The magical roller coaster of becoming a mother certainly isn’t always a smooth one. After overcoming the sleepless nights, nappies, and breastfeeding, everything should get a little easier, right?
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There comes a time, no matter what you do, where your little one seems to be constantly restless, in pain, or just plain miserable. Welcome to the wonderful world of teething. Teething is a critical step for your child’s development into a beautiful smiling toddler, but it’s not always the easiest stage.
Again, babies vary in the way they cope with teething. Some will begin silently, without you even noticing, and others will raise rooftops to let you know something is up!
Signs and symptoms may appear and disappear over several days or weeks.
Signs and Symptoms of TeethingFussiness, irritability, and an unsettled natureOverly disturbed sleepRed, flushed cheeksDroolingSwollen gums or lipsSucking and mouthing toysDifficulty feeding or refusing foodPulling on own ear (the same side as the erupting tooth)
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Fussiness, irritability, and an unsettled natureOverly disturbed sleepRed, flushed cheeksDroolingSwollen gums or lipsSucking and mouthing toysDifficulty feeding or refusing foodPulling on own ear (the same side as the erupting tooth)
What Is a Teething Rash?
By this time your little one will have a full set of teeth ready to chomp to their heart’s content!
When Do Primary Teeth Shed?
Are There Any Teething Gels That Relieve Toddler’s Teething Pain?
Teething gels are not recommended for toddlers, since there’s little evidence they work, and they may cause adverse side effects. The Food and Drug Administration warns not to use over-the-counter oral products containing benzocaine for infants and children younger than 2 years.
However, if you do choose to use a gel, make sure it’s not only free of benzocaine but also sugar-free. Sugar is a cause of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and even, eventually, dental restorations.You don’t want to be covering your toddler’s emerging tooth buds in sugar.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to speed up the teething process, so you’re left with no choice but to be patient and find ways to make the period as comfortable as possible for your little one. There are a few different techniques that can help them through periods of high irritation.
What You SHOULD NOT do if your child is teething:
Should I Give My Toddler Pain Killers?
This should be an absolute last resort for when your toddler is in real distress. You can give him or her a dose of infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These are effective painkillers and can make him or her feel more comfortable quite quickly. Always check the dosage information on the packet and always consult your practitioner or pharmacist about how much to give your child.
Should My Child See the Dentist?
Anytime you (or your other children if you have them) have an appointment, see if the dentist can have a quick fun check of your child’s teeth so that when the time comes for a proper check-up, it’s not so daunting—and they’ve seen that you do it too!
Other Techniques to Help Your Child Through Teething
A few other things you can try include:
13 Sources
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U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Safely soothing teething pain and sensory needs in babies and older children.
Memarpour M, Soltanimehr E, Eskandarian T.Signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption: a clinical trial of nonpharmacological remedies.BMC Oral Health. 2015;15(1):88. doi:10.1186/s12903-015-0070-2
March of Dimes.Long-term health effects of premature birth.
Food & Drug Administration.Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics.
Skafida V, Chambers S.Positive association between sugar consumption and dental decay prevalence independent of oral hygiene in pre-school children: a longitudinal prospective study.J Public Health (Oxf). 2018;40(3):e275-e283. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdx184
National Capital Poison Center.Teething gels: A Warning.
Harrison D, Reszel J, Bueno M, et al.Breastfeeding for procedural pain in infants beyond the neonatal period.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;10(10):CD011248. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011248.pub2
American Dental Association.Breastfeeding: 6 things nursing moms should know about dental health.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Reye Syndrome.
Mark AM.Your child’s teeth.J Am Dent Assoc. 2019;150(2):160. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2018.11.009
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Teething.
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