Teething – Signs and Symptoms
Whether you are a parent or a caregiver, teething can be a very uncomfortable experience. Some babies are more likely to develop the condition than others, and there are many causes. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of teething and how you can ease the discomfort.
Drooling
During teething, drooling is a common symptom. It is often accompanied by a fever or sleeplessness. It can also be associated with the soiling of clothes and books.
In many cases, drooling is normal and can be treated with simple oral hygiene measures. However, in some babies, drooling can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It is important to see a doctor if your child’s drooling becomes severe or you notice other symptoms. Depending on the severity of the drooling, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, surgery, or other treatments.
If you suspect that your baby is drooling, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and order laboratory tests. You will also need to document your child’s history, including birth weight, perinatal trauma, and maternal illness during pregnancy.
Your baby’s drooling may be a symptom of an infection, such as a cold. You may need to see a doctor if your baby has a fever, is vomiting, or is experiencing pain or swelling in the jaw or mouth. It is also possible that your child is drooling because of allergies.
Excessive drooling is a sign of trouble swallowing. It may also be a symptom of an acute infection or a neurological condition. A complete blood count can help determine the presence of an infection.
In some cases, drooling may be triggered by an infantile tongue thrust. This condition occurs when a baby’s tongue is stuck in the back of its throat, preventing the child from eating. Physiotherapy can help treat this condition by strengthening the tongue and improving the child’s mouth closure.
If your child is drooling, you should wipe off the drool gently. This will prevent it from clogging the teeth and gums. Massaging the gums can ease the discomfort. Bibs can also help to keep your baby dry.
Rubbing the gums
During teething, your baby may experience gum pain. Luckily, there are some ways to relieve this discomfort.
Rub a baby’s gums with a clean finger or a piece of gauze. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this to help babies ease their discomfort. Alternatively, you can use a frozen washcloth to give your baby relief.
Another way to ease aching gums is to give your child something to chew on. You can use a pacifier or a plastic toy.
If your baby is uncomfortable, he or she will get fussy. This can be very frustrating for parents. A chilled washcloth can provide a soothing effect and also help your baby fall asleep.
You can put a teething ring in the freezer. This will numb the gums and provide a bit of temporary relief. However, you should never place this ring in the mouth. Likewise, avoid placing it around your child’s neck.
The FDA has warned against teething jewelry, stating that it can be a strangulation hazard. In addition, if the teething ring is filled with liquid, it could end up in the child’s mouth.
For older children, teething gels can provide some pain relief. But be sure to read the packaging first. Benzocaine and other ingredients can cause numbness, which is not recommended for infants.
While teething doesn’t usually cause fever, it can have other strange symptoms. If your child has a fever over 38 C, you should see a doctor or pediatrician for possible infection.
If you are looking for the best way to soothe your child’s aching gums, you might want to try massage. This method works by breaking down the soft tissue in the gums.
Sore gums
During teething, babies can develop a wide range of symptoms. Some are mild, while others cause extreme discomfort. In the event of pain, parents should be prepared with baby-safe relief.
A cold spoon or piece of fruit can help soothe sore gums. Ice wrapped in a damp cloth can also be effective.
If the problem persists, talk to your child’s healthcare provider. You can also try pain medication such as acetaminophen.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a teething ring made from firm rubber. Avoid using liquid-filled rings, as they can be choking hazards. If you are going to use one, make sure it is age-appropriate.
To help ease the pain of teething, parents can give their children a chewing toy. If possible, the toy should be made from BPA-free material.
A teething ring can also help numb sore gums. However, be careful not to put too much pressure on the teeth, as this may cause choking. If you are unsure of how to properly numb the teeth, ask a pediatrician.
In addition to using a teething ring, you can also numb the gums with a cool piece of fruit or a cool spoon. This can be soothing to a teething baby, but be sure to keep the object in the freezer before putting it in the mouth.
You can also use a syringe for a short period of time. Just be sure you wash it out after each use.
If your baby is uncomfortable with cold things, you can try giving him a chewable, wet washcloth. This can be an effective teething aid, as long as you are careful not to numb the teeth with the washcloth.
Nausea
Often, parents attribute vomiting to teething when in fact, there are many other factors at play. If you’re worried about your child, be sure to see a pediatrician. Your doctor can run tests and determine whether or not there’s an underlying problem.
Children who vomit during sleep are likely to suffer from a stomach infection. The vomiting may also be a symptom of acid reflux, a sensitive gag reflex, or another ailment. If the vomiting is prolonged or occurs with other symptoms, it’s a sign of something more serious.
Some children have a fever and vomit during teething. The temperature may be a symptom of a viral infection, which can be dangerous for your baby. Other symptoms, such as diarrhea, are usually not linked to teething.
It’s important to know when to visit the dentist. It’s also crucial to know when to call the doctor. Taking your child to a doctor when he or she is experiencing unusual symptoms will protect him or her from serious harm.
If your child is teething, you can help alleviate the discomfort with a teething ring, a chilled spoon, and cold compresses. You can also try giving your baby some painkillers. However, be careful not to give your child anything that contains lidocaine or belladonna. These products can be very harmful if swallowed.
Typically, teething begins when babies are 4 to 7 months old. By 3 years of age, most children have 20 teeth. The teeth will start breaking through the gums and appear on the lower jaw. When this happens, the infant is exposed to a wide range of illnesses and diseases.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend drugs or homeopathic medications for teething. While it’s possible that teething can cause vomiting, research does not support the connection.
Discomfort for caregivers
During teething, your baby may feel uncomfortable. This can lead to a number of symptoms including drooling, mild irritability, and an urge to chew something hard. Taking your infant to a doctor for treatment is important.
Most babies get their first teeth between four and seven months. However, some children don’t experience teething at all. This can be because their first teeth have not yet broken through their gums. For those babies, you can use a cold compress on their faces. Or you can give them acetaminophen to soothe their pain.
You can help your child with teething by rubbing their gums with a clean finger. Some parents find that using a teething ring can help alleviate discomfort. It’s important to choose a teething ring that’s made of firm rubber. It’s also a good idea to keep it in the fridge, not in the freezer because it can be damaged.
If you notice that your infant is vomiting, it’s a good idea to take them to the doctor. This can be due to a bacterial or viral infection. It’s also important to remember that some infants become extremely irritable and uncomfortable when their first teeth come in. You may also want to discuss your child’s sensory stimulation needs with your healthcare provider.
Many parents are tempted to try topical numbing products when they see their babies have pain. These products can be dangerous, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using other methods to relieve the pain.
Some of the most common teething remedies include massage, cold therapy, and acetaminophen. It’s important to monitor your child’s chewing and never leave your infant alone with teething toys.
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