Teething blues

Take the bite out of this painful phase for both baby and parents theSun, Tues, 9 Mar 2010


Most babies start teething when they are about four months old. The first teeth that sprout are the lower incisors, the ones in the middle. The corresponding upper two incisors will then follow.
The last ones that sprout are the molars and, by the time they are two or three years old, they would have received their full set of 20 primary or milk teeth.

This teething period could be a trying time for the child and parents, especially the first-timers. Some children may go through their teething phase with little fuss, while others may experience pain, become irritable, refuse to eat and have problems sleeping.

When my child started teething, she began to drool a lot and liked to bite anything she could get her gums on, like her toys and our fingers!

Wipe your child’s mouth with a soft face towel to prevent the drool from causing rashes. Provide him/her with teething rings to play with and bite. The pressure on the gums when they bite will help alleviate the pain.

You can also feed your child some cold pureed food or yoghurt, and rub the gums gently with your clean fingers.

According to childcare books and articles, it is advisable not to prescribe any form of painkillers or oral numbing gel unless you have checked with your paediatrician first.

Some children may have loose stool, a mild fever or even diarrhoea when they are teething. These symptoms, however, may or may not be directly linked to teething. The jury is still out on this one.

In popular parenting website BabyCenter.com, paediatrician and author of The Baby Book William Sears said: "Teething can cause diarrhoea and a mild diaper rash because your baby’s excessive saliva ends up in his gut and loosens his stools. Inflammation in the gums may cause a low fever."

In the same website, paediatrician T. Berry Brazelton, said such symptoms are probably due to an infection unrelated to teething, but that the stress associated with teething could make your child more vulnerable to infection right before a new tooth appears.

It would be best to let your paediatrician take a look at your child if such symptoms persist and if your child’s temperature exceeds 38°C.

As far as caring for your child’s gums and teeth is concerned, just keep them clean by wiping them with a soft, wet cloth. Get a soft brush with which you can clean your child’s teeth with some water.

You can also use infant toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, making it safe for babies in the event they swallow it. Toothpaste with fluoride should only be used for older children who know how to spit. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

If possible, establish a routine for the cleaning of your child’s teeth and gums. This will help the child develop good dental habits as he/she grows up. Include brushing and flossing in your bedtime routine.

Avoid giving milk or sugary liquids after cleaning. Bacteria that exist naturally in the mouth will react with the sugars, forming an acid that causes decay.