How to help a teething child

How to understand that a child is teething

This process begins at about 6 months of age. Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums. In order not to confuse it with any other, look for the following symptoms in the baby:

active drooling;
craving to drag into the mouth and chew objects that come across the arm;
unusual irritability, moodiness;
swollen, reddened gums;
low temperature - about 37, 2 ° С.

Some parents try to explain a higher temperature or, for example, diarrhea by teething. And in vain. Teething has nothing to do with fever or diarrhea. If you see these symptoms in a child, be sure to consult a pediatrician. Most likely, they are caused by some kind of disease, and not by the appearance of teeth.

When exactly you need to see a doctor

If, against the background of teething, the temperature rises to 38 ° C and above Baby Teething Pain or the child is obviously not feeling well - he is weak, too restless or vomits - call the pediatrician. The doctor will make a true diagnosis and begin treatment.

How to help a teething child

Here are some things you can do to help relieve pain and itching in your gums, and prevent facial irritation.

1. Massage your gums

Wrap your finger with a clean, damp gauze pad and rub your child's gums. In some cases, pressure can help relieve discomfort. And yes, you don't need to use a tissue: just make sure you wash your fingers thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Give something cold to chew on

For example, a teether filled with cold water. Elastic toys gently and safely massage the gums, and a low temperature will help reduce swelling and pain. Just do not use FDA Warns Against Use of Teething Necklaces, Bracelets, and Other Jewelry Marketed for Relieving Teething Pain or Providing Sensory Stimulation: FDA Safety Communication bracelet or bead teethers made of amber, wood, marble, or silicone. The child can hurt the gums on them or, if accidentally swallowed, suffocate.

3. Give at least something to chew on

If your child has a positive attitude to food, offer him a peeled chilled carrot or cucumber: they will also help massage the gums. If you're worried that your baby might bite off and choke, place a piece of vegetable or fruit in a nibbler, a silicone or fabric pacifier with holes. The child will gnaw it, feel the taste, but at the same time will not be able to swallow dangerous pieces.

4. Use a napkin more often

Teething is always accompanied by active drooling. And saliva that gets on the lips, the area around the mouth and chin can irritate the skin. To prevent this from happening, blot the child's face with a soft paper towel as often as possible.

5. Offer pain reliever

OTC pain relievers - drugs based on paracetamol or ibuprofen - work well for teething pain. But there is an important point: they can be prescribed only after consultation with a pediatrician, who will pay attention to the child's weight and possible allergic reactions. Even popular and seemingly harmless anesthetics can have unpleasant side effects in case of accidental overdose.

Do not use homeopathic remedies (they are useless) and ointments that contain benzocaine or lidocaine And in general, the use of anesthetic ointments is an ineffective solution, since they are washed out of the child's mouth within a few minutes.

How to care for erupted teeth

You need to start caring for your teeth as soon as the first of them has erupted. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, bacteria living in the oral cavity immediately begin to influence the tooth. It needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent tooth decay. Secondly, the child will quickly begin to perceive regular care as normal, and in the future you will not have problems with brushing your teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to use any toothbrush with short, soft bristles and a small head for cleaning. Ideal if it is designed specifically for babies. For the paste, use up to a grain of rice for the baby's fluoride.

Also, do not forget to visit the dentist with your child for a preventive examination. All the same American Pediatric Dentistry Association advises Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to do this even before children turn one year old.