Teething signs include irritability, drooling, and an increased desire to chew. Some babies may experience severe pain, while others may show few symptoms. Giving cold foods, teething rings, or massaging the gums may help ease the pain. An exam of the gums can confirm if teeth are coming in.
When a baby starts growing teeth, he may show signs of teething. New teeth can start appearing as early as three months of age, and most children have a full set of 20 teeth by age three. Common signs of teething include irritability, drooling and an increased desire to chew. Your baby’s gums may appear red or swollen. Some babies are severely affected by teething, while others may show very few symptoms.
Fussing is one of the most common signs of teething. New teeth pushing through the gums can be extremely uncomfortable, which can make a child fussy or hypersensitive. The pain may increase during the night, causing the child to sleep restlessly and cry frequently during the night. The large size of the molars can make the child even more irritable than when smaller teeth fit in. If a baby fidgets while rubbing his cheeks or tugging at his ears, it could mean he’s teething.
An increased tendency to drool and flushed cheeks are other common signs of teething. A child who drools a lot may develop a rash on his chin or neck from constant wetness and frequent cleaning. Some babies also have red, hot cheeks due to mouth pain. In most cases, the burr decreases when the tooth appears, but starts again when another tooth begins to push through. Some parents report that loose stools are another indication of teething, which could be a result of swallowing excess saliva. The child may also cough or vomit due to saliva in the throat.
Babies often try to chew everything they can get into their mouths, as the pressure on the gums appears to help ease the pain. Giving your baby cold foods, cooled wet cloths, or teething rings can help ease the pain. Gently massaging your baby’s gums with your finger may also help. Some parents choose to give topical pain relievers or teething gels, which may be effective for some babies.
If a baby is old enough to start teething and if there are other signs of teething, an exam of the gums should confirm whether the teeth are coming in. The anterior lower incisors are usually the first to enter. The gums in the area are often swollen and red. When pressed with a finger, the tooth may be felt before it is seen. Sometimes a small crack appears where the tooth will come out.
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