A child's first tooth is likely to appear between 3 and 12 months of age. Oftentimes, parents of infants assume a baby's crankiness is caused by teething pain. However, constant crying does not necessarily mean the baby is teething. Babies cry for numerous other reasons, so it can benefit you to check for other signs that a baby is teething. If the baby continues to have constant and lengthy crying fits, speak to her pediatrician to rule out a medical problem.
Step 1
Check for drooling. When a baby is teething, he can produce an excessive amount of saliva. You may notice his shirts and bibs are soaked with drool. The drool may cause a rash around the mouth to appear.
Step 2
Observe a change in sleeping habits. Even if your child has previous slept through the night, this can change when she is teething. Her naps may be thrown off, and you may be awoken by crying during the night.
Step 3
Note any loss of appetite. According to the What to Expect website, sucking can worsen teething pain. Your baby may refuse to eat or nurse as often during this period.
Step 4
Monitor her chewing and gnawing habits. As a baby teethes, he may wish to bite on things, including toys, fingers and utensils.
Step 5
Look in her mouth. Examine her gums, especially the front lower gum area if this is her first tooth. The gums may look swollen and bulge out. As the tooth breaks through the surface, you can look for the outline of it through the gums.
Step 6
Take her temperature. A baby may develop a low-grade temperature while she is teething.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to ask your doctor about what type of pain relief from teething you can offer your child. You may be permitted to give an over-the-counter infant pain reliever or an oral topical numbing gel.
