The signs of teething in your baby aren't always as easy to interpret as you might think.
For example, it's a common misconception that babies start teething when they start drooling and put their fingers in their mouths at 3 or 4 months of age.
In fact, it's usually just a developmental milestone and has nothing to do with teething.
Many times, even if babies have the typical "teething symptoms", it takes them months to get their first tooth out, sometimes even more than a year old.
In fact, sometimes what parents think is a sign of teething is actually a sign of disease or infection.
That's why it's important for parents to learn Xi how to interpret their baby's symptoms so they can tell if it's just the first tooth or something else that might need attention.
Teething symptoms
Most babies start teething at 4 to 7 months old, but your child may start teething as early as 3 months.
In fact, some experts believe that teething does not cause any symptoms for most babies.
However, parents often blame teething for many different symptoms between 6 and 24 months of age.
If teething does cause symptoms, these symptoms usually start only four days before a tooth erupts (eruption) and last about three days after a tooth erupts (eruption).
Teething-related symptoms you may see in your baby include:
Bite toys, fingers, and nipples while breastfeeding.
Decreased appetite for solid foods.
Dribble. Dry or chapped around the mouth**.
Rub your ears. Rub your gums.
Irritability. Suck on fingers, toys, or clothing.
Wake up in the middle of the night. Keep in mind that more bothersome symptoms, such as decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, or rubbing your ears, are most common in the days leading up to tooth eruption, and these symptoms will gradually diminish over time.
Contrary to popular belief, teething doesn't last for weeks or months in a row unless your child erupts multiple teeth one after the other.
Teething and fever
Teething does not cause fever. If your baby's temperature is over 38 degrees, it should be evaluated by a doctor.
It is true that gum inflammation associated with teething causes a slight increase in body temperature, but the increase in body temperature is small enough to constitute a fever.
If your baby does have a fever, it is most likely caused by an unrelated illness or infection, such as an ear or urinary tract infection (UTI).
Babies around 6 months of age are at increased risk of infection because they begin to lose the immune protection of their innate antibodies.
Most babies also put everything in their mouths at this age, which can expose them to bacteria and viruses that can cause them to get sick.
Some parents also mistakenly associate teething with diarrhea, but while drooling can make stools looser, it doesn't cause real diarrhea.
Diarrhea is severe and can lead to dehydration.
Teething also doesn't cause a rash, but excessive drooling may irritate your baby's mouth**, making it look red, dry, or chapped.
When to call ** to the doctor
If your baby has a fever over 38 degrees, diarrhea or a rash, call your pediatrician to assess his symptoms.
Your child may have a respiratory illness, ear infection, or other unrelated condition.
Delays**, especially if you have a fever or diarrhea, can lead to dehydration or other serious complications.
If your baby is not comforted, does not eat or sleep, or if symptoms persist for more than a week, you should also call your doctor.
When in doubt, it's best to call your pediatrician.
They can help you determine if your baby's symptoms are due to teething or something more serious.
Ultimately, you know your child best.
Although most pediatricians don't blame teething for many symptoms, if your child is experiencing the same symptoms every time they get a new tooth, teething could be the culprit, especially if the symptoms seem relatively mild and your baby seems otherwise fine.
Teething symptoms**
Not all babies need teething**. If your baby doesn't seem to be uncomfortable, you don't need to do anything.
However, if they do seem to be in pain, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain:
Provide them with teething aids, such as wet washcloths or teething rings.
Just make sure that any teethers you provide meet current safety standards, and if you cool out teethers, make sure it's just cold, but not frozen solid.
Serve them teething biscuits, cold foods (such as yogurt or puree), or frozen vegetables and fruits with a mesh baby feeder.
Gently rub or massage your baby's gums with your fingers.
If your child is older than 6 months, you may be able to provide pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure you're giving your child the correct (and safe) dose.
If you regularly use medication to calm a child you think is teething, check with your pediatrician to make sure there are no other causes for their symptoms.
Teething that should be avoided**
There are many** methods that are not recommended by pediatricians or the FDA because of their safety risks.
These include: 1) Benzocaine teething gels, sprays, ointments, or lozenges (e.g., Anbesol, Baby Orajel, or Orabase).
Not only are topical anesthetics easy to swallow, but they can also cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called methemoglobinemia, which causes too little oxygen to be delivered to the body's cells.
2) Prescription lidocaine gel.
Babies swallow lidocaine gel easily, and lidocaine can be toxic and can affect the child's nervous system and heart.
3) Teething bracelets, necklaces, or other teething jewelry.
Anything that can be worn poses a risk of strangulation, especially if your baby can hang it around his neck.
Additionally, most teething jewelry contains amber, wood, marble, or silicone beads that can crack or fall off and cause choking.
The rope or elastic bands used by others may break and your baby may swallow or choke on the beads.
Some of these materials can also cause damage to your child's sensitive gums, which can increase the risk of infection.
Summary
Parents often worry that their baby's teething will be painful, but the good news is that for most children, the process is relatively painful.
If your baby does feel unwell, there are a few things you can do to help soothe temporarily inflamed gums.
Just make sure you know the more serious symptoms and if you're unsure, talk to your baby's doctor for advice.