Teething can be an extremely stressful time for both parents and baby. But how do you know when your baby boy is cutting his first tooth? If your baby has suddenly become very squirmy and fussy during his feeding, is excessively drooling or has a severe diaper rash, chances are your little guy might be getting his first tooth. One of the first steps in helping your baby through this is to be sure to recognize the signs of teething.
The discomfort associated with your child's first tooth may begin long before the actual teeth appear. Babies are born with 20 teeth that are hidden under their gums. Simply by rubbing your finger over the baby's gums, you should be able to feel some type of indication of teeth right before the teeth break through the skin.
The front four teeth are usually the first to appear. The two bottom teeth normally come in before the top two teeth. They usually break through the skin at around six months. However, in some instances, these teeth can appear a lot earlier, while some may not show up until the baby is a year old.
Molars or the back teeth, normally appear once the baby is around thirteen to nineteen months of age. Normally, the canine teeth appear around sixteen to twenty-two months of age.
By watching your little guy closely, you should be able to tell when he begins teething. The most common symptoms associated with this are: fussiness when eating, overall irritability, excessive amounts of drooling, diarrhea and diaper rash and the desire to chew on everything.
There are a wide variety of remedies available. One of the most effective remedies is to simply distract your baby. If he is not thinking about the pain, chances are he will be a lot happier. You can also massage his gums with your finger. Experts suggest avoiding the use of gels containing benzocaine, since it can cause an allergic reaction. You can offer your child a teething ring that has been cooled in the fridge. If his pain seems to be severe, consult your doctor, who may recommend giving your child some infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Natural homeopathic remedies are also available, such as chamomile and licorice sticks. However, before beginning any homeopathic remedy, be sure to first consult with your pediatrician. Some of the homeopathic remedies relieve the pressure of the swollen gums, while others are beneficial in preventing tooth decay.
Pediatricians recommend that you do not give your baby a bottle when he is falling asleep. By allowing your baby to drink a bottle while he is falling asleep, the milk can stay in his mouth, causing early tooth decay. When your baby is first born, you can clean his gums with a soft, toothbrush designed especially for infants. Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, do not use toothpaste that contains fluoride until the baby is around the age of 2.
Baby tooth care is extremely important. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you take your baby in for his first dental visit by his first birthday. They recommend that he be seen by a dentist when his first tooth comes in. Preventive care will help to protect his smile now and always.
Teething affects each baby differently. By knowing the symptoms and taking some measures to help eliminate them, your baby's teething experience can be less painful.
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