Children go through many changes as they grow and develop. Some of these changes may cause irritability, restlessness, rashes, temperature fluctuations and loss of appetite. In some cases, you may notice that your infant has an increased desire to chew or suck, and he may begin to drool. If you notice any of these symptoms, along with swollen or tender gums, it may mean that he is teething or cutting teeth.
Tooth Eruption
Between 6 and 8 months old, your child's teeth begin to erupt. As the teeth attempt to poke through the surface of the skin at the gum line, pain and swelling is the usual result. As several more teeth begin to make their way through, your child's gums may become even more swollen and tender. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, the entire teething process can take anywhere from six months to three years.
Relief
Explore ways to give your child some relief during teething. Rub swollen gums with a clean finger or allow your child to gnaw on a clean, cold washcloth for relief. Teething rings and frozen pacifiers may also spell relief for the teething child. If none of these options seems to ease the discomfort associated with your child's swollen gums, call his pediatrician. The pediatrician may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Warning
While it may be difficult to see your child experiencing pain and swelling around the gums, avoid resorting to extreme measures to ease her pain. Do not use whiskey or aspirin as a pain reliever for sore, swollen gums. Avoid over-the-counter gum gels because continued use puts your child at risk of overdose. Some children may even be allergic to the ingredients in the gum gels, resulting in a rash and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is essential if any of these allergy symptoms arise.
Fever
The swelling associated with teething can make your child's body temperature rise higher than normal. A normal temperature in children can be as high as 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your child's temperature reaches 100.4 or above, she has a fever. While a low-grade temperature may be normal with gum swelling, a fever that reaches 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit or above warrants a call to your child's pediatrician.
References
- New York University, Langone Medical Center; Teething; Debra Wood R.N.; September 2010
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Triad Child Study; Milestones on the Road to Discovery; 2010-2011
- Upstate Medical University; Teething; 2008
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Teething: Symptoms and Remedies; Nila Lenna, et al; 2009
