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Mar 26, 2024
Teething is a challenging phase for infants, toddlers, and parents. Most first-time parents are unable to understand the reason behind their little ones' crankiness. Teething can be troubling because the teeth erupt through the gums and can cause discomfort. The primary teeth start appearing between the ages of six and twelve months, and this is when the problem begins.
While most parents wait for the day when their children have a toothy smile, they are unaware of the woes it can bring. Since primary teeth erupt until babies turn three, parents must be on their toes to ease their pain and irritability. Here is a guide for parents of infants and toddlers to deal with teething troubles. This information can help them manage the problem with ease.
1. Beginning of Teething In Babies
Teething is known as odontiasis and can begin from four months and go up to 36 months. However, it can vary from child to child. Some babies may show signs of teething as late as seven to twelve months. It ends with the completion of the appearance of 20 primary teeth by age three. The lower front two baby teeth are the first to appear, and the next ones are the upper front two teeth. Then, the surrounding two teeth on either side of the existing teeth erupt, followed by the upper and lower molars.
2. Recognising Signs of Teething Troubles
One of the first signs of teething is excessive drooling. Hope Island Dentists suggest cleaning the saliva dripping from the mouth to avoid a chin rash. Babies can become irritable when the teeth start pushing out of the gums because of the pain. It can also lead to a lack of sleep and crying bouts. Most infants try to relieve the pain by chewing hard objects, which clearly indicates teething.
Parents can also observe teeth eruption while cleaning the gums as they become inflamed and sore. Some babies also rub their cheeks or pull their ears due to the discomfort. A slight increase in body temperature is normal during teething. However, you must consult the paediatrician if the baby has a high temperature and diarrhoea.
3. Ways to Soothe Teething Infants and Toddlers
Usually, practitioners suggest rubbing the gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth to soothe the pain. Applying slight pressure on the gums can also help relax an irritable child. Toddlers and babies can also be given teething rings to chew as they like gnawing on hard objects.
Parents must consult their dentists in Hope Island to identify ways of relieving the teething discomfort. They can try to give a cold spoon kept in the fridge for some time for chewing to the toddlers. In addition, it is best to give your baby a lot of attention and love during this period to reduce their discomfort. Toddlers can also be given crunchy fruits and vegetables to chew while monitoring them to avoid the risk of choking.
4. Teething Remedies to Avoid
Parents should consult their family dentist before using teething gels. Many of these products are harmful if swallowed by the infant because they contain lidocaine or benzocaine, which helps to numb the tissues and can lead to dangerous consequences. Some of the teething rings are shaped like necklace beads. They must be avoided because if they break and the bead is swallowed, it can become a choking hazard. Also, do not give your child ice cubes to chew, as they can be harmful. Plastic toys should be hidden away to stop them from chewing on these products.
5. Symptoms Not Associated With Teething
Many parents mistake other symptoms as teething trouble, which can lead to serious consequences. Thus, it is crucial to understand that high fever is not associated with teething and is a sign of infection in the body. In addition, if the baby is constantly pulling the ears, crying and does not like to lie down, it could be the result of an ear infection. It is best to get it checked if you feel it is more than teething trouble.
6. Caring for Baby’s First Few Teeth
It is a myth that babies do not need brushing because they eventually fall out. Primary teeth are a significant part of the baby’s mouth and must be healthy until they last to avoid cavities and gum problems. It is vital to clean the gums before the eruption of teeth with a clean cloth after feeding in the morning and before putting them to sleep at night.
After the first teeth appear, parents must start brushing their baby’s teeth using a small toothbrush with soft bristles. They must use toothpaste recommended by their Hope Island dentists, and the quantity should be as small as a grain of rice. They can increase the quantity to the size of a pea when the child is two years old.
Wrapping Up
Every child has to suffer the pain of teething. Parents must know the dos and don’ts of dealing with the troubling situation to calm their babies and toddlers. The tips mentioned above can help manage the pain and soothe the baby.
