between the top and bottom. This continues until your child has all 20 baby teeth, usually around age 3. If you notice gaps or crookedness, don’t worry -- they should straighten out as more come in. The American Academy of Pediatric Doctors (AAPD) recommends the first dental visit within six months of the first tooth or first birthday, whichever comes first.
How Do I Know if My Baby is Teething?
Baby teeth are forming--pushing and taking root--long before your baby starts giving off signs. Some of the milder symptoms (like drooling) might start months before the tooth cuts through the gums.
In the last few days before the tooth breaks through, your baby may have a mild fever (around 99 degrees F). A fever higher than 101 in 3-6 month olds and 103 over 6 months is an immediate message to call the doctor. Teething should not cause vomiting, diarrhea, or most symptoms you associate with a flu or other infection. Signs and symptoms of teething include but are not limited to: drooling, pulling or rubbing ears, low grade fever, chewing or sucking on everything, fussiness, low appetite, or rubbing their own gums. Some babies drool so much they wind up with a persistent cough or mild facial rash. Difficulty sleeping is another big problem for babies that have it the worst.
What Can I Do?
Feeling helpless during teething is one of the hardest parts of being a parent -- because tooth pain is truly awful, even for adults. There are a various different tricks, but your baby may hate 99% of them. Something is bound to make it more bearable though. Here are some options:
Chomp away. Chewing on things can be a big help, just be wary of what they can chew on. Ice popsicles used with parental supervision can be a nice distraction (you hold it against the afflicted area). Frozen washcloths can also be an enormous help. One expert recommends folding a frozen piece of banana into a washcloth, which makes for a firm (but not damaging), numbing, and tasty treatment.
Mouth Massage. Experts recommend using a washcloth to wipe off gums from the moment your baby starts drinking milk. This not only helps prevent tooth decay, but gets Baby into the habit of letting you stick your fingers in his mouth. Use it as a way to massage his gums.
Teething Gels. ome experts swear against them, and some moms swear by them. Read ingredients carefully, and whatever you choose, use only a small amount only on the point of teething. The main concern is that these products create too much numbing and can be swallowed, which can potentially numb Baby’s throat.
Infant Tylenol. Bedtime may become a nightmare, which means it may be time to pull out the big guns. A dose of Infant Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help with inflammation, discomfort, and fever. Ask your doctor what dosage is appropriate for your child’s size. Attention. Your little one may need the recognition that you know it hurts and you’re sorry. Remember not to make a spectacle of her tears and bad behavior, or you are in for a bad habit that’s hard to break. A little lavender aromatherapy, a warm bath, and a little quiet cuddle time can go a long way towards soothing and distraction.
