HOW TO SOOTHE A TEETHING BABY - TIPS & TRICKS FOR SOOTHING SORE GUMS

 

Soothing gums tips :

 Is your teething baby keeping you awake at night?

 Learn how to care for your baby's new teeth and soothe sore gums.

Teething can be a major headache for both babies and parents, causing drooling, irritability, and tears. Here's some information to help you both feel better.

 

What's a typical situation?

Teething usually begins around the age of six months, though this varies. The bottom two front teeth (lower central incisors) usually appear first, followed by the top two front teeth (upper central incisors).

 

Teething's classic signs and symptoms include:

Many parents believe teething causes fever and diarrhea, but researchers say these symptoms aren't indicative of teething. Excessive drooling Chewing on objects Irritability or crankiness Sore or tender gums Slight increase in temperature — but no fever Consult your doctor if your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or diarrhea.

 

What is the most effective way to relieve sore gums?

Consider the following simple suggestions if your teething baby appears to be in pain:

Rubbing your baby's gums is a good idea. Rub your baby's gums with a clean finger or damp gauze. The pressure may help your baby feel better.

Keep a cool head- A chilled — not frozen — spoon or teething ring can be soothing to a baby's gums. Do not dip these items in sugary substances to avoid cavities.

Attempt an over-the-counter treatment- If your baby is particularly cranky, consider giving him or her over-the-counter pain relievers for infants and children, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).

 

Which treatments should I stay away from?

To keep your baby safe, avoid using:

Ø Homeopathic teething tablets, which are available over-the-counter. Topical gels and teething tablets have yet to be proven to be beneficial. In recent years, lab testing of some homeopathic remedies revealed that the ingredient belladonna, which can cause seizures and breathing problems, was present in higher amounts thanlabeled.

Ø Benzocaine or lidocaine-based teething medications These pain relievers can be dangerous to your child, even fatal.

Ø Necklaces, bracelets, and anklets for teething children. Choking, strangulation, mouth injury, and infection are all possible consequences of using these items.

 

Is it necessary for me to consult a doctor?

Teething is usually something that can be handled at home. If your baby appears to be in pain or if teething is interfering with his or her ability to eat or drink, see a doctor.

 

What should I do about my baby's new teeth?

After each morning feeding and before bed, wipe your baby's gums with a soft, clean cloth. Food debris and bacteria can build up in your baby's mouth if you don't clean it out.

 

When your baby's first teeth appear, brush his or her teeth twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice until your child learns to spit (around age 3). As your child approaches 2 to 3 years of age, switch to a pea-sized dollop.

 

It's also time to consider dental checkups regularly. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that a child's first dental visit be scheduled around the time of his or her first birthday.

 

Remember that proper dental care during childhood helps to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.