Signs that my baby is teething?

Signs that my baby is teething?

By Children's Panadol

It's around now that small person could be getting irritable, drooling and rosy-cheeked thanks to little teeth pushing their way through the gums. Ouch!

It's not much fun for them - or you - but there are things you can do to ease any discomfort and take care of these 'new arrivals'.

Is My Baby Teething?

Teething is part of your child’s natural development, and most commonly starts between four and nine months of age. Discomfort may start earlier, so don’t be alarmed if your child is drooling and putting things in their mouth at this time [1].

What causes teething?

Teeth begin forming in the gums when your baby is still in the womb. Babies can get their first tooth anywhere between 3–15 months, but commonly between 4–9 months – although discomfort may start earlier. Dribbling at 3–4 months is usually as a result of your baby learning to put things in their mouth, which is part of normal development. Typically starting with the bottom middle teeth, followed by the top two middle ones, and then those along the sides and back. This will go on for the first three years or so of your child’s life.

What are the signs of teething?

Teething symptoms begin about three to five days before a tooth starts growing. However, not all babies experience the same symptoms, which can last from a few days to a few months. Your baby could be teething if they have any of the symptoms below [2]:

• Rosy, flushed cheeks.
• Increased dribbling.
• Tugging at ears.
• Chewing on everything.
• Tender swollen gums.
• Irritability.
• Disturbed sleep.
• Poor appetite.
• Loose, frequent stools.
• Sore red bottom or rash.

Note: Generally, teething does not cause a fever. If your baby has a high temperature, see your doctor.

How can I help?

What can you do to help relieve teething pain?

• Rub your baby’s sore gums gently with your finger.
• Give your baby a teething ring – either a soft rubber one, or the plastic type that are cooled in the refrigerator.
• If you think your baby is in pain, consider giving paracetamol as directed for the child’s age.
• Avoid hard sharp-edged toys that could damage teeth and gums.

What not to do when baby is teething

• Don’t dip dummies or teething rings in honey or sweet foods, as it may lead to dental decay (and honey shouldn’t be given to babies under 12 months for health reasons).
• Don’t suck your baby’s dummy and give it back to them, as you will transfer bacteria from your mouth to theirs.

Why Choose Panadol?

Trusted

It’s only natural that as parents, we wish to feel confident and assured when it comes to making our kids feel better. Children’s Panadol is recommended for the relief of pain and fever in children; and is trusted by mums and dads across the world.

Heritage of use

Children’s Panadol contains paracetamol ─ an active ingredient that has been trusted for over 60 years to relieve pain and fever in children.

Suitability

Tough on fever and gentle on little tummies, Children’s Panadol is an ideal choice for kids.

Range

Children’s Panadol has a range of tailored products that covers children aged from one month to twelve years. It is important to match your child’s weight to the dose on the label, and you should always consult your doctor before adjusting a dose.

When should we see a Doctor?

You should take your child to a doctor if any of these symptoms are occurring after two to three days [3].

• Fever (above 38°C)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Worsening pain

The importance of first teeth

What many parents don’t realise is that emerging baby teeth need to be looked after as carefully as we look after our own teeth. They will need to last your child until they are 5–12 years of age. As well as their obvious importance for chewing and speaking, they help proper jaw development, and reserve the spaces for the permanent teeth to come through later. Dental decay can result in babies losing teeth as early as 12 months. A condition called ‘nursing caries’ can result from allowing a baby to suck on a bottle of milk or sweetened juice for long periods during the day, or last thing at night. If a bedtime bottle is needed, use cooled boiled water instead (or cooled boiled water after the bedtime bottle of formula).

Start using a pea-sized amount of low fluoride children’s toothpaste only when they have learnt to spit things out from their mouth.

Tips for cleaning teeth

• Start cleaning when teeth appear. Gently wipe with a clean damp cloth at bath time.
• Progress to a small soft bristle toothbrush with water. (There are special brushes available for babies).
• Hold the baby sitting against you facing the bathroom mirror so they can see their teeth being cleaned.
• Let your baby play with their toothbrush while they watch you brush your teeth. (It takes years for them to learn how to brush).
• Start using a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste only when they have learnt to spit things out from their mouth.
• Limit the amount of sugary foods in their diet.

Find out more about Children's Panadol Teething in Kids

[1] Schmitt, B. D. (2012, January 9). Should Your Child See a Doctor? Teething. Retrieved February 24, 2018, from http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/teething/

[2] Children's First Five Years. (2016, p.145). Retrieved February 16, 2018, from http://gskvideo.edgesuite.net/Panadol/80615-Panadol-Baby-Book-updates-AUG-16.pdf

[3] Schmitt, B. D. (2012, January 9). Should Your Child See a Doctor? Teething. Retrieved February 23, 2018, from http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/teething/

Find out more about Children's Panadol