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teething

Signs of teething

The most common signs of teething may include one, or all of the following:

• pain, obvious discomfort, irritability
• hard white patches visible under the gums
• swollen, reddened gums when tooth is closer to breaking through
• excessive drooling
• inflamed red cheek
• mild cough – caused by excessive drool
• diaper rash
• loss of appetite

When a baby begins to teethe, don’t be surprised if you notice a change in general behavior that is difficult to account for. Some common behavior changes are:

• biting down on anything, putting everything they can into the mouth
• general irritability and frustration
• refusing food, changing what they prefer to eat or amounts
• crying more than usual, for no obvious reason
• trouble sleeping, waking suddenly, difficult to settle

Remedies

teething necklacesWhat can you do to help your baby?

• Comfort and hugs – obvious and necessary.
• Cooled or frozen fruit or vegetable sticks to chew (after weaning and always under supervision). Make them as large as possible.
• A cooled or frozen clean wet cloth.
• Cloth soaked in weak Chamomile tea and then frozen.
• Gum massage – pressing down on the site of the emerging tooth with a clean finger or an ice cube, if you can figure out where the trouble is. This may be too sore for your infant but some relax and feel relief.
• Breast Feeding – breast milk contains a natural pain reliever for babies.
• Homeopathy- multiple homeopathic remedies can help with different symptoms.
Amber teething necklaces – worn by your baby and kept out of their mouth, these necklaces react to the heat from baby’s skin to release a natural analgesic found in the resin. Many adults have found them calming as well.
• Something to chew on, even your own finger. There are a myriad of different kinds of teething options available. Motherhood Center carries Chew Bead necklaces specifically made of soft but firm silicone. Babies often use anything at hand as a self-designated teething aid!
• Teething brushes – first step tooth brushes with short firm rubber ‘bristles’ designed to both rub gums and clean teeth. Biting on these can help.
• Teething gels – to rub on the site of pain. Most need to be rubbed in well to help as they contain a mild local anesthetic to dull the pain.

You may also like  The Benefits of Babywearing and How to Get Started

Stop by the Motherhood Center to check out our selection of teething toys and jewelry!

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