The vast majority of babies sprout their first teeth when they’re between 4 and 7 months of age. An early developer may get his first white cap as early as 3 months, while a late bloomer may have to wait until he’s a year old or more.
6 symptoms most likely to trouble a teether include:
1. Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
2. Gum swelling and sensitivity
3. Irritability or fussiness
4. Biting behavior
5. Refusing food
6. Sleep problems
7 Ways to Make Babies to Feel Better
1. Give your child something to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold washcloth. If your baby is old enough to eat solids, he may also get some relief from cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. Giving him a hard, unsweetened teething cracker to gnaw can also help. (Avoid carrots, as they can be a choking hazard.)
2. Simply rubbing a clean finger gently but firmly over your baby’s sore gums can ease the pain temporarily, too. Do this for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing, although they may protest at first.
3. If the pain seems to be causing feeding problems, sometimes a different-shaped nipple or use of a cup may reduce discomfort and improve feeding.
4. Cold objects may help reduce the inflammation. Frozen washcloths and ice cubes can be used for this purpose. Be careful to avoid having prolonged contact of very cold objects on the gums. Also, never put anything into a child’s mouth that might cause the child to choke.
5. Dry the drool. Excessive drooling is part of the teething process. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to dry your baby’s chin. You might also make sure your baby sleeps on an absorbent sheet.
6. Give your baby a mild pain reliever that is labeled for his or her specific age. For example, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) may help relieve your baby’s discomfort. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease. However, before choosing to use any medication, consult your doctor.
7. Never tie a teething ring around a baby’s neck — it could get caught on something and hurt the baby.
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