As it is “Eat Your Vegetables Day” today, this post will be about teeth. You need teeth to eat, don’t you? Well, actually, it’s about babies and teething – what to expect and how to survive.

What is teething?

Teething is the process by which a baby’s teeth (often called “milk teeth”) sequentially emerge through the gums. It is a long process – it may start from the 3rd month and go on until the 3rd year.

Sofia had her first tooth at 7 months. It came with no fuss and I discovered a little white line when she was smiling.

Seems that she is having her next tooth now, and looks like this one is causing her more pain than the first one did.

Teething symptoms

How do I know she is teething? Well, there are different signs that have led me to think she might be. As some teeth grow with no discomfort at all, at other times you may notice a change in your baby’s actions.

There are several symptoms that may tell the baby is teething:

  • excessive drooling

  • biting

  • the constant need to chew

  • irritability, fussing, and crankiness

  • decreased appetite

  • gum swelling

  • cheek touching and ear pulling

  • sleep problems

As teething problems are very individual, there may be other symptoms, but these are the ones I have noticed Sofia has.

How to soothe?

I know that I can’t stop teething, but I can try to soothe the pain. I have looked for different things to help her relieve the pain.

 So far there are some things we have tried and have worked:

  • let them chew different objects

             – cold things like the teething ring, chilled washcloth, etc.

             – hard crackers

             – use a mesh bag for ice cubes, refrigerated fruit, and vegetables

             – your fingers (Sofia loves to gnaw on my knuckles)

  • massage gums with your finger (remember to wash your hands first) or with a soft toothbrush

  • give them cold soft  food (baby food, yogurt)

  • cool water may help too

  • you can use a children’s pain reliever or a relief gel (not all doctors recommend it, so check it with your doctor first)

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Consult a doctor for more information. See our disclosure here.

June 17, 2013
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