Tips on how to deal with teething

WE’VE all had some experience of a toothache in the past, or of painful erupting wisdom teeth. I once heard somebody say that a bad toothache and labour are the two worst types of pain! How scientifically true this is I’m not entirely sure, but in recent weeks I am certain that our smallies can really suffer when teething, and of course they aren’t able to articulate why.

Seeing them with flaming red cheeks, and fists shoved desperately into mouths, random cries during the day or mid-slumber, it’s really not easy to watch. And it isn’t a quick process, often going on for each tooth for a period of weeks or months, and often in clusters of more than one at a time. And there’s 20 of them to work through too! The little white nubs just under the surface can take their time in surfacing, and cause maximum disruption until such point as they finally break through.

The age of teeth beginning to appear varies, averaging at six months, and the associated teething can be happening for a long time before that. 

Babies as early as three months begin to teethe, but it’s usually from six months onwards that teeth start to come down. Over the subsequent two years, most if not all baby teeth will be present.

How do I know it’s teething?

Flushed red cheeks are the first tell-tale sign of teeth on the way. Also, the drooling for some babas is copious, drenching through bibs and tops in the space of hours. This isn’t always the case however, as there are those for whom not a drop is drooled!

If your little one is a drooler, keep the skin under the chin and inside the neck folds as dry as possible, to avoid any irritation. 

Using a barrier cream can help protect the skin there from the moisture and soreness.

The nappy area is the other place that can typically get irritated while teething. Your little one will probably be out of sorts and more inclined to cry, or less amenable to being put down and to playing or eating – this is due to the gums quite understandably being sore and inflamed.

What can I do?

In many ways, it’s a case of hanging on in there and weathering the storm, but there’s also some things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort.

The obvious advice is giving them something to chew. A teething ring is ideal, you can keep a stash of these in the fridge as the coolness offers greater relief. Choose a size that’s big enough for your baby to prevent choking.

Food can also be a good source of relief if over six months of age, avoiding anything that’s likely to break off in chunks. Never leave children alone with these, and watch them closely always. 

Another really soothing thing to offer to chew on is a cold, wet facecloth. This provides plenty of relief, without the potential choking hazards.

Something that has been popular to use for teething relief in recent years, but has been flagged as dangerous, are the amber teething jewellery pieces for babies. These are a choking hazard and should not be used, regardless of any anecdotal evidence you may have come across of their apparent effectiveness.

As well as the above, you can massage the gums with a clean finger, give cold water to drink which soothes the gums, and/or give some sugar-free pain relief or use a numbing gel if they’re still irritable and uncomfortable, making sure to follow the directions on the PIL and from the pharmacy.

Homeopathic remedies by Nelson called ‘Teetha’ provide some immediate relief, and come in both gel and dissolvable granules forms. Other homeopathic products are not licenced for use, however.

Future dental hygiene

Now is a good time to implement routines that are supportive of their oral health. We should be cleaning their gums with a damp gauze twice daily from birth, and then brushing the teeth with a little water from when they appear, only introducing toothpaste from the age of two. The first trip to the dentist happens soon after that first tooth emerging.

Never disregard symptoms

What’s not normal to experience as a result of teething is diarrhoea, a temperature over 38 or seeming generally seeming lethargic or unwell. 

If any of these symptoms or others present, it’s wise to bring the child to the doctor rather than writing it off to teething. 

Don’t delay seeking another opinion, as timely treatment can make all the difference if it’s something else.

Mind yourself

Also, those days where your little one is off form, clingy and uncomfortable are not easy on you as a parent either. Don’t hesitate in reaching out for support with sleep or life’s chores when you feel overwhelmed or exhausted by it all. Minding yourself will ultimately mean you’re better able to face the challenges that teething brings.

ABOUT MICHELLE

Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, researcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organisations nationally. See intuition.ie