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Babies Teething Problems
Teething is the formation of primary set of teeth or baby teeth through the gums. Teething usually starts at around six months but many babies begin cutting earlier or later than this. However, some babies are already born with teeth and others may not start teething until they are 12 months.
Most children have 20 teeth by two and half years. Humans are born with two sets of teeth. Twenty of these are primary, or baby teeth. First teeth are necessary to help children speak and eat properly. They are also important for the development of second teeth.
The teeth(or tooth) that causes the most pain varies from child to child. It is often the first tooth that causes the most discomfort, or the big molars, when they form. For many babies, several teeth forming together at once is the worst. Young babies can't talk. We don't know the moment teething pain starts. Therefore, we must rely on observation.
A baby is suffering from teething problems if you observe the following :
- Babies are often grizzly for a few days before a new tooth appears. They are likely to have painful and swollen gums.
- Swollen gums combined with irritability are clues about teething pain.
- Babies tend to pull their ears or scratch them during teething.
- Changes in bowel motions .
- Changes in feeding patterns or loss of appetite
- Waking up during the night.
- The excess saliva may cause a rash on the face or chin and may produce coughing.
- Chewing on toys and fingers.
- The teething child may be more irritable, particularly at night.
- Drooling is likely to become heavier when the teeth are forming, which can cause the stools to become looser.
- Some children will run a low-grade fever, around 101°F .
- Usually the baby will chew on fingers or other objects to relieve the discomfort. This may also include biting during nursing.
- The areas where teeth are forming may appear swollen and red.
- Sucking can be difficult and painful for some babies, who may find nursing uncomfortable at the height of teething.
- Sometimes, a small, dark blue area will form on the gums where a tooth is about to form. It is due to a small amount of bleeding beneath the surface of the gums, and is not a cause for concern. Cold compresses may be used for comfort and to reduce swelling.
What can be done to help?
- Making babies chew on a baby teething ring or something hard that is too big to be swallowed will help ease pain.
- Providing cool things to chew on is another effective way to treat teething.
- Letting the baby chew on a cold, wet wash-cloth may also help.
- If you put a teething ring in the freezer or refrigerator, remember to take it out before it gets too hard to avoid hurting your babies gums.
- Wet washcloths or terrycloth toys, that have been kept in the fridge or freezer have been the most popular with babies.
- Wrap some cold fruit or vegetables in muslin and give them to your baby to chew.
- Some babies are delighted with smooth, hard objects like the handle of a toothbrush.
- A teething powder or gel available in pharmacies can help to numb the area.
- Give paracetamol once every four hours if your baby has a fever. Do not use aspirin because this has been linked to Reye's syndrome.
- Massage the gums of the baby gently with a clean finger to relax and soothe pain.
- If your baby is still uncomfortable, try giving Hyland's Homeopathic Teething Tablets or their new natural teething gel. Many parents report that these gentle remedies have been lifesavers.
Dental Care
- Baby teeth should be regularly cleaned with a soft cloth.
- Teeth brushing is not necessary until the kid is 12 months.
- Start with a small, soft-headed brush and teach your child to clean teeth in the morning and at night.
- Use just a small smear of toothpaste on the brush because most children will swallow it before they learn to spit it out.
- Use a toothpaste which contains fluoride.
- Try to limit sugary and sweet drinks because they can cause tooth cavities.
When to See a Doctor
- If the baby has a fever over 101 °F , teething is unlikely to be the cause. Even lower fevers that persist for more than 3 days, need to be consulted with a doctor.
- It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between teething and other illness. See your doctor if you think the symptoms could be a sign of illness.
- If no tooth appears by 12 months, a dental examination is advised.