The teething period
can be a difficult situation for babies and a hard experience for parents since
when it begins, the whole process is usually quite painful for the child. To be
exact, the growth of the first teeth, which cross the line of the tender
children's gums for the first time, causes anxiety and pain to the baby, but
also fear and anguish to the parents, who are asked to manage a long-time
discomfort caused of the pain the baby experiences.
A baby's first teeth
appear in between the first 3 to 24 months of life, but this is not mandatory.
Some babies have their first tooth earlier than 4 months old; others can be
over a year old without a tooth and others can already be born with a tooth!
This means that each case is unique and that is why parents should not worry
about when children's teething will begin!
Usually, the first two
teeth to appear are the ones in the middle of the lower jaw. But it is not
uncommon – nor is it alarming – for the teeth of the upper jaw to appear first.
And of course, the beginning of teething is not connected with the child's
mental intelligence, as it is not valid that, the earlier the children's teeth
appear, the smarter the child will be!
However, the best way
to find out how close you are to the appearance of teeth is a simple
examination of the baby's gums. With your finger touch the surface of the gums.
If you feel something hard, then it's most possible there is a tooth hiding
underneath.
In its first two years
of life, the child will develop all the first teeth, the milk teeth, which are
a total of 20; ten in each jaw. Specifically, each jaw will have 4 sectors (the
front and side teeth), 2 canines (the sharp teeth), and 4 molars (the teeth
that grind food).
What
are the teething symptoms?
The most common
symptoms that parents need to identify so that they understand that teething
begins are:
✔️Increased salivation
✔️Discomfort, crying,
moaning, in greater intensity than usual
✔️Change in appetite
✔️Sleep disorder
✔️Red and swollen gums
✔️Red face and cheeks
✔️Rubbing the cheek or
ear
✔️Rubbing the gums
✔️Mild runny nose
✔️Biting objects
✔️Slight fever
✔️Diarrhea
How
do you deal with teething?
The main way to cope
with this inevitable situation is to be... patient! Unfortunately, as much as
you would want to help your baby, who will suffer and grumble for some time,
you will not be able to take any drastic measures to alleviate the pain and
irritation of your baby. So, arm yourself with understanding and composure and
follow the following tips that will comfort your baby.
Massage
Putting some small
pressure on the gums and cheeks of the child can relieve it of pain. Rub along
the baby's gums with a clean, moist finger. Let the baby bite or suck your
finger if you see that it pleases it - be careful, hands must be spotless with
shortened nails to avoid injury.
Use
cold items
Use cool water on a
towel, a cold spoon, even a cold pacifier (be careful not to use objects taken
straight out of the freezer) to relieve the pain of teething. Also, you can buy
special teething toys for this case, which you can put in the refrigerator and
give it every time the baby hurts, to chew and calm down.
Use
teething rings
Teething rings are
very convenient when the child wants to bite something hard. The pressure
exerted on the gums, when the baby "chews" a ring, relieves and calms
it. These products, which come in various shapes and colors, do not contain
bisphenol, are designed for easy grip, and give a soothing and pleasant feeling
to the gums and palate of the child. All objects go into the refrigerator and
are easy to clean with warm water and soap.
Try
herbal gels
Some special relief
creams and gels for babies, which with their herbal ingredients, soften and
relieve sore children's gums, can also be found at the market. Although their
action is on the surface of the gum, they nevertheless help to alleviate the
symptoms of discomfort and pain.
Administer
painkiller
Sometimes, when
nothing seems to work, it may be advisable, with the consent of your
pediatrician, to give a painkiller (such as paracetamol). Your doctor will tell
you the exact amount and frequency of the painkiller you will be giving.
Control
salivation
During the teething
period, there is a greater production of saliva, which the baby does not have
time to swallow, so it ends up outside its mouth. Be sure to carefully wipe the
chin, cheeks, or any other spot with saliva because, when it dries, it causes
irritation and dry skin, creating one more problem! Apply to the area a gentle
moisturizer, special for sensitive children's skin.
