Signs and symptoms of teething

Comprehensive Guide to Teething: Signs, Symptoms, and What to Expect

When your baby approaches the six-month mark, you may notice that their first tooth is about to make an appearance! Teething is an exciting milestone but can also be uncomfortable for your little one. Recognizing the signs early can help you soothe their discomfort effectively. Here’s a complete guide to identifying the symptoms of teething and how to handle it.

1. Disturbed Sleep

Teething can be painful and disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns. If your baby, who usually sleeps soundly, begins having trouble settling down at night, teething might be the culprit. The discomfort can make it hard for them to stay asleep. Maintaining your baby’s regular bedtime routine and comforting them with gentle cuddles can help them feel more at ease.

2. Excessive Drooling

While all babies drool to some extent, excessive drooling is a telltale sign of teething. You may notice your baby’s chin or chest becoming constantly wet. This extra drool can sometimes cause irritation and make their skin sore. Make sure to gently dab the area with a soft cloth regularly and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to protect your baby’s skin from becoming chapped.

3. Flushed Cheeks

Rosy, red cheeks are another common symptom of teething. The redness is often caused by the irritation as the tooth pushes through the gum. Your baby’s cheeks may also feel warm to the touch. This redness can come and go throughout the day, depending on how close the tooth is to erupting.

Also read: Understanding Silent Reflux in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

4. Chewing Fingers

Teething babies often try to soothe themselves by chewing on their fingers or fists. The pressure of biting down on something helps alleviate the discomfort in their gums. Keep your baby’s hands and nails clean to minimize the risk of introducing germs into their mouth.

5. Chewing on Objects

Babies love exploring objects with their mouths, but when teething begins, this tendency increases. You might find your baby gnawing on anything they can get their hands on, including toys, blankets, or even furniture! Offering a teething ring is a safer alternative that will help soothe their aching gums. Be sure the teething ring is made of soft material that won’t break into smaller pieces, which could pose a choking hazard.

6. Swollen Gums

If you notice your baby’s gums looking red, swollen, or irritated, it’s likely a sign that teething is underway. Swollen gums are caused by the pressure of the tooth pushing through the gum line. Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide temporary relief and help ease their discomfort.

7. Increased Irritability

Teething can be a frustrating and painful experience, which often makes babies more irritable than usual. You may notice that your baby is more fussy, cries more frequently, or just seems unsettled. Extra cuddles, attention, and comfort are some of the best remedies during these challenging teething periods.

8. Inconsistent Feeding

Babies with sore gums may struggle with feeding. You might find that your baby latches on to breast or bottle but then pulls away due to discomfort. The sucking motion can irritate their swollen gums, making feeding painful. For babies who have started solid foods, offering cold treats like chilled apple puree or plain yogurt can soothe their gums while keeping them nourished.

9. Rubbing Their Ear

Teething pain doesn’t just affect the gums; it can sometimes radiate to other areas, such as the ears. Your baby may rub or tug at their ear on the same side as the erupting tooth. However, ear pulling can also indicate an ear infection, so if you’re unsure, consult with your GP to rule out any other issues.

10. Visible Tooth Buds

One of the most obvious signs of teething is the appearance of tooth buds. These small, raised bumps on your baby’s gums indicate that a tooth is about to break through. If you run a clean finger along your baby’s gums, you may be able to feel the hard tooth underneath the surface.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

While teething is inevitable, there are several things you can do to ease your baby’s discomfort:

• Teething rings: Provide a chilled (but not frozen) teething ring to help soothe their gums.
• Massage the gums: Gently rub their gums with a clean finger to relieve pressure.
• Cold foods: If your baby has started solids, offer cold or chilled foods like yogurt or applesauce to help numb the gums.
• Extra comfort: Spend more time cuddling and comforting your baby to help them feel safe and secure during this uncomfortable time.

Final Thoughts

Teething can be a challenging time for both parents and babies, but understanding the signs and knowing how to manage them will make the process easier. Most babies will start teething around six months, although some might begin earlier or later. The symptoms may come and go as each new tooth makes its appearance, but with a little patience and care, your baby will soon have a beautiful new smile to show off!

If you’re ever unsure about the symptoms or how to comfort your baby, it’s always a good idea to consult with your GP or pediatrician.

Also read: 5 Common Baby Skin Care Issues and What to Do About Them