Teething Tips

By Bonnie Owens on March 27th, 2009

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Drooling, crankiness and tears can make teething an ordeal for parents and babies alike.  Although timing varies widely, most babies begin teething by about age 6 months.  The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the two top front teeth.  Here are some tips recognize and sooth teething troubles.

Signs and Symptoms

• Drooling, which may begin about two months before the first tooth appears
• Irritability
• Swollen gums
• Chewing on solid objects
• Crankiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite

Soothing Solutions

• Rub your baby’s gums.  Use a clean finger, moistened gauze pad or damp washcloth to massage your baby’s gums.  The pressure can ease your baby’s discomfort.   You can also buy a textured infant toothbrush that fits on your finger.
• Offer a teething ring.  Try one made of firm rubber.  The liquid-filled variety may break under the pressure of your baby’s chewing.  If a bottle seems to do the trick, fill it with water.  Prolonged contact with sugar from formula, milk or juice may cause tooth decay.
• Keep it cool.  Freeze a very slightly damp washcloth.  It is stiff enough to provide something to munch on, but not so stiff that it can cause pain.  Chill a teething ring.  Don’t give your baby a frozen teething ring, however, the extreme cold can cause more pain than comfort.  If your baby’s eating solid foods, offer cold items such as applesauce or yogurt.
• Dry the drool.  Excessive drooling is part of the teething process.  To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to dry your baby’s chin.  You may want to lay a clean cloth under your baby’s head while he or she sleeps to keep the sheet dry.
• Try an over-the-counter remedy.   My favorite product was Hyland Teething Tablets.  They are completely natural and always did the trick for my boys.  you can find them at Whole Foods, some Walmarts and some grocery stores.  Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help too.  Don’t give your baby products that contain aspirin.  Most doctors don’t recommend teething medications that can be rubbed directly on a baby’s gums.  The medication may be washed away by your baby’s drool before it has the chance to do any good — and too much of the medication may numb your baby’s throat, which may interfere with his or her normal gag reflex.