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A New Parent's Guide To Surviving Teething

1 June 2016

Kenzi Thompson

As a new parent, you coddled and cooed with your baby for months until your child became involved with teething. Between three months and twelve months, the process usually begins and progresses with twenty primary teeth sometime later. Symptoms usually show up from three to five days before you will see the baby's first tooth. Don't worry; it won't last forever.

Be Aware of the Symptoms

As a parent or guardian, you have to know when your baby is teething versus when the bundle of joy just wants to be held in your arms and pampered. If you are fortunate, your baby might not stress over the teething process. Some of the symptoms might include:

• Face rubbing
• Low-grade fever
• Irritability
• Drooling
• Swollen gums
• Biting, sucking or chewing on everything (and yes, the hands, too)
• Lack of appetite
• Cannot sleep as well

Explore Ways to Relieve Teething Discomfort

Soothe the Gums: The best method has been used for years: your clean fingers. You could also use a gauze pad or cold washcloth that has been moistened. Also, keep a dry cloth to wipe away the drool. You could apply a water-based lotion or cream for any possible irritation.

Avoid Benzocaine Gels: According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), benzocaine gels shouldn't be used for children under the age of two. It can lead to methemoglobinemia, which is rare but very serious. The amount of oxygen supplied through the blood stream is reduced by this disorder, and can result in death.

 As of May 2014, special warning labels must be on the labels of any benzocaine products concerning the possibility of methemoglobinemia. If your child displays any of the following symptoms, immediate help must be given:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness
• Lack of energy
• Discolor skin (cyanosis) causing a pale blue or gray color

Avoid Teething Rings: According to the Mayo Clinic, it is unadvisable to use a frozen teething ring. Even though they have been used for years, the clinic believes the extremely cold temperatures can be harmful to your baby.

Use Caution with Solid Foods: If your baby is eating solid foods, carrots or similar vegetables or fruits can be offered as a chewing tool. However, it is advisable to observe the process closely because the baby could bite too hard and choke.

These highlights should help with the frustration of teething and you as the new parent. The only way your infant has to communicate at a young age is through 'acting out' to get your attention. Remember, this is only a phase and will be gone before you know it. Contact a pediatric dentist in your area to learn more.

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