If your baby is cranky and slobbering excessively, teething is likely the culprit. Teething causes swelling and sore gums, potentially resulting in a fussy and irritable baby. Drooling, biting, chewing, clinginess, diarrhea and sleeplessness may occur several days prior to the tooth breaking the gum. Teething starts on average at around 6 months of age, but can begin as early as 3 months of age and as late as 12 months of age. Once the tooth emerges, teething symptoms subside. Some babies are unaffected by teething, while other babies may seem inconsolable.
Massage
Applying pressure to your baby's gums provides some relief for your teething baby. Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger in a deliberate and gentle motion. Initially, your baby may act displeased with the massage. However, after a couple of swipes, your baby will exude relief and satisfaction with this action. If you prefer not to use your finger, place an ice cube in a washcloth and rub it over your baby's gums for a couple of minutes.
Chewing Objects
Provide appropriate chewing and sucking objects for your teething baby. A teething ring, pacifier, or a hard, smooth object may help ease your baby's discomfort. Additionally, you may dampen the corner of a washcloth and freeze. Give this to your teething baby to chew and suck. Cold items help soothe your child's aching gums. Do not give your baby any chewable object that may cause choking.
Pain Relief
A mild pain reliever may be necessary to ease your baby's discomfort. A pain reliever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen can aid in reducing the pain. Do not give aspirin to your teething baby, as aspirin consumption among children is associated with a rare disease known as Reye Syndrome. According to the University of Michigan Health System, chamomile, a homeopathic remedy, may help with pain relief, irritability and diarrhea related to cutting teeth. Consult your child's pediatrician about these pain relief mechanisms.
Warnings
Some rumored teething tips may cause harm to your teething baby. Do not place honey on your child's pacifier or give honey to any child under 1 year of age, as honey can cause botulism. Do not freeze teething rings. Frozen teething rings may cause abrasions on your child's gums. Avoid using numbing, oral gels on your teething baby. These products only provide temporary relief and may cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, these oral gels numb the throat resulting in gagging and difficulty swallowing.
References
- New York University Medical Center; Teething; Debby Golonka; July 2009
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Tips for Teething Babies
- University of Michigan Health System; Pain and Your Infant: Medical Procedures, Circumcision and Teething; Kyla Boyse; February 2007
- DrGreen.com; Teething Pain; Alan Green; May 2008
