First teeth without problems
As soon as the severe period of infant colic ends, parents wait with bated fear for the teeth to begin to erupt.
Contrary to popular belief, the first teeth are not always a serious problem. We tell you when to expect them and what to prepare for.
When to wait for the first tooth?
First teeth care
Despite the fact that baby teeth will still fall out, they need to be thoroughly cleaned and treated if necessary.
Many parents are waiting for the first teeth, when the baby begins to drool and put his fingers in his mouth. This occurs at the age of three to four months.
However, this behavior is a normal stage in the development of a child who has started to get acquainted with his own hands, but has not yet learned to swallow saliva normally.
Experts say that the first tooth can appear at any time from the third to the 15th month of the baby's life. In most children, teething begins at the age of four to seven months.
Symptoms of teething
- Sharp increase in salivation
- Reduced appetite for solid foods
- The child bites, pulls all the objects at hand into his mouth and tries to chew them
- The baby tries to rub his ear
- The baby is irritable and whiny
- The child's sleep is disturbed
These symptoms usually occur three to four days before the appearance of the tooth and disappear a day or two after its eruption. As a rule, after the appearance of one or two teeth, the baby's body "takes a pause", and the teeth are not cut for several weeks or months.
Teeth and temperature
Teething can cause the temperature to rise. On the day when the tooth breaks through the gum, even a slight fever can be observed.
If the temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius, lasts for several days and is accompanied by lethargy, runny nose, rash or diarrhea, and the baby constantly cries and holds his ears or head, you need to urgently consult a doctor. Perhaps the teething coincided with the baby's illness.
How to help your baby?
Pediatricians say that most children's teeth erupt relatively painlessly, and this condition does not require intervention. However, the baby and his teeth can be helped a little:
- Buy rubber and silicone teethers for your teeth. Some of them can be cooled in the refrigerator – the cool material reduces unpleasant sensations.
- Some children prefer to chew and suck on the cloth. Make the baby a few flaps for chewing. Do not forget to wash them daily.
- Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger or a silicone toothbrush.
- If the baby is constantly crying and can not fall asleep, consult with your pediatrician and ask him to choose a means to reduce pain. Remember that such medicines intended for infants can be given only from six months.
- The pediatrician may also recommend special gels that relieve pain and swelling in the baby's mouth. Do not abuse these remedies: many parents confuse the symptoms of teething with other problems, such as viral infections, ear diseases, or sleep disorders.
Healthy habits-since childhood
By the age of three, the baby can develop self-care skills.
It is worth remembering:
- The first tooth can appear at the age of three to 15 months.
- Teething is relatively painless for most children.
- Unpleasant symptoms of teething last only a few days.
- A high temperature does not always mean that the baby is teething, even if he is salivating and his gums are swollen.
- Pain-relieving gels and syrups should not be abused. Also, don't forget that they must be prescribed by a pediatrician!
- Teething is not the biggest problem. Try not to dwell on it and be less nervous.
