Teething - Advice for new moms
The process of teething can be a frustrating time for babies and their parents. For some babies, this is a painless process; others may be irritable and cranky for weeks and have disrupted sleep and eating patterns.
Teething can begin as early as three months of age and continue until a child’s third birthday. My son got his first two teeth at the age of three months; my daughter didn’t get her first until she was almost one year old. However, it is most common for children to begin teething between the ages of four and seven months. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. These are usually followed by the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors). About one month after that, the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth will appear. Next to break through the gum line are the first molars which are the back teeth that are used for grinding up food. Finally, the eyeteeth, the pointy teeth in the upper jaw appear. Most children have all twenty of their primary teeth by their third birthday. If your child experiences a significant delay in getting teeth, speak to your child’s doctor or dentist.
Whenever your child begins teething, you may notice that they may be drooling more and may seem to want to chew on everything. My children were all droolers, and I had to wear a bib on them at all times. My son’s cheeks also got rosy and red right before some of his teeth came in. the process of getting teeth was painless for my children, or at least it appeared to be, as they really didn’t fuss that much. A couple of times they awakened at night and were more irritable that usual. This is normal when teething, although for some children, it may last for weeks. Your child may run a low grade fever when cutting teeth; however, teething shouldn’t cause fevers and diarrhea. If your child experiences either of these symptoms for an extended amount of time, consult with your child’s doctor because they could have a virus or other illness.
Some tips to follow to help your baby through the teething process are:
? Wipe your baby’s face often to remove drool and prevent them from getting a rash on their face.
? Give your baby something to chew on, such as a teething ring or a wet, cold washcloth. This will help soothe their swollen gums.
? Give your child something cold to drink or eat such as applesauce, yogurt, or pureed fruit. If it seems painful for your child to suck, trying giving them cold water to drink from a cup.
? Administer acetaminophen if your child is irritable, especially at night; however, consult your doctor before doing so.
? Never rub whiskey on your baby’s gums! This may have been the remedy of choice in your grandmother’s day, but it’s not recommended now.
Although teething can be a trying time that affects the whole family, it is a special milestone in your baby’s life. If you have any further questions regarding teething, contact your child’s physician.