Teething Time!

It can either be an exciting or a dreadful experience for every parent to see their child’s very first tooth popping out of those bare little gums! This stage in life can also be a difficult one if your child happens to have some, if not all, of the painful and unpleasant symptoms of teething. But consider yourself lucky if your child breezes through this phase without any symptoms at all! Normally arriving between the 6th and 9th month or sometimes as late as a year, here are some signs to look out for.

Drooling. This is an all-natural classic sign! Drooling may also create rashes around your baby’s mouth if it becomes excessive or it can cause your baby to cough due to mild choking. But this will all eventually disappear.

Biting or hands constantly inside mouth. If your baby can get anything into his/her mouth to soothe the gum pain, biting is unavoidable! A cooling teether or even some teething biscuits could be a big help at this stage.

Fever. Babies lose their immunity at this stage, making them more susceptible to a rise in temperature. See a doctor immediately!

Crying. For no reason at all! Unfortunately, this can last for days or even weeks and parents have no choice but to bear with it.

Refusing to eat. If your baby carries on with an empty-ish stomach for an extended period of time, it might be a good idea to see your doctor.

Ear pulling. It may sound like a strange one, but pain can sometime travel up to your baby’s ears. Also keep an eye if you suspect an ear infection.

Sleeping difficulty. This intense pain can sometimes keep your baby up all night! You will notice the change when your baby has been sleeping well but then suddenly, it becomes the complete opposite.

Diarrhea. There have been different theories being linked to diarrhea and teething, as this happens only with some babies. But if the diarrhea carries on for days or weeks, then it might be best to seek advice from your doctor.

Cheek rubbing. It is one of the most obvious teething signs. You might want to give your child something to relieve the pain. Sometimes, a cuddle might even work best.

How to care for your baby’s teeth:

Once your baby’s tooth emerges, it is a good idea to start brushing at least twice a day using a baby tooth brush with very soft bristles and baby toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride since babies tend to swallow the paste instead of spitting it out. Starting this daily procedure early in life normally avoids problems in the future. It’s also a good idea to let your baby watch you brush your teeth so it becomes a good habit for him/her as well. Always remember to replace a toothbrush every 3months, or when the bristles have flattened out.