Teething

This is the term used to describe the eruption of a baby's first teeth. Teething usually begins at about the age of six or seven months, with most of the teeth breaking through before your baby is 18 months old.

Your baby will produce more saliva than usual and will dribble; he will try to cram his fingers into his mouth and chew on his fingers or any object that he can get hold of. He may be clingy and irritable, have difficulty sleeping and he may cry and fret more than usual. Most of these symptoms occur just before the teeth erupt. It is important to realize that the symptoms of teething do not include bronchitis, nappy rash, vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite. These are symptoms of an illness and should be treated as such.

What to do

If you can't work out why your child is so irritable, and he has no other symptoms of illness, feel his gums. If a tooth is coming through you will feel a hard or sharp lump and the gum area will be swollen and red. You should not need to get medical advice unless your baby has other symptoms that cannot be attributed to teething, or you are unduly worried. Nurse your baby often. A teething baby needs your comfort and closeness. Don't think that the arrival of teeth means you have to speed up the weaning process. Babies with teeth can be breast-fed with no discomfort to the mother.

Distract your child with a chilled teething ring (never freeze the ring or your baby may get frostbite) or a piece of carrot or apple - something firm. Stay with your baby in case he chokes on the food.

If your child seems to be in a lot of pain, give children's paracetamol or ibuprofen, but take care with the number of doses given. Never exceed the recommended dose. If your child refuses food, encourage him to eat by giving him cold, smooth foods such as yogurt, ice cream or jelly.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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