Baby Teething

Baby teething often begins between 4 and 8 months of age though timing varies widely. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth or, the lower central incisors. Drooling, crankiness and tears can make baby teething difficult for both parents and babies. Typical Signs of Baby Teething Drooling Swollen gums Irritability and crankiness Changes in nursing and feeding patternsNursing strike Some teething babies go on a nursing strike during a teething episode, and may refuse to nurse. Changes in sleeping patterns or trouble sleeping. Baby teething, chewing and biting Low-grade fever When teeth erupt, bacteria is able to enter freely which may lead to a low-grade fever. Mild rash around the mouth caused by drooling Bacteria in Baby’s saliva may cause a rash. How to Soothe Your Teething Baby Extra love and cuddles Cuddle or nurse your baby even more than usual to provide extra comfort. Baby gum massage Pressure from massaging and rubbing your baby’s gums helps to lower pain and ease discomfort. Wash your hands before inserting your fingers into your baby’s mouth to avoid introducing extra bacteria to errupted gums. Use your finger, or a moist washcloth to massage Baby's gums. Use cryotherapy or cold therapy Medical treatments for many ailments and injuries include cold therapy to lower swelling and pain. In the case of baby teething, cold teething toys and objects can work to soothe your baby’s sore gums. You can use a chilled teething ring or toy or a frozen moist washcloth. Store teething toys and washcloths in plastic zip-lock bags in the freezer. If your baby has already started eating solid foods, you can offer cold purees or give baby a cold or frozen piece of fruit or vegetable to gnaw on. Never give babies ice cubes! Ice cubes are a choking hazard. Keep your baby clean and dry If your baby is drooling a lot, clean the area around your baby’s mouth with a soft or warm washcloth to help prevent the "drool rash" that is often associated with teething. Pain relief If your baby is having trouble sleeping, has a low fever or is especially miserable, it is usually safe to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Teething troubles usually pass once the teeth break through the gums. If your baby has other signs of illness or a high fever above 100.4 F you should consult with your baby’s doctor. Visit Baby Medical Questions and Answers for more information about fevers. Natural Products to Help Ease Baby Teething Pain NatraBio Teething Relief Liquid Treating children with homeopathy utilizes nature's medicines to gently relieve symptoms and promote healing. Homeopathic medicine is a safe treatment for most minor ailments. Precise levels of homeopathic ingredients work safely and without side effects. This product is intended for the temporary relief of the symptoms of teething pain, restlessness, toothache, sore or tender gums associated with teething. Hyland's Homeopathic Teething Tablets A homeopathic combination for the temporary relief of symptoms of simple restlessness and wakeful irritability due to cutting teeth.