Teething happens to be an important milestone, but it can also be a grueling experience for the parents as well. It generally starts at the age of 6 months and can drag for many months.
What is teething?
Children already have a set of teeth, but they are underneath the layer of gums. As the teeth start to break the gums, teething symptoms start to set it. Often, it is the bottom tooth that makes it first appearance.
Teething starts at different ages for children. Often, what parents might construe as symptoms of teething are not in fact on account of teething; children don’t start drooling just because they are teething.
Similarly, fever at this age is also attributed to teething, unfortunately, that is now always the case. It may be due to an infection, that then requires treatment from the Best Child Specialist in Lahore.
Symptoms of teething
Many parents tend to attribute a cranky baby to teething, which is not an accurate, at least not entirely so. Many symptoms are because of other problems. Some children might not have any symptoms at all. However, at other instances, the symptoms start only a few days before the tooth makes appearance.
Symptoms commonly associated with teething include:
Appetite problem
Some children might present changes in their appetite during the teething period.
Chewing
Babies might start to bite and chew to get reprieve from the discomfort. For mothers who are breastfeeding their baby, they may experience pain as their baby gets into the habit of biting their nipple.
Gum pains
Since gums are directly affected by the entire process, thus, it comes as a no surprise that the gum issues present during teething.
One problem is swelling of the gums. They might also become red as well. Soreness and tenderness of the gum is also a symptom, that can cause great discomfort to the baby.
Mild temperature
If the baby has mild gum inflammation, they might then have very mild temperature. It’s generally not a noticeable difference. Some people believe that teething does give babies fever, which is not true entirely.
Often, at around 6 months, babies get temperature which is often construed as something to do with teething.
However, it is generally due to their reduced immunity, as around this time, their immunity from birth gets depleted. Moreover, at 6 months of age, babies are more curious, some even start crawling, so they tend to explore the world around them and put things in their mouths that increases the risk of infections.
Mood problems
Babies also tend to become very cranky as they are teething. They become irritable because of the lack of appetite, discomfort and pain that is attributed to teething.
Rubbing
Just before the appearance of the tooth, the baby might start rubbing their ears or gums.
Sleeping problems
Babies start to experience sleeping issue. Some in particular might wake up at night as well.
Sucking
Babies might also start sucking at their fingers or toys to even their clothing during teething.
Treatment of teething
Teething treatment should only be dispensed if your child really needs them, as most children can do without. Some helpful things to do include:
Gum massage
The massaging action helps in giving them relief from the pain. You can use the pads of your fingers to do that, just make sure to clean your hands properly first.
Teething aides
Teethers, and other things that the baby can safely bite on are also helpful. Since cold helps in dealing with inflammation, just put the toys first in the fridge or freezer for them to become chilly, but not too cold.
Consulting your Pediatrician in Karachi
If your baby is very fussy, and over 6 months of age, ask your doctor if you can give them pain killers. If they have high grade fever and digestive problems, then schedule an urgent visit.
If the baby has mild gum inflammation, they might then have a very mild temperature. It’s generally not a noticeable difference. Some people believe that teething does give babies fever, which is not true entirely. If the baby has mild gum inflammation, they might then have very mild temperature. It’s generally not a noticeable difference. Some people believe that teething does give babies fever, which is not true entirely.
