Posted by Every parent knows the pain of a teething baby. A baby’s teeth are busy growing in their gums. This can be an uncomfortable process for the little one, but there are ways to make the process easier.
What’s normal for a teething baby?
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness and crying
- A slightly raised temperature (less than 101 F)
- Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
- Lots of drool, which can cause a rash on their face
- Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
What’s not?!
- High grade fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Cough
- Congestion
These are not normal signs of teething. Contact your doctor immediately if your baby develops any of these symptoms.
Remedies for teething:
Parents should know that while using acetaminophen or ibuprofen is a no-no, there are other options to keep their baby happy. Here are some natural remedies as a great alternative for those who are hesitant to give their children medications or oral numbing agents which are not needed in most cases.
1.Frozen fruits:
One dentist-approved way to soothe teething in babies is with watermelon or grapes or any seasonal fruit- and not just any fruit but frozen fruit. Even simple ice cubes can serve the same purpose.
Be careful regarding potential choking hazards. Avoid prolonged and frequent exposure as fruits contain natural sugar which if continuously exposed to can cause cavities in teeth.
Remember to clean the teeth and gums with a clean cloth or toothbrush later.
2. Gently rub their gums and cheeks.
One of the best ways to soothe a teething baby is by gently rubbing their cheek and gums.
This technique increases saliva production and breaks down food stuck in the mouth. Clean fingers or a clean, cool washcloth is the safest way to relieve babies of teething pain
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3. Teething biscuits
Starting at 8 to 12 months of age, you can offer teething biscuits to your child as a natural and safe alternative to commercial teething tablets and gels.
But the most important thing is to pay attention to gum hygiene! It is important that parents wipe their child’s gum area and teeth with a clean cloth before and after they eat the biscuits.
4. Teething rings and toys
Teething rings are often given to children to relieve their teething pain. However, many parents are unaware of the risks associated with these items. First off, some plastic rings may have small pores in them which can harbor bacteria or mold that can then get into a child’s mouth. Secondly, saliva can easily get trapped in the toy and cause it to be more difficult for it to dry out. So it is very essential to choose rings that are easy to clean and sterilize.
Do not buy a teething ring filled with a liquid, as a baby could chew through the ring, which would cause the liquid to spill into the baby’s mouth.
Before you give your baby a teething ring, place it in the fridge to cool it. This will provide just the level of relief needed. Please do not leave it in the freezer and make it icy cold. Doing so can bruise a baby’s delicate and tender gums. While a cool teething ring is helpful, getting it too cold can cause some real damage.
It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Written by: Dr. Zainab Rangwala (Dental Surgeon- Surat)