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Not many things are as heart-warming as
your baby's smile, especially when he is revealing tiny white teeth.
Although babies are born with a full set of teeth in place in their
gums, the teeth do not start erupting until about six months onwards.
When exactly the first tooth comes out varies from baby to baby, with
some babies teething only when they are one year old, but all of the 20
milk teeth will be out by the time a baby turns two-and-a-half. Girls
often teethe earlier than boys. If you have been a late teether
yourself, chances are your baby will be the same.
Baby Teething Symptoms
Some babies sail through teething with no
problems while others suffer some discomfort and fretfulness. Common
baby teething symptoms to look for are gums which are redder than usual
or a white bump under the gum. Your baby may also have inflamed cheeks,
dribble a lot, chew his fingers or have a loss in appetite for a while.
Contrary to popular belief, teething does not cause high temperatures,
diarrhea, earache or chest infections, which are usually linked to
nappy rash instead. The lower incisors are usually the first to appear,
followed by the upper incisors, the first molars and finally the
canines. The teething period also coincides with the time when your
baby is keen to explore with his mouth. As a result, he may pick up
some bacteria along the way. It is therefore important not to dismiss
any symptoms of ill health as 'just teething'.
Baby Teething Remedies
For soothing the pain, here are some tips
on teething remedies to make the going easier for both teething babies
and parents:
Give him safe things to chew on such as teething rings refrigerated
in the fridge (not the freezer). Buy two so that one can be washed and
cooled while the other is in use.
Offer him sticks of refrigerated cucumber or carrot, but never leave
him alone with food in case of choking.
For temporary relief, you can rub your baby's gums with a clean
finger.
If he has a mild teething fever (a temperature above 37 degrees
Celsius), give him baby paracetamol (follow the correct dosage for his
age).
Offer him more fluids to replenish what he is losing through excess
dribbling.
Dribbling may be making the area around his mouth sore so gently
apply barrier cream if necessary.
Often all your baby needs is some extra tender loving care so be
generous with your cuddles and kisses.
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