What Are Signs Of Teething In Toddlers?

We can't help but feel for the poor toddler who is getting new teeth - the aches, the pains. While the parents are delighted to see that first white tooth show up, the fun disappears if the toddler has trouble with the pain of teething. The signs of teething in toddlers may be similar to a baby, but toddlers also have their own aspects that complicate the teething process. There are some late signs of teething that are good to be aware of.

Timing - And Tooth Size

Babies who get teeth usually start by getting the front teeth. These teeth have a sharp edge to help the tooth cut through the gums. Later, the molars have to make their way through the gums - generally three to six months after the first teeth cut through. Hence, the teething toddler has signs of pain in their mouth from the size of the teeth. The width and flatness of those back teeth can cause more pain and a lot of pressure on the poor toddler's gums.

Nighttime Grumpiness

At night, a baby or toddler's mouth may be particularly sore. There are less things for the teething child to think about and do, and the pain is likely to be more noticeable. Just when various milestones have been reached (like learning to stand alone and walk) and the child is often sleeping better, this signs of teething in toddlers can wake the child at night again.

Symptoms Easily Mistaken For Teething?

It is important to not automatically assume that the symptoms you are seeing are just a part of teething - things like grumpiness, crying, refusing food, and other signs of teething in toddlers can also be something else medical - such as an ear infection. It is critical that parents keep a watchful eye on their toddler, and if the signs of teething in their toddler look like maybe signs of an ear infection or a cold, have their toddler visit the doctor, pronto! Ear infections are fairly common in children of this age, particularly if they are not still breastfeeding, and so it is important to be sure medical needs are fulfilled.

In terms of identifying when to be concerned about a potential ear infection, there are a couple of rules of thumb. About pain: teething pain comes and goes, ear infection pain just gets worse. About fever: teething can be accompanied by a low intermittent fever, and it doesn't get high, but with an ear infection, the fever will just climb and get worse over time.

How To Help The Toddler With Signs Of Teething

In time, the pain will go away, but what can you do to help in the meantime? There are several things that can help. Foods that are cold will usually feel good to the gums. This includes, popsicles, applesauce, pudding, frozen peas, etc. You can rub carefully across the gums - or let your child chew on your finger or a chew toy. You can also give acetaminophen or another drug to help with the pain. Many parents love the homeopathic teething tablets available in drugstores.