|
Is
My Child Teething
Complete List of Teething
Signs
Drooling: Teething stimulates
drooling. Any time between ten weeks to three or four months of age, babies'
mouths can leak like a faucet.
Chin or face rash: Children
who drool profusely sometimes develop a rash around the chin and mouth
area because of irritation from constant salivating. You can help by wiping
the drool with a towel from time to time. The excess saliva can cause your
baby to gag or cough occasionally.
Biting: The baby will have
a tendency to nip or bite down on anything from her own hand to your breast.
This helps her to relieve the pressure on her gums.
Pain: The tender gum tissue
is inflamed as a result of the teeth trying to push through to the surface.
The first teeth and the molars are usually the most painful. This pain
makes the baby irritable. Some babies exhibit irritability for weeks, rather
than for a few hours or days.
Refusal to feed: A teething
baby's behaviour can be quite contrary when she is feeding. If she is nursing,
she will crave the comfort of suckling at your breast, but once she begins
to such she may reject the breast or bottle, as suction causes her discomfort.
A baby who has started eating solids will lose interest in them. However,
you need not worry as your baby is getting most of her nutrition from nursing
or formula. Her interest in food will resume once the tooth has come out.
Diarrhoea: The theory that
there is a definite link between loose bowel movements and teething is
under dispute. Your baby may or may not have diarrhoea while teething.
However, you should consult your doctor if she has diarrhoea that lasts
for more than two bowel movements whenever it occurs.
Low-grade fever: Sometimes
babies run a low fever while teething as a result of inflammation of the
gums.
Wakefulness: The discomfort
of teething tends to disturb the baby's sleep patterns. Sometimes even
babies who have been sleeping through the night start waking up. To prevent
this from becoming a habit, do not rush to comfort her. Wait and see if
she will fall asleep on her own.
Gum haematoma: Sometimes teething
may cause the gums to bleed. Bluish lumps in the mouth may be a sign of
bleeding gums. Cold compresses may alleviate discomfort, but haematomas
usually resolve themselves.
Ear pulling and cheek rubbing:
Babies often do this because the pain form their gums travel up to their
cheeks and ears. Remember that babies also tug at their ear when they have
an ear infection. So do not forget to rule out that possibility by consulting
your doctor.
To add your views on
this article or read others comments Click Here
Back to Previous Page
More on Child Development Index
Email this Article to a Friend
|
