Photo: Colbyworld / Flickr

The teething process can be an excruciating one for both the baby (physically) and the parents (mentally). If your baby is crying all the time, drooling a lot, biting her/his toys and has difficulty sleeping then his/she is probably undergoing teething. The teething process happens at a different age in all babies but most children have all their baby teeth in place before the age of three. During this time you need to understand what your child is going through and whether your baby’s symptoms are normal.

The facts

Most babies will have got their first tooth before the age of one – if your baby has not shown any signs of teething and does not have any teeth before this time you may want to consult your doctor. Every child will get 20 baby teeth, ten in each jaw, and it is unusual if your child does not have all 20 teeth before they turn three. If your baby is born with a front tooth, not an unusual phenomenon, you will want to consult your doctor as this can affect breast feeding.

Helping your baby

Once you have established that your child is undergoing teething there are some things you can do to reduce the pain. Massaging your baby’s gums can relieve the pain; just remember to clean your hands and be gentle. Give your baby something to chew, a washcloth soaked in juice or a baby toy will do the trick but make sure that whatever you use is big enough so that your baby will not choke.

Clean your baby’s mouth regularly because their drool may give them a red rash around their mouth. Remember to take care of your baby’s teeth, as you would your own, but stick to gentle, baby products. Watch for cavities and consult your doctor regarding the right fluoride intake for your child.

Amber necklaces

Amber teething necklaces can be worn by the mother while carrying her baby close to her skin or can be worn at such a length on the baby that they can’t reach them to chew on them. Amber releases oils into the skin that help the baby to remain calm and reduce pain. Many people believe that they don’t really work but its all in trial and error. Just make sure that the necklace fits properly and it has a catch so that it can be removed quickly.

Do not…

There are some myths about teething that you will want to avoid. Rubbing your baby’s gums with alcohol will not help to prevent the pain and although giving them a bottle to suck may help don’t let them fall asleep with the bottle as this can cause tooth decay. Try and stay away from medication and always consult your doctor if you are worried about your baby’s teeth.

Tags: baby, teeth