Teething tips

Teething can be a testing time for your infant, who has to contend with tooth edges erupting out of his gums.

But luckily there are lots of things you can do to ease your baby’s discomfort and help make it more manageable for him.

1. Know the signs

Dribbling, fist-sucking, swollen gums, flushed cheeks, ear-pulling and irritability are common teething signs. But there are quite a few symptoms that are often attributed to teething that may not be linked at all. A runny nose, loose stools and a fever are more likely to be an indication of illness rather than teething. It’s however important to check for other causes of such symptoms and treat them accordingly before putting them down to teething.

2. Rub his gums

Pressing or rubbing your child’s tender gums will alleviate discomfort and give some welcome relief to teething pain. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly first so that your baby doesn’t pick up any germs that may affect her health.

3. Give him something to chew on

Chewing on a teething toy, soother or fabric is one of the most effective methods for reducing teething pain, especially if you cool the object in the fridge. Don’t freeze it though as that will make it too cold and hard and could potentially burn your baby’s gums.

4. Brush her teeth

It’s important to start brushing your baby’s teeth from the moment they appear. Not only will this soothe his gums, but it will also protect his milk teeth against decay and cavities, which infants are more prone to because their new teeth do not have the same amount of protective enamel that adults’ teeth have. Choose a very soft toothbrush or a special baby toothbrush. Chewing on it is also beneficial for massaging the gums.

5. Choose foods that soothe

If your baby is weaning, chill foods such as carrot sticks and yoghurt to provide some relief. It’s advisable to give him cool cucumber sticks to chew on. The soft texture of the inside is soothing and cucumber is said to have natural healing properties.

6. Ease his distress

If your baby seems to be in pain and is distressed, you may want to try medication. Consider giving age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen (but not at the same time and follow the dosing instructions carefully. If the baby seems unwell, seek medical attention.

7. Distract her from the pain

Being able to engage your child’s mind with something else and divert his attention from the pain is an effective way to manage her teething symptoms. Entertain him by playing a game together or making a trip out of the house — you’ll be surprised by how much of a difference it can make. Taking him outside for some fresh air is also a great way to give tired parents a boost too.

8. Try teething gels an powders

If your child is over 4 months, you can apply teething gel onto his inflamed gums. They contain a mild anaesthetic and antiseptic that work for around 20 minutes. You can reapply up to six times per day. Teething salts are also great — they help to soothe and calm a baby.

9. Have bibs ready for excess saliva

Teething causes your baby to produce extra saliva, which often results in a great deal of dribbling. A wet chin and chest can lead to a sore rash developing so try to keep the skin dry by keeping a bib on your child and changing his top if it gets damp. Make sure the bib you use is clean and soft, dab rather than rub, and consider using petroleum jelly around the mouth to protect the skin.