Teething occurs when your child's baby teeth begin to grow and eventually emerge through the tissue in the gums. While it is an exciting moment for a parent to see baby's first tooth, it can be an uncomfortable and often painful process for your child. Being aware of the signs of teething can help you determine when it is happening and when to take steps to ease to symptoms.
Time frame
Most babies start teething around 6 months of age. Some start earlier, others later. The entire process of teething take about two years. Fortunately, once the first few teeth are in, the process is usually not as painful.
Drooling
Drooling can be one of the first signs that your baby is teething. While drooling may not necessarily mean your child is teething, it does happen frequently when teething is starting. Also, a lack of drooling is not a sure sign that your baby is not teething. Use drooling along with other signs to determine if your baby is cutting teeth.
Irritated Gums
Take a look at your baby's gums. If they are red and puffy, particularly in the front, where teeth are likely to be pushing through, your baby is probably teething. As the tooth presses on the tissue in the gums, any pressure will irritate the tissue, causing it to redden.
Fussiness
The pressure of an emerging tooth on gum tissue also hurts. That pain can be agitating to a sensitive young child. Without any relief, your baby can become cranky. Teething rings, frozen wash cloths, electric tooth massagers, analgesics and good distractions can help relieve the chronic discomfort.
Chewing
Babies will sometimes solve their own problems. To relieve the discomfort themselves, they may start chewing. If you notice your baby chewing on fingers, feet, toys or bottles, they may be teething. Check for other signs to confirm your suspicions. If so, provide your baby with a teething ring, frozen washcloth or other safe item to chew on.
Fever and Mild Diarrhea
While there is some disagreement in the pediatric community as to whether a low-grade fever and mild diarrhea are true sign of teething, they do seem to occur in some babies while teething. These signs are not to be taken lightly, however, as they can also be caused by other illnesses. If you baby's fever rises above 101 degrees F, or if the diarrhea increases or persists for more than a day or two, contact your pediatrician or family doctor for advice.
