Helping your Teething Baby: Understanding and Managing the Symptoms of Excessive Drooling

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Watching your baby suffer through teething pain can be a heart-wrenching experience. Teething triggers excessive drooling, leading to skin irritation and discomfort for little ones. Our article offers practical tips on effectively managing these symptoms, making this developmental phase more manageable for you and your baby. Discover soothing strategies next.

Key Takeaways

Babies usually begin teething around six months, but symptoms can start at three months. Symptoms include drooling, irritability, and a tendency to bite.
To soothe teething discomfort, gently rub your baby’s gums with clean fingers or a cold washcloth. Avoid using teething gels with benzocaine, and always keep teething toys clean.
Excessive drooling from teething can cause skin rashes. Keep your baby’s face dry, and use a barrier cream to protect their skin.
Coughing may occur due to the extra saliva produced during teething. However, a fever over 100.4F is not caused by teething and requires medical attention.
Start brushing your baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste when the first tooth appears, and visit the pediatric dentist regularly for healthy teeth development.

Understanding Teething in Babies

Babies typically begin teething around six months old. The baby teeth usually come in the order of the bottom front teeth followed by the top front teeth.

When Does Teething Typically Begin?

Teething can start as early as three months old and might continue until a child is around two years old. During this time, a baby may show discomfort due to sore gums. This period varies greatly among babies, with some showing early signs of teething and others taking longer to get their first tooth.

Parents often turn to various remedies to soothe teething discomfort. Offering teething toys or something cold for the baby to chew on can provide relief. Massaging sore gums with clean fingers or a cool washcloth can also help ease the pain associated with teething.

What Order Do Baby Teeth Usually Come in?

Baby teeth usually come in a specific order: the bottom two middle teeth (central incisors) typically appear first, followed by the top two middle teeth. Then, the lateral incisors on each side of the front teeth and the first molars will emerge.

Afterward come canines and, finally, second molars. This process generally starts around 6 to 10 months and continues until about age 3.

Understanding this sequence can help mothers anticipate their baby’s teething progress and recognize potential deviations from the expected pattern.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

Teething brings about symptoms like irritability, excessive drooling, and a tendency to bite and gnaw. These are all common signs that your baby is teething.

Irritability

Babies may experience irritability during teething, often due to discomfort from their gums. This can cause them to be fussy and difficult to soothe. Massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger or offering a chilled teething ring can help relieve the discomfort, reducing their irritability.

Their sleep may also be affected, so finding ways to comfort and calm them during this time is vital for their well-being and yours.

Understanding that irritability is a common symptom of teething allows you to better support your baby through this challenging stage. By recognizing signs of distress and using soothing techniques such as gum massage or providing safe objects for them to chew on, you can help alleviate their discomfort and reduce their irritability.

Drooling and Skin Rashes

Teething can lead to excessive drooling in babies, causing skin irritation around the mouth and chin. This can be managed by keeping your baby’s face clean and dry and using a barrier cream to prevent rashes.

Offering teething toys and giving them something cold to chew on can also help relieve their discomfort. Remember not to use teething gels containing benzocaine, as they can be harmful.

It’s common for babies to experience irritability due to skin rashes caused by excessive drooling during teething. Maintaining cleanliness and using a barrier cream helps prevent and manage these rashes effectively.

Additionally, offering cold objects for your baby to chew on provides relief while allowing their sore gums some respite from teething discomfort. Always avoid products such as teething gels with benzocaine, which could pose harm if ingested by infants.

Coughing

Coughing can be a symptom of teething in babies. This may seem surprising, but it is possible. However, coughing due to teething is usually caused by the increased saliva production that comes with the process.

Therefore, mothers must monitor this and remain attentive to their baby’s needs.

Babies tend to drool excessively while teething, which can lead to coughing. The excess saliva might trigger a gag reflex, causing the baby to cough. Keep track of if your baby has other symptoms alongside coughings, like fever or difficulty breathing that could indicate another underlying issue.

Always ensure your little one’s comfort by using appropriate soothing methods and dental care as needed.

Biting and gnawing

Babies may chew and bite on objects while teething to relieve discomfort. This behavior is typical and can be expected as they experience sore gums. Providing safe items like teething rings or cool washcloths can help relieve their pain and relieve teething discomfort.

It’s crucial for mothers to understand that chewing and biting during teething is normal. Offering baby-safe items for them to gnaw on, such as specialized teething toys, can help alleviate their discomfort.

Low-Grade Fever

Teething does not cause a fever greater than 100.4F (38 Degrees Celsius), so monitor your baby’s temperature and seek medical attention if they have a fever. If your baby has a fever or experiences symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, or muscle weakness, it’s important to seek medical care immediately because these are not typical teething symptoms.

Cheek Rubbing and Ear-Pulling

When babies are teething, they may rub their cheeks and pull their ears due to the discomfort caused by sore gums. This behavior is a way for them to try and alleviate the pain and pressure they feel in their mouths.

It’s vital to provide gentle alternatives such as teething toys or gently massaging their gums with a clean finger to help relieve this discomfort without causing any harm. By understanding these signs, mothers can effectively support their babies during this challenging development phase.

Understanding these signs helps mothers comfort their teething babies and ensure that they have appropriate tools and techniques to manage the discomfort associated with cheek rubbing and ear pulling.

Diarrhea (Debunking Common Myth)

Teething does not cause diarrhea. While teething can lead to symptoms like drooling, irritability, and biting, it doesn’t cause diarrhea. If your baby experiences diarrhea while teething, it may be due to something else, such as a stomach bug or dietary changes.

Monitor their hydration and contact a pediatrician if the diarrhea persists.

Understanding that teething doesn’t cause diarrhea is crucial for parents. While babies can face discomfort during this time, it’s essential to recognize other potential causes of symptoms like diarrhea to ensure proper care for your little one.

Keeping track of their symptoms and consulting healthcare professionals when needed will help manage issues effectively.

Managing Teething Symptoms at Home

Soothe sore gums with a finger or wet cloth. Read more about managing your baby’s teething symptoms.

Soothing Sore Gums With Fingers Or a Wet Cloth

To soothe your baby’s sore gums, gently rub their gums with clean fingers or a wet washcloth. This can help provide relief from the discomfort caused by teething. Using a cool and damp cloth can also be soothing for your little one.

Keep the cloth clean and offer it to them to chew on for added comfort during this phase of teething discomfort management.

Using Teething Rings and Toys

Teething rings and toys can help relieve your baby’s discomfort. Offering these items to your baby provides a safe way for them to chew and gnaw. Teething toys made of rubber or silicone are ideal, as they provide relief while being safe for your baby to use.

Remember, always ensure that teething rings and toys are clean before giving them to your baby. Cleanliness is key to preventing potential infections or irritations from developing in the mouth.

Giving Acetaminophen for Pain Relief

Giving acetaminophen to your baby can help provide pain relief during teething. It is safe for infants and can effectively reduce discomfort caused by teething, such as sore gums or irritability.

However, following the correct dosage instructions is crucial to ensure your baby’s safety. Acetaminophen can be a helpful tool in managing teething symptoms, but always consult with your pediatrician before administering any medication to your infant.

When using acetaminophen for pain relief during teething, administer the appropriate dosage based on your baby’s weight and age. This reliable option provides much-needed comfort for babies experiencing discomfort.

Additionally, it offers mothers peace of mind, knowing they’re helping ease their little one’s pain safely.

Teething Remedies to Avoid

Avoid teething biscuits and foods, as well as topical medications.

Teething Biscuits and Foods

Teething biscuits and foods can pose a choking hazard for babies, especially those under six months old. They may be unable to chew and swallow solid foods effectively, increasing the risk of choking.

Instead, offer chilled teething rings or a clean, damp cloth for your baby to gnaw on. These alternatives relieve sore gums without the dangers of teething biscuits and foods.

It is crucial to prioritize your baby’s safety during this stage.

It’s also important to avoid giving teething biscuits and foods due to their high sugar content, which can lead to tooth decay in infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against offering these items as they do not provide any nutritional benefit for young babies who are still primarily breastfed or formula-fed.

Opting for safer alternatives like frozen fruits placed in a mesh feeder can help alleviate discomfort while being more appropriate for your baby’s nutritional needs at this stage.

Topical Medications

Avoid using teething gels with benzocaine, as it can be harmful to infants. Keeping your baby’s face clean and dry and using a barrier cream can help prevent skin irritation from excessive drooling.

Teething Necklaces and Beads

Teething necklaces and beads are not recommended for babies. They pose a choking and strangulation hazard, as the beads can break off, or the necklace can get caught around the baby’s neck.

Additionally, toxic substances may be present in the materials used to make these products, which could harm your baby if ingested. To ensure your baby’s safety, it’s important to avoid using teething necklaces and beads altogether.

Always prioritize your baby’s safety by avoiding potentially hazardous teething remedies such as necklaces and beads. Stick to safe alternatives like teething toys and cold objects specifically designed for babies.

Proper Care for Baby’s New Teeth

To ensure healthy teeth, gently brush your baby’s new teeth twice daily with a child-sized toothbrush. Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene.

How to Brush and Care for Baby’s Teeth

When the first tooth appears, brush with a grain-sized amount of fluoride.

Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your baby’s teeth twice daily.

Avoid giving your baby sugary foods and drinks, which can lead to tooth decay.

When to See a Doctor

If your baby has a fever higher than 100.4F and exhibits symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, or muscle weakness, seek immediate medical care. These are not typical teething symptoms and may indicate a more severe condition.

Additionally, if skin irritation from excessive drooling becomes severe despite barrier cream use and proper hygiene practices, consult a doctor for further guidance on managing the issue effectively to prevent complications associated with prolonged irritation.

Avoid using teething gels containing benzocaine due to potential harm to infants; instead, opt for other safe pain relief methods like offering cold items to chew on or massaging their gums gently.

If you observe any of these warning signs or are uncertain about your baby’s symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional promptly for peace of mind and appropriate management of your baby’s health during the teething period.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing teething symptoms can bring relief to both babies and parents. Teething typically starts around three months, with symptoms like drooling, irritability, and biting.

Home remedies such as using teething toys and offering something cold to chew on can help soothe your baby’s discomfort. It’s important to monitor your baby’s temperature and seek medical attention if they have a fever or unusual symptoms.

Remember, each baby experiences teething differently, but knowing the signs can help you provide the best care for your little one!

Helping your Teething Baby: Understanding and Managing the Symptoms of Excessive Drooling