What does “teething” mean?
Teething is the process by which First teeth emerge from a baby’s gums. It can be a difficult time for both babies and their parents.Knowing what to expect during teething and how to make it less painful can be beneficial.
Your baby’s first tooth could appear as early as three months or as late as a year or more. The average age is approximately six months.
Teething symptoms
The following is a list of commonly reported teething symptoms, along with home remedies and when to consult a doctor:
- Irritability
- Drooling and Skin Rashes
- Coughing
- Gnawing and Biting
- Low Grade fever
- Ear and cheek rubbing
- Diarrhea
- Irritability and pain:
This is due to the discomfort caused by teeth erupting through the gums. The first teeth and molars are frequently the most painful.
Ways to alleviate your infant’s irritability and pain:
- A damp washcloth: Place it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes before allowing your child to chew on it.
- A frozen banana or frozen berries: After you’ve introduced solids, these are an option.
- Teething rings: Chill these in the freezer ahead of time, but not until they’re rock solid. Avoid the liquid-filled rings because sharp teeth may puncture them and release the liquid, which may contain bacteria.
- A cool sippy cup of water: When your baby is older than 6 to 9 months, this is a good option.
- Toys that are chewable: Instead of plastic, which may contain potentially harmful chemicals, try ones made of silicone or latex.
- Your finger: Of course, this works best before your baby’s teeth appear. Just make sure to first wash your hands.
- Drooling and Skin Rashes:
Teething can cause drooling, and many babies drool profusely!
Excessive drooling can cause a rash around the mouth, cheeks, chin, and neck area because of the extra bacteria on the skin from the saliva. Wipe the area down on a regular basis to keep it as clean and dry as possible. Applying a simple barrier cream to dry, chapped, and sore skin can help.
- Coughing:
Teething causes an increase in saliva production, which can result in an occasional cough or gag.
How to help your infant cough: Contact doctor if the cough persists or is accompanied by a high fever and cold or flu symptoms. The high fever with cold and flu symptoms is not caused by teething, but rather indicates that your infant is ill.
- Gnawing and Biting:
The counter pressure from biting on almost anything can relieve the pressure under the gums.
How to stop your baby from biting and gnawing: Anything cold is ideal! fruit and vegetable popsicles by combining water and baby food pouches. Teething rings, chew beads, and any commercially purchased teething toys can be beneficial, especially when chilled or frozen.
- Low Grade fever:
The following are the causes of a low grade fever:
A temperature between 98 and 100 degrees- It can be caused by an infant putting dirty hands in their mouth.
If the fever rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or persists, consult your infant’s paediatrician because it could be a sign of a more serious illness rather than teething.
How to treat a low-grade fever in your infant: Use an age-appropriate pain reliever, and please check with your doctor and the medication label for the proper dosage.
- Ear and cheek rubbing:
This is caused by gum pain, which can spread to the cheek and ear, especially when the molars erupt. Babies will rub those areas. Keep in mind that ear rubbing can also be a sign of an ear infection; if this symptom persists or is accompanied by a high fever, please contact your doctor.
How to alleviate your baby’s cheek rubbing and ear pulling: To alleviate discomfort, try rubbing and massaging the gums with a clean finger for one to two minutes.
I hope this list of symptoms and ways to assist your infant will help you navigate your infant’s teething phase. I also hope that this alleviates some of the stress that many parents may be feeling. Remember that many teething symptoms can be associated with illness, may be completely unrelated to teething, and may require medical attention.
