Teething, the surfacing of baby teeth, begins between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Most children will have all their baby teeth by the age of three. Teething can be an uncomfortable time for children and parents. The Nemours Organization gives the following tips to ease teething:
1. Teething aids-
Rubber teething rings or a clean, wet washcloth are useful for baby to chew on to relieve tender and swollen gums. Place the wet washcloth or teething ring in the freezer for about half an hour to make it cold but not frozen. Be sure that the teething aid is large enough and unbreakable, so that baby can't break it or swallow it. Never tie a teething aid around the baby's neck as it can get caught and choke the baby.
2. Wipe drool-
Since babies drool more during teething, clean your baby's face often with a clean cloth to remove the drool and prevent rashes from developing. Place a clean cloth under your baby's head to absorb the drool while your baby's sleeping.
3. Relieve gum pain-
To help relieve gum discomfort, gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger.
4. Consult baby's pediatrician-
If your baby seems very irritable, has a fever or diarrhea, contact your baby's pediatrician. Your baby's doctor may prescribe acetaminophen for pain. Don't rub aspirin or whiskey on the tooth or gums.
REFERENCES:
1. Teething Tots, Nemours Organization, June, 2005:
http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=
nemours&article_set=22093&lic=60&cat_id=191
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 25, 2006 03:52 PM
