Infants begin to experience teething pain between 4 and 7 months, and it can continue off and on until they are 3 years old. Symptoms of teething can vary in severity, and some children experience symptoms that others don't. Common signs of teething include crankiness, evidence of pain and disruptions in sleeping and eating. No matter what the symptom, there are many ways to ease the discomfort that children feel when they are getting teeth.
Chewing On Something Cold
For teething infants, the combination of cold and pressure on the gums can relieve the pain associated with it. One way to provide this is to place a wet washcloth in the freezer for about 30 minutes, and then you can let your infant chew on it without fear of choking.
Another great product is a teething ring, which many toy companies manufacture. You simply chill them and a baby can gnaw on them. But, according to Kids Health, "avoid ones with liquid inside because they may break or leak." If this occurs, a baby could choke, so if a teething ring appears damaged, dispose of it and get a new one.
Apply Pressure
Pressure applied directly to the gum or emerging tooth provides relief for a baby because it can minimize the pain. You can simply use a clean finger and rub the baby's gums or allow the baby to gently chew on your finger. However, it is no longer recommended to put a small amount of alcohol on the finger first because even a small amount can make a child very sick. Many teething babies will chew on their own fingers as well. There are also several products on the market in the form of stuffed animals or soft books with rubber parts meant for teething.
Medication
An appropriate dose of acetaminophen can be administered to ease the pain caused by teething. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that "pain relievers and medications that you rub on the gums are not necessary or useful since they wash out of the baby's mouth within minutes." Parents should stick to liquid pain reliever given through a dropper because it enters the bloodstream, eliminating the pain. Topical treatments are simply drooled back out or swallowed and don't provide that much relief.
