Your Teething Baby: Advice and Remedies

• Red, swollen gums at the teething site
• Excessive drooling
• Facial rash
• Increased chewing and sucking on fingers and toys
• Irritability and wakefulness
• Ear pulling and rubbing
• Loss of appetite for solid foods
• A low-grade fever

According to one study, the actual teething period averages eight days. Tracking 125 babies, researchers found that teething symptoms increased significantly in the four days before the tooth emerged, on the day of emergence, and during the three days following it. This may not seem like a long time, unless you've ever spent eight endless days and nights trying to soothe an inconsolable baby. That's where being prepared comes in.

Teething Remedies

There are a number of things you can do to ease baby's discomfort. Every child is different, you may have to experiment until you find what works for your baby.

Try rubbing a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad over baby's reddened gum. Some babies find that gentle pressure brings teething relief. Let baby indulge his desire to chew by providing him with teethers of various types and textures. Some infants respond to gum massagers, while others prefer a soft, natural rubber teether. Offer baby something cold to cool those inflamed gums, like a wet face cloth, chilled applesauce, or a piece of frozen fruit. Consider topical, pain-relieving gels designed specifically for teething infants. Offer distractions. Go for a stroll or a ride, bring out some interesting toys, give baby a gentle massage. Offer comfort in the form of soft music, a favorite teddy bear, or a soothing blankie. (The best of both worlds: our Teething Buddy, with multiple built-in teethers!) Stay calm. Babies are experts at picking up on their parents anxiety, so you owe it to your child to take things in stride.

Taking Care of Those New Teeth

Once that first tooth emerges, it's time to schedule a wellness visit to baby's dentist, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Experts agree that babies should see the dentist before their first birthday.

Your child will keep those primary teeth until about age six, so it's important to keep them healthy and sound. For tips on building good dental habits, see our article