A Guide To Teething Symptoms

It is difficult to know when the child might be teething. Teething in infants can start anywhere from three months till one year of age. There are some obvious teething symptoms for babies, such as wakefulness, drooling, crying, crankiness, biting, tender gums and chewing. Some other signs of teething are less obvious such as refusal to eat or drink milk, rashes around mouth, saliva irritating the delicate skin, runny nose and so on.

Teething symptoms sometimes also follow a hereditary pattern. So, if parents teethed early or late, baby may also follow the similar patterns. On an average, baby should get the first tooth around seventh month, but it can also come as early as third month.

Teething Symptoms Explained

Though some of the teething symptoms are common, it is recommended to check with the pediatrician to rule out other causes. When the sharp small tooth rises closer to the surface, the gums of baby become increasingly painful and sore. This discomfort is worse for first tooth, and then for the molars due to their bigger size.

Drooling is one of the most common teething symptoms, because teething stimulates drooling. The extra saliva causes baby to gag or cough occasionally. This is not a cause of concern as long as baby seems fine, and there are no other signs of flu or cold. If baby is a drooler, the constant contact of skin with saliva may cause skin around mouth and chin to become red and irritated. To prevent this, wipe baby's chin and mouth periodically.

Diarrhea is another common teething symptom, and baby can have slightly loose bowel movements. Swallowing of extra saliva may be the cause. If it persists for more than two bowel movements, report to the doctor. Fever is also a common baby teething symptom, but may not be directly linked to the teething. If fever lasts for more than two days, let your doctor know. Teething pain continues day and night, and child may wake more often during nights when the pain gets bad.

Sometimes, if you run the clean finger along gum line of the baby, it is possible to feel the tooth cutting through the gum.

Dealing With Teething Symptoms

There are many things you can do to help baby deal with teething symptoms, and ease pain for both of you. Teething gels, cooled teething rings, painkiller medicines, chewing and cold drinks help soothe baby's gums. Just make sure that the drinks are sugar-free and not too cold. Playing with the baby or comforting can distract them from the pain.