Has your little one been extra fussy lately? They might be on their way to complete a milestone, Teething! When the little teeth start to pierce their teething gums, which look red and swollen, they experience a little soreness and irritation. This phase can go more smoothly if you are aware of the symptoms of teething and use calming strategies that work.
What Will My Child’s Teething Gum Look Like?
Teething is a normal stage of a baby’s growth, but it can be a tough time for the baby as well as the parents. When your little one’s tooth is about to erupt, the teething gums may appear red and sensitive. Additionally, there can be a little white lump on the gum line.
You should disinfect your hands and fingers before you look at your baby’s mouth. Peel back your baby’s lip very gently to examine her gums.
How Can I Tell If My Baby is Teething?
Apart from the obvious symptoms like red and swollen gums, teething babies frequently display other behaviors like:
- Chewing Fingers
Your infant may be attempting to self-soothe by chewing on their fingers as a way to reduce the pressure and pain of teething. To prevent your infant from ingesting any germs, try to keep their hands and nails clean. - Reduced appetite
Teething might cause pain or alter oral habits, causing some babies to eat less. - Flushed Cheeks
Teething is often accompanied by rosy-red cheeks. The tooth-piercing gums might irritate your infant, causing their cheeks to flush. Your baby’s cheeks may also feel warm. - Sleep Issues
Teething discomfort can interfere with sleep cycles, causing restlessness and more frequent awakenings. - Increased Drooling
While all newborns drool occasionally, a teething baby’s chin will frequently end up quite wet! Your baby’s chin may get painful from excessive saliva, so wipe it dry as frequently as you can with soft tissue.
Baby Teething Relief
If your infant has become fussy at night or during the day because of teething, you can use the following tips to calm them down.
To reduce pressure and pain, give your infant something cold to bite on. For example, a clean, moist face towel (washed in an unscented detergent for sensitive skin and refrigerated for 30 minutes) can be used.
To ease pain, give your infant a teething toy, like a firm silicone teething ring that has been cooled in the refrigerator rather than frozen in the freezer.
To prevent skin irritation that might exacerbate your child’s pain, gently wipe away drool on a frequent basis using a soft cloth.
Summing Up!
Teething can be a difficult time for a baby and the parents, but this phase may be easier to handle if you recognize the common symptoms. Teething gums may appear red and swollen. Keep in mind that teething is only a transitory stage, and you may easily assist your infant in navigating this milestone if you have the patience.
To get professional help in your baby’s teething phase, you can trust our expert dentist, Dr. Reza Rahgozar, DDS, at SIMA Dental. Schedule an appointment by dialing (281) 457-6444.