Teething

By Sr Teresa Hayward (RN, RM, Lactation consultant, Infant & Paediatric Nutritionist, Baby Sleep Consultant)

Teething is the emergence of the 1st baby teeth through the baby’s gums.

Some babies are born with teeth, some babies get their 1st teeth from around 6months while others still have none by the age of 1. It varies from baby to baby.

Nothing can dampen the excitement of seeing those 1st teeth emerge, but it can be a frustrating time for many babies and their parents whilst others have no problem at all.

It helps to know what to expect when your baby is teething and what you can do to make it easier and a little less painful for baby. It also helps so as poor teething does not get the blame for everything.

SYMPTOMS OF TEETHING

All babies deal with pain differently and some have it easier than other. However most babies do get a little grouchy and irritable.

The 1st signs of teething usually begin around about 12weeks at the earliest but will start a few months before the 1st teeth appear.

Teething gets blamed for a number of complaints from bad temper, runny nose, rashes, crying and extra nappies BUT all these can be a sign of a different problem. Be sure to check with your clinic sister if you are concerned, don’t just put it down to teething, as teething shouldn’t make your baby ill. There are a lot of old wife’s tales surrounding the symptoms of teething as well.

TYPICAL SIGNS OF TEETHING

· Restlessness, irritability and disturbed sleep patterns – these however can be due to other things to, especially if baby is not getting enough sleep during the day

· Sore, red, swollen gums – white gums is not a sign of teething but a sign of jaw development getting ready for teething

· Flushed cheeks

· Loss of appetite

· Slight rise in temperature

· Desire to chew and bite everything

Drooling and putting everything to the mouth however are not signs of teething

· Drooling usually starts at 12weeks and this is due to an increase production of saliva with the suck reflex starting to change more to a chewing reflex getting ready for solids. They can’t cope with this increase and start to drool

· The hands and everything to the mouth is a developmental milestone reached at this stage.

Drooling can cause the following symptoms

· Rash – red, raised irritating rash around lips, chin and neck

· Diarrhoea – due to excessive saliva, you can expect loose stools and a mild nappy rash

IS MY BABY SICK OR ARE THEY TEETHING

When in doubt, don’t blame teething!

· Teeth mucous is always clear and doesn’t run out of nose – if baby has a runny nose that is yellow it is not teething

· Teething does not cause a fever higher than 38.3 degrees

· Teething may be confused with earache – babies pull their ears during teething because teething pain radiates along the jaw. With an ear infection they fist their hand into the ear

· Children don’t get progressively sick with teething

TIPS FOR MOMS WITH TEETHING BABIES

· Cuddle therapy and lots of tender loving care

· Lightly massaging the gums with a clean finger or a finger brush will help soothe the discomfort

· Teething rings – Cold objects are particularly soothing so put in fridge not freezer. Frozen will cause chills and more pain on gums and will bruise the gums.

· Food for chewing – only if your baby is already on solids and it must be age appropriate foods. Avoid things like rusks, carrots and biltong if baby has no teeth yet and if baby has not reached that age group yet. They must be at least past 6months.

· Cold drinks and foods – cold yoghurt, fruit puree for example. It should not be frozen. Cold water and tea or even breastmilk or formula. Again these must be age appropriate

· Teething gels – teething gels are local anaesthetics that you apply to gums, they will deaden gums and anything that they come in contact with. Prodol can’t be used on babies under 6months and Teegel can’t be given under 4months. They will not alleviate the other symptoms of teething but can deaden tongue and throat so be aware of choking risk when eating solids

· Teething mixtures – it is not recommended to give any teething mixtures to your baby if the ingredients are not clearly indicated on the bottle. It can extremely dangerous. Some of them contain a sedative which increases a risk of cot death. Some of them also contain ingredients that should not be given to babies under 1yr.

· Painkillers – Calpol and Panado can be given for fever. Please do not give as sedation to ensure baby sleeps.

· Soothing the chins – keep baby dry so change bibs regularly.

· Teething necklaces – They must be the Baltic amber necklaces. You can also get the bracelets. They help to reduce inflamed red cheeks, reduce inflammation of gums, calmative, boost the immune system and accelerate healing

CARE TIPS FOR 1ST TEETH

The care and cleaning of teeth is important for long term dental health. The 1st teeth do fall out, but tooth decay can speed up the process.

· Before teeth emerge – it is not necessary to clean baby’s mouth until they are on solids. Then a wipe around the mouth with a clean facecloth and warm water is sufficient. NO GLYCERINE! Although the teeth have not broken through the gums yey, they are in the gums. Using glycerine can’t cause decay of those teeth in the gums as glycerine is pure sugar. It also causes thrush.

· As soon as the 1st tooth erupts from gums, you need to start brushing the little tooth. Give them a toothbrush to hold and they can put in the mouth. This will get them used to the idea of the toothbrush. After baby give a quick brush of tooth. No tooth paste is necessary.

· Fluoride –babies under 2yrs should be using a fluoride free toothpaste.

· Allow them to watch you brushing your teeth. They like to copy their parents

· Sweet vs savoury – when introducing solids, always start with savoury 1st. Avoid fruit juices and do not add sugar to water and tea unless a medical reason. Avoid foods with added sugar. Avoid sweets, fizzy drinks etc.

· Never dip dummy in honey, syrups or glycerine. Do not give honey at all under the age of 1yr

· Do not let baby fall asleep with a bottle in the mouth. The milk or tea etc pools on the gums and can cause tooth decay.

· Visiting the dentist – 1st check up should be around 2yrs but allow them to go with you to the dentist to get used to the idea