Teething is a milestone in a baby’s development. Every paper likes to see their baby’s smile showing first teeth. However, teething isn’t easy. It is synonymous with lots of fussiness, sleepless nights, and crying. Here are some key points you should know about teething.
When do babies start teething?
Normally, the first teeth come around six months of age. Due to various reasons, the time taken for teething may be longer than the scheduled time. As well as some babies’ teeth come in at four months. But it is rare. According to the medical research papers, most of the babies begin teething between 4 to 7 months of age.
What is the order of teething? Usually, the front incisors come in first. The bottom front teeth will appear first. However, sometimes it is the top two. After that, the canines will arrive. As well as the baby’s eight molars come in between the ages; of first and third years.
How can you identify the babies’ teething?
“Teething is really when the teeth start to erupt”. Parents might not see teeth initially. However, within two or three days you can feel little bumps on the gums when they start coming through. Teething hurts your baby more. What are the common symptoms of a baby’s teething?
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Fussiness
Teething hurts. Hence, babies are cranky and uncomfortable during the teething process. The major symptom of teething is irritability. You can expect your baby to be short-tempered and quick to cry during this period. Teething can cause discomfort to your baby.
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Drooling
Babies tend to drool more than usual while teething. The teething process stimulates saliva.
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Chewing on objects
During teething, babies often chew toys, fingers, or other objects. However, it helps to relieve the pressure on their gums.
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Sore or Tender gums
Swelling and softening of the gums around the newly erupted teeth.
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Slight increase in temperature
It is normal for the bay’s body to warm slightly when it starts teething. However, the high fiver is not typically associated with the teething process.
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Difficulty sleeping
Painful teething disturbs the baby’s sleep. Therefore, they wake up frequently.
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Decreased appetite
Due to the excessive pain in the gums, the babies avoid feeding.
Less common symptoms
- Rash around the mouth
Excess drooling causes a rash. (chafing around the mouth, chin, or neck)
- Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a less common symptom of teething. Hence, if your baby is showing diarrhea, immediately visit the doctor.
- Mild cough
Drool can cause a mild cough.
- Biting
Infants may bite their hands, toys, or other objects to relieve the gum discomfort.
What are the approved remedies?
You can use different remedies for teething. They are,
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Teething toys
You can provide teething toys to your babies. All teething toys aren’t created equal. Thus, you should keep in mind to select a proper teething toy. Teething toys aren’t cute. But they work.
Your baby will put it into his mouth. Hence, you pay attention to what teething toys are made and how easy they are to wash. Make sure that the toy you select is made of safe materials.
These teething toys are made from organic rubber. There is no hole in the bottom of the toy. Therefore, water can’t get in.
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Cold wash clothes (chewing on something cold)
Place a cleaned cloth in the refrigerator and then give it to the baby to chew on. It helps to relieve the pain in his gums.
This teething remedy is working. Parents can give a teething ring to the baby to chew on. It can help soothe aching gums.
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Massage
Gently massage the infant’s gums with a clean finger. It relieves the discomfort of gums.
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Feeding
If your baby can eat solid foods, give them something to chew on such as biscuits. And chew even a frozen spoon to relieve the discomfort.
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Pain medications
Some painkillers are completely safe for babies six months of age or older. Hence, you can use pain relievers as remedies for teething. Doctors recommend acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. You can give them to babies at bedtime.
Providing painkillers works well. It helps to reduce the hurt completely. However, do not give painkillers to babies every time. When giving painkillers, give one a night or a couple of nights. Besides, always check the label for the safe dosage for babies’ weight.
What will be the unsafe teething remedies?
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Gels of Benzocaine
There are a vast number of unsafe topical creams available in the market like Orajel. Hence, the US Food and Drug Administration has advised parents to not use Benzocaine teething gel on babies under 2 years without a doctor’s supervision. Why? Benzocaine can cause Methemoglobinemia. That is a serious condition that can even bring death.
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Homeopathic teething tablets
Several toxic homeopathic teething tablets have been withdrawn from the market due to the presence of Belladonna in varying amounts. The FDA advised parents to avoid the use of these Belladonna-containing teething tablets. Because they caused seizure-like conditions.
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Amber Necklace
Some parents use Amber teething Necklaces. However, Amber Necklace’s safety and efficacy have not been scientifically proven. Using Amber necklaces can cause dangerous conditions like suffocation and strangulation.
When to seek medical advice?
If your baby shows high fever, diarrhea, or itchy conditions, see a doctor immediately. Because these symptoms may not be related to teething.
As well as if the baby shows extreme discomfort or signs of ear infections visit a healthcare provider.
What’s more?
Here we provide some tips for dental care.
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Cleaning
Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth even before your baby’s first teeth appear.
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First Tooth Care
Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush using a tiny smear of Fluoride toothpaste.
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Dental Check-up
Six months after the first teeth appear, see a dentist for dental advice.
Conclusion
The emergence of a baby’s fourth teeth is very painful. They show different symptoms while teething. Here, we have provided more details about teething such as age and timelines, symptoms, remedies, unsafe remedies, and dental care. However, you can refer to medical research papers for more information.
