Babies have many milestones in their first year of life. One of the biggest milestones is when they start teething. Teething begins before you can even see the tiny teeth popping out when your baby smiles. By recognizing the signs your baby is teething, you can tell when this process is happening and provide solutions to reduce the discomfort associated with teeth appearing on the gum surface.
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Part 1 of 3: Observing Physical Symptoms
Step 1. Anticipate the signs since the baby is three months old
The period when a baby starts teething has a very wide range. Some parents may start to notice the signs when the baby enters the age of three months while teeth begin to appear on the surface of the gums between the ages of four to seven months. Most children will have twenty milk teeth by the age of three. Watching for signs of teething can remind you to check your baby's mouth and see if teeth are showing, reduce discomfort, and clear bacteria from his mouth.
Be aware that some babies will show no signs of teething. In this case, you can examine the inside of the baby's mouth for signs of teeth appearing
Step 2. Examine the baby's mouth area
If you suspect your baby is teething, you may need to check to see if there are any signs around his mouth. You can examine the skin around the mouth and then observe the inside of the mouth.
- Make sure your hands and fingers are clean before checking your baby's mouth so they don't transfer bacteria that can cause infection.
- Check to see if you see drooling or if the baby's mouth is very wet. This is a good sign that the baby is about to start teething or maybe teething already.
- Look for facial rashes or skin redness on the baby while you check for drooling. The appearance of a rash is often a sign that your baby is teething. The color difference may not be that obvious, but if your baby's skin is pinker or redder than usual, it could be a sign that a rash is developing.
- Pull the baby's lips down very carefully to check the gums. You may notice bulging gums, especially around the molars (molars). Or, you may notice a buildup of fluid that forms a bluish cyst. It's completely normal and you don't need to do anything.
- Massage the baby's gums to feel the presence of teeth or hard parts. This can reduce any discomfort your baby is feeling while also helping you make sure your baby is teething.
Step 3. Watch for excessive sucking or biting
Most babies will show some physical symptoms of teething before the first teeth appear on the surface of the gums. Many babies will bite or suck on toys, fingers, or other objects. If you notice your baby is biting or sucking on things more often, this may be a sign that he is starting or is teething.
Check to see if the baby is rubbing his gums with something he is sucking on or biting on. Many teething babies will rub their gums as well as suck and bite
Step 4. Pay attention to the baby's ears
Babies often attribute the pain of teething to their ears. If you notice your baby tugging or banging on his ears among other symptoms, he may be starting to teethe.
- Know that it's not uncommon for babies to tug or play with their ears out of curiosity. However, this behavior can also be a sign of an ear infection. If you're not sure if his ear tugging is related to teething or an ear infection, which can have serious consequences if left untreated, call your pediatrician.
- Other signs that your baby may have an ear infection include fever, runny nose, or acting fussy when tugging at the ear, lying down, or drinking from a bottle.
Step 5. Check the baby's temperature
If your baby's cheeks or skin are pinker than usual or feel warm to the touch, he may have a low-grade fever from teething. However, you should know that teething will only cause a mild fever. If your child has a high fever, he or she may be teething and other conditions are causing the fever. In this case, contact the pediatrician to see if the baby should have an examination.
Part 2 of 3: Watching Behavioral Signs
Step 1. Observe the baby's mood
In addition to the physical symptoms that accompany teething, babies may also exhibit behavioral signs. Two of the most common behavioral symptoms are irritability and whining.
- Pay attention to whether your baby is fussier than usual or even irritable despite your attempts to make him more comfortable. This behavior could be a result of the discomfort he feels from teething. You may notice that your baby is becoming more fussy and irritable at night because tooth eruption is usually more active at night.
- See if your baby cries more often than usual or for several days. This behavior may be a sign of teething, especially if the baby is also experiencing other symptoms. However, you should be aware that excessive crying can also be a sign of gas, colic, or another medical condition such as an ear infection.
Step 2. Watch for changes in your diet
Teething can cause discomfort in the baby's mouth that affects his eating habits or patterns. Make sure you keep an eye on how much he's eating or whether he's eating, which could be a sign of tooth eruption or the start of a teething period.
- Observe if the baby suddenly prefers to feed or drink from a bottle if he usually eats solid foods. This behavior may be because using a spoon or fork irritates his inflamed gums. However, babies may prefer to eat solid foods because the back pressure from the utensils provides comfort to their gums.
- Be aware that your baby may refuse to feed or drink from a bottle because the sucking motion causes uncomfortable pressure on the gums and ear canal.
- Make sure you take your child to the doctor if he refuses to eat. This behavior may be due to teething or other conditions. In either case, a doctor can help diagnose and treat the problem.
Step 3. Watch baby sleep
Since most teeth erupt at night, the teething process can interfere with sleep or even naps during the day. Watch for changes in your baby's nighttime habits, including waking or disturbed sleep. Babies may also experience disturbances in their nap schedule. If your baby shows any of these symptoms along with signs of teething, he or she may be preparing for a tooth to appear.
Keep in mind that disturbed sleep due to teething can also cause or increase your baby's fussiness or irritability
Part 3 of 3: Calming Baby
Step 1. Massage the baby's gums
Gently massaging the baby's gums can relieve the discomfort he feels. In addition, this procedure can help you feel the presence of teeth that will appear on the surface of the gums or potential problems in the baby's mouth.
- Wash your hands before massaging your baby's gums. Make sure you rinse your hands thoroughly so your baby doesn't swallow soap residue.
- Use one or two fingers to rub the baby's gums. Massage the gums with gentle pressure and circular motions.
Step 2. Wipe baby's mouth and gums with a cold washcloth
If you notice signs of teething in your baby, especially drooling, use a cold washcloth to provide comfort to your baby. Not only will you relieve your baby's discomfort, but you will also prevent the development of a rash on the mouth while eliminating the build-up of bacteria.
- Use a clean washcloth that is washed in an unscented detergent and made especially for sensitive skin to ensure that baby's delicate skin or gums are not irritated. Wet a washcloth with cool or cold water and wring it out to remove excess water.
- Wipe the baby's drool's mouth with a washcloth. After that, gently open the baby's mouth and massage the gums with a washcloth. Both of these measures can help remove the bacteria that has built up inside and outside the baby's mouth.
- Start massaging and cleaning your baby's gums as soon as possible. Ideally, you should start this habit shortly after the baby is born.
Step 3. Give the baby teething toys
The back pressure from the chewing motion of the toy on the gums where the teeth will grow can reduce the discomfort felt by the baby. You can choose from teething rings to special biscuits for growing babies, and a variety of different toys to soothe baby.
- Place a damp washcloth in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes and let your baby chew on it. Make sure that the washcloth doesn't become rock-hard as it can bruise your baby's swollen gums.
- Cool the rubber teething ring in the refrigerator and give it to baby. Be aware that you should never put rubber teething rings in the freezer or boil them to sterilize them. These extreme temperatures can damage the rubber or plastic and cause the chemicals inside to leak. Never put a teething ring around the baby's neck because it can cause the baby to suffocate.
Step 4. Give the baby cold food and water
Something cold can help reduce the baby's discomfort. Give your baby cold drinks or food to help him feel better. This step can also help babies who have difficulty eating because of the discomfort he feels get important nutrients.
- Give a bottle of cold water or ice water if the baby is older than six months. If the baby is not even six months old, he is allowed to consume about 30-60 ml of ice water from a bottle or cup. Do not give cold/ice water more than once or twice per day, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Give your baby refrigerated foods such as yogurt, mashed peaches, or applesauce to reduce gum discomfort. You can also put popsicles or frozen fruits like bananas and pears in a mesh bag to feed the baby. This bag will prevent food that does not stick to the gums from choking on the baby. Give your baby teething crackers or frozen/chilled food only when he is used to eating solids. Make sure your baby is sitting up straight when you decide to give him this choice of food.
Step 5. Give pain medication
If your baby is older than six months, you can give him a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Younger babies may be given acetaminophen after obtaining doctor's approval. Painkillers can reduce discomfort and fussiness. Make sure you consult your pediatrician before giving your baby any pain medication.
- Consider giving your baby the painkiller ibuprofen or acetaminophen formulated for babies. Follow the directions on the package to determine the dose or ask your doctor if you are not sure.
- Remember not to give aspirin to a child, unless the doctor specifically orders it. Taking aspirin in children can cause Reye's syndrome.
Step 6. Know what to avoid
There are many remedies that can soothe a teething baby, but there are some that you should avoid. Medications that contain alcohol and gels or tablets for teething can be harmful to your baby's health. It's best to avoid the following to reduce discomfort in a teething baby:
- Putting aspirin on the teeth or gums
- Rubbing alcohol on baby's gums
- Giving baby tablets for teething
- Massaging baby's gums with gel for teething or to numb the gums because some contain drugs that can harm the baby
- Hanging amber around the baby's neck because this method will not work and is a potential choking hazard
- Applying whiskey on a baby's gums can have a sedative effect and be dangerous for him
Step 7. Consult a dentist
If you are concerned about your baby's teething process, schedule a visit to the dentist. A dental check-up can tell your doctor if there is a potential problem and help him prepare treatment for it.
