Teething is an exciting and important stage of your baby’s life. It can also sometimes be hard to figure out when it is occurring. A teething baby often needs extra care to get through this commonly stressful time, so it is very important for a parent to know when it is occurring so little one gets the soothing attention he or she needs. What are some common signs baby is teething? Here are eight of them for you to watch out for.
1. Swollen Gums
As you can imagine, tooth eruptions can be very disrupting to your infant’s tender, relatively new gums. As a result, the gums typically will be somewhat swollen during teething. If you notice that your baby’s gums look irritated and sore, you most likely have a new little teething baby – just be sure to look out for blue or red gums, because this could be a sign of a serious medical problem that requires professional care.
2. Visible Tooth Below Gum
If it looks like a white bulge is forming below baby’s gum, but it has not erupted yet, it is still most likely a tooth. Sometimes, teeth do not erupt until 18 months of age, but the discomforts of teething can begin before eruption. Consider any visible tooth to be a sign that baby might need teething toys or other remedies to ease discomfort.
3. Mood Changes
If your baby has been fussier or more irritable lately – and no obvious cause has been found – teething could be to blame. Trouble sleeping is another less obvious sign of a baby with teeth coming in, as is rejecting food. Check with your pediatrician or dentist if you are unsure why your little one is acting differently.
4. Biting Issues
If your baby is biting everything in sight, you have a very typical sign of teething on your hands. Constant sucking and chewing are two more dead giveaways, at least in most situations. An appropriate chewing toy or teething ring will help baby feel better and save random objects from being destroyed. If all else fails, opt for a wet rag refrigerated inside a plastic bag as a makeshift teething ring.
5. Drool
If your little son or daughter is drooling excessively, teething has most likely begun. A child that has a consistent rash on his or her face or chin may also be steadily drooling from erupting teeth. Check with your pediatrician to rule out any other causes of rash or drool.
6. Slight Fever
If your baby has a low-grade fever of no more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, there probably is no need to panic – your child is most likely beginning the teething stage. If the baby’s fever climbs higher, or is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea or other similar symptoms of illness, promptly contact his or her doctor, as a more serious medical issue could be occurring.
7. Ear Grabbing
Teething can cause pain in the jaw because of the extreme change caused by
8. Face Rubbing
Face rubbing is a similar symptom to ear grabbing. Teething can be painful or, at the very least, uncomfortable. Most infants do not know of any way besides rubbing to deal with and communicate that pain, so a child that keeps touching his or her face excessively may be teething. Look into options for teething relief to help baby keep his or her face from being irritated.
Tooth eruption can be a stressful and emotional time for baby and parent. Knowing the signs that baby is teething can help you be prepared for remedies that you can try to soothe your little loved one – and will also help you understand what symptoms are not normal for a teething baby to exhibit. If you ever have questions along the way during this transformative time in your child’s life, make sure to contact your pediatrician or dentist.