Parenting Assistance Line - PAL

Health & Safety

Teething

Teething, like other developmental milestones, does not happen at exactly the same time for all babies. However, most parents can expect to see their baby's first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. If your baby does not have any teeth by his first birthday, you may want to talk with your child's pediatrician. (Premature babies may be a few months behind in getting their teeth.)

Signs and Symptoms

• Drooling ( which can lead to facial rash)
• Fussiness or irritability
• Biting behavior
• Gum swelling and sensitivity
• Refusing food
• Sleep problems
• Loose stools and mild diaper rash
• Low grade fever

What you can do to help…

• Wipe your baby's face gently with a soft cloth to prevent rash.
• Massage gums with a clean finger.
• Give the baby a cold washcloth to bite on.
• Use rubber teething rings-not the liquid filled kind; they may break.
• If you feel your baby is very uncomfortable, check with your pediatrician about giving Infant's Tylenol or Motrin as needed.
• Apply diaper rash ointment or cream to your baby's bottom to help with diaper rash.

How can you tell if it is teething or if your baby is sick?

• Teething rarely causes a fever over 101 degrees.
• Teething drool is clear saliva and does not come from the nose.
• Yellow or green mucus indicates a cold or infection.
• If your child gets progressively sicker and cannot be comforted consult your doctor right away.

Teeth care

• Clean the new teeth twice daily using a washcloth---Do Not use toothpaste for the first year. It may cause your baby to choke because he does not yet know how to rinse and spit.
• Find out if your drinking water has fluoride. If it does not, ask your doctor about fluoride supplements. Fluoride helps strengthen your baby's teeth.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle! The sugars in milk, formula, and fruit juice will rot your baby's teeth.