2 Effective Remedies For Teething Problems: A Guide For New Parents
Many new parents often have to grapple with the distress of a teething toddler. While some babies may sprout their first teeth with minimal fuss and pain, others endure a long and agonizing period that could have any parent worried and frustrated.
Teething often starts from anywhere between 3-12 months, with the front teeth sprouting first. The discomfort caused by teething is as a result of the baby teeth bursting through the gums, which could cause pain, irritation and swelling. If you have a teething toddler on your hands, read on for effective remedies to different teething problems.
Constant drooling and gnawing
One of the clear signs that your baby's first teeth are about to erupt is increased drool output. This increased drool can cause irritation on the skin, so keep a cloth handy to pat the baby's chin dry. Excessive drool can often cause a rash on your toddler's face, especially if they have sensitive skin, in which case you should use some mild ointment to soothe the affected areas.
Another common symptom of teething is a toddler that is gnawing on everything they can get their gums on. This is usually your baby's attempt relieve the pressure caused by the sprouting teeth. A simple remedy to this problem is to supply your baby with teething rings that provide something safe and hard to chew on and offer a distraction from the irritation.
In some cases, the erupting teeth can cause slight bruising and bleeding underneath the gum surface. This is often normal and should go away in a few days. However, if you notice that the gums feel more squishy than firm, consider taking your child to a pediatric dentist so that the cyst that has trapped water underneath the gums can be removed.
Refusal to eat
All that teething pain can make your baby extremely fussy and rob them of their appetite. Sucking on a sippy cup may also worsen the irritation, so the baby may not want to drink milk either. To ease the pain, try giving your child slightly chilled toys to gnaw on so as to relieve gum pressure and soothe the irritated gums. This should make them feel a bit better and hopefully get their appetite back. Cold, soft foods such as frozen bananas, mashed mangoes and icy-cold yogurt can also help soothe their swollen gums while giving them some much needed nutrition.
For more information, contact Robert L. Edmonstone, DDS or a similar dental professional.
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