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Teething information |
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by matthew  (March 2006) (rank 38th) |
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Babies are born with all their teeth formed inside their gums.
Usually the front bottom teeth appear first, then the front top teeth.
Most children have four to six teeth by the time they are one.
Sometimes babies get cross when their teeth are coming.
When your baby is teething you may see:
- red spots on the baby's cheeks or a red spot on the gums
- red and swollen gums
- an increase in dribbling
- the child gnawing on its fists, toys, furniture.
Teething is often blamed for high temperatures, colds and diarrhoea. This may not be true so if your baby has a temperature which does not die down, see the doctor.
There are lots of ways of helping teething babies:
- Soothe, cuddle and give the baby something else to think about, like looking at a book, playing a game or going for a walk.
- Rusks (firm biscuits) are good to chew on but be careful pieces don't break off.
- An adult can rub a small cold teaspoon or a finger on a sore gum - but watch out, gums can bite!
- Wrap a piece of cold, peeled apple in a clean handkerchief, or freeze cooled, boiled water in the teat of a bottle which the baby can hold against the gums themselves.
- Get an anaesthetic gel from your chemist.
- As a last resort ask your doctor, health nurse or dentist about pain relievers for babies.
Teething can be an uncomfortable time for the baby and you - but it will pass!
