Sore Gums / Teething
If you've ever tried to console a teething baby, you know it isn't easy. When those baby teeth start erupting, so does the baby. If you're a first-time parent, you need to know it is normal for a baby to be uncomfortable during teething. The age a child begins teething varies from as early as 2-3 months to as late as 12-16 months. If you're not sure your baby is teething, here are some signs.
Teething Signs:
- Fussiness
- Excessive drooling
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Changes in sleep and feeding patterns
- Fever
- Baby rubbing hands around face and cheeks
- Red, sore and swollen gums (you can often see the tooth trying to break through the gums)
(Note that these can also be signs of other illnesses, so check with your doctor if you're not sure.)
Ways to Help Sooth a Teething Baby:
- Pacifier
- Teething ring (can be chilled)
- Numbing ointment rubbed on gums
- Massage of infant gums with clean, wet finger or a wet gauze pad
- Bottle filled with cold water
- Ask your pediatric dentist about medications that may be appropriate such as children's' acetaminophen
Although it may not be fun for the family to witness their baby go through the discomfort of breaking those first teeth, teething is a very important stage of infancy development. For one, you'll be grateful your baby can finally chew his or her food better. These primary teeth also hold the place for the permanent teeth. The permanent teeth usually follow after the health of the primary teeth, so it's important to properly care for these baby teeth as soon as they erupt. We recommend a first visit as early as six months to a year.
If you have any questions or concerns about your baby's teething or would like to schedule a first visit, please contact us at Stevenson Pediatrics, 801-938-7870.