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Teething: Common Symptoms and How to Relieve Discomfort

Teething is a major developmental milestone in a child’s early life, often beginning around six months of age, though some babies may start earlier or later. As a trusted pediatric dental practice in Noblesville, IN, Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry Noblesville aims to educate families about this natural, yet sometimes challenging, phase. This guide offers detailed insights into the symptoms of teething and provides effective ways to comfort your little one during this period.

Understanding the Teething Process

Teething occurs when your baby’s teeth begin to push through the gums, usually starting with the lower central incisors. This process continues over the next few years until your child has a full set of 20 primary teeth by about age three. Each child experiences teething differently—some sail through without any issues, while others may show noticeable discomfort.

The teeth move slowly through the gum line, which causes inflammation and soreness. Since babies can’t articulate their discomfort, they often become irritable or show signs of distress. Though teething is a natural and necessary process, knowing what to expect can reduce parental anxiety and help caregivers respond more effectively.

Common Symptoms of Teething

Recognizing the signs of teething can help you differentiate it from other issues, such as illness or developmental changes. While symptoms can vary, several are widely reported among teething infants.

Typical teething symptoms include:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • A desire to chew on objects
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Decreased appetite
  • Mild temperature elevation (not exceeding 100.4°F)

It’s important to note that while low-grade fevers may occur due to inflammation, high fevers, diarrhea, or rashes should not be attributed to teething and warrant a call to your pediatrician. Some babies also tug at their ears or rub their cheeks due to referred pain from the gums, which can be misleading for caregivers unfamiliar with the signs.

Why Teething Causes Discomfort

The discomfort associated with teething stems from the tooth erupting through sensitive gum tissue. As the tooth breaks the surface, it creates localized inflammation, causing tenderness and soreness. The gum tissue may appear swollen or bruised, and your baby may be more prone to crying or waking up frequently at night due to the pain.

Another contributing factor is the pressure that chewing helps relieve. Babies instinctively want to bite down on objects to soothe their gums. This is why teething toys and cold compresses can be so effective—they provide counterpressure and help numb the area temporarily.

Teething discomfort can also be influenced by the baby’s temperament. Some infants are more sensitive to physical sensations and express their pain more overtly. Recognizing this individual variation can help set realistic expectations during this developmental stage.

Effective Ways to Relieve Teething Pain

There are several safe and practical methods to help ease your child’s teething discomfort. The key is to offer soothing strategies that reduce inflammation and provide sensory comfort.

Helpful tips for relieving teething discomfort:

  • Cold compresses: Use a clean, damp washcloth placed in the refrigerator or freezer. Allow the baby to chew on it under supervision.
  • Teething rings: Opt for BPA-free, firm rubber teething toys that can be chilled (not frozen) to help numb the gums.
  • Gentle gum massage: Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums in circular motions. This pressure can ease the pain.
  • Breastfeeding or bottle feeding: The act of sucking can offer comfort, although some babies may refuse feedings due to mouth soreness.
  • Teething biscuits: For older babies who have started solid foods, hard teething biscuits may provide relief and distraction.

Avoid using topical numbing gels or over-the-counter medications with benzocaine, especially in children under two, unless directed by a healthcare provider. These products can pose serious health risks, including a rare but dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia.

When to Call a Pediatrician

While teething is usually manageable at home, there are times when professional medical guidance is necessary. Teething should not cause high fever, diarrhea, or a persistent rash. If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other illnesses.

Seek medical advice if your baby shows:

  • A fever over 100.4°F
  • Prolonged crying or signs of severe pain
  • Refusal to eat or drink for extended periods
  • Signs of infection around the gums or a facial rash
  • Difficulty sleeping for more than a few nights in a row

Early consultation can provide peace of mind and ensure that your baby receives appropriate care. Your child’s overall well-being should always guide your response to teething symptoms.

Creating a Comforting Environment

Comfort goes beyond physical relief—it also includes emotional support and consistency in routines. During teething episodes, try to maintain a calm and predictable environment. This stability helps your baby feel secure even while experiencing discomfort.

Comforting strategies might include extra cuddling, soft lullabies, warm baths, and extended bedtime routines. These sensory experiences can soothe your child and promote better sleep, even when discomfort persists. Also, consider dimming lights or reducing noise levels if your baby is easily overstimulated during teething.

Routine is also important. Keeping consistent feeding, sleeping, and play schedules provides a sense of security that helps babies handle discomfort more calmly. Even if sleep is disrupted temporarily, a consistent nap and bedtime schedule will aid recovery once the teething episode passes.

Long-Term Dental Health Starts Early

Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in your child’s oral and overall development. They assist in chewing, speech development, and act as placeholders for permanent teeth. That’s why early dental care is essential—even during the teething stage.

Once your child’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to begin gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle, as this can lead to early childhood cavities.

It’s also wise to schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Pediatric dentists are trained to monitor development, spot potential issues, and guide parents in building lifelong oral hygiene habits.

At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry Noblesville, we believe education empowers parents to care for their child’s dental health from the very beginning. Understanding the teething process and how to manage it effectively is a key part of that journey.

Resources

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Teething Symptoms and Relief. HealthyChildren.org.
  2. Boroumand, S., & Rabe, M. (2013). Use of Cold Therapy in the Management of Pediatric Pain. Pediatric Nursing Journal.
  3. Nowak, A. J., & Casamassimo, P. S. (2011). The Dental Home: A Primary Care Oral Health Concept. Journal of the American Dental Association.