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What is the best way to ease teething pain in babies?

Understanding Teething Pain in Babies
Teething is a natural developmental milestone for infants, typically occurring between six months and two years of age. While it is a normal process, teething can bring about significant discomfort for babies, leading to irritability and sleepless nights for both the child and their parents. Understanding how to effectively ease this pain is crucial for maintaining a calm household during this challenging phase.
Signs of Teething
Before diving into remedies, it’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate a baby is teething. Common symptoms include increased drooling, swollen gums, irritability, and a tendency to chew on objects. Some babies may also experience a slight increase in temperature, though a high fever is not typical and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
Effective Remedies for Teething Pain
1. Gentle Gum Massage: One of the simplest and most effective methods to soothe sore gums is through gentle massage. Parents can wash their hands and use their fingers to rub the baby’s gums in circular motions. This not only provides relief but also allows the baby to instinctively chew on the fingers, which can further alleviate discomfort.
2. Cold Compresses: Cold items can be particularly soothing for inflamed gums. Parents can offer a clean, cold washcloth for the baby to chew on, or use teething rings that have been chilled in the refrigerator. The cold numbs the pain and reduces swelling, making it a popular choice among caregivers.
3. Teething Toys: Providing safe teething toys can also help. These toys are designed for babies to gnaw on, providing the necessary pressure to relieve gum pain. It’s important to ensure that these toys are free from harmful chemicals and are age-appropriate.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: In cases where the discomfort is severe, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used, but only under the guidance of a pediatrician. Parents should avoid teething gels that contain benzocaine, as these can pose serious health risks to infants.
5. Teething Biscuits: While some parents may consider teething biscuits, caution is advised. Many of these products are not particularly nutritious and can pose a choking hazard if chunks break off. If opting for this method, supervision is crucial.
Comforting Techniques
Beyond physical remedies, emotional support plays a vital role in easing a teething baby’s discomfort. Holding, cuddling, and providing a calm environment can help soothe a fussy baby. Engaging in gentle play or distraction techniques can also shift the baby’s focus away from the pain.
Conclusion
Teething can be a trying time for both babies and their parents, but with the right strategies, the discomfort can be managed effectively. From gentle gum massages to the use of cold compresses and safe teething toys, there are numerous ways to provide relief. Always consult with a pediatrician before administering any medication or if there are concerns about the baby’s health during this period. By understanding and addressing teething pain, parents can help their little ones navigate this developmental stage with greater ease.

What helps toothache fast?

Keep reading to learn more.

  1. Saltwater rinse. For many people, a saltwater rinse is an effective first-line treatment.
  2. Hydrogen peroxide rinse. A hydrogen peroxide rinse may also help to relieve pain and inflammation.
  3. Cold compress.
  4. Peppermint tea bags.
  5. Garlic.
  6. Vanilla extract.
  7. Other natural remedies.
  8. Clove.

How to relieve teething pain in babies?

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these simple tips:

  1. Rub your baby’s gums. Use a clean finger or wet gauze to rub your baby’s gums.
  2. Keep it cool. A cold spoon or chilled — not frozen — teething ring can be soothing on a baby’s gums.
  3. Try an over-the-counter remedy.

How long does teething screaming last?

A study on teething [5] found that teething symptoms tend to occur within an 8-day window: the 4 days before a tooth emerges, the day the tooth erupts, and the 3 days after it. Luckily, not all teeth will bring the same level of discomfort when they emerge.

What stage of teething hurts the most?

Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective.

How do I get my baby’s teeth to stop hurting?

Using a clean finger, gently rub or massage your baby’s gums for a minute or two to relieve discomfort. Pain medicine. The safest choice is acetaminophen (Tylenol) for babies 2 months and older. Ibuprofen is not recommended for children until they are at least 6 months of age.

How long does teething fussiness last?

Each tooth takes about 1 to 7 days to break through the gum, but the discomfort associated with this process can start a few days before this and then for a few days after. So, for each tooth, the teething process could potentially last for up to a week or two.

What does teething poop look like?

If any teething poop occurs it might be slightly looser than usual, but it shouldn’t be watery or overly runny, which would indicate diarrhea. The color may vary, but it typically stays within the normal range of yellow, green, or brown.

How long does it take for a tooth to break through the gums?

How Long Does it Take for a Tooth to Break Through the Gums? Once a fully developed tooth is ready under the gums, it will usually take a couple days for tooth eruption to occur. However, your infant may experience teething symptoms for about a week until the tooth breaks through.

How do I get my teething baby to stop crying?

Comforting or playing with your baby can distract them from any pain in their gums. Gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger may also help.

How long does the worst part of teething last?

– Teething only causes irritation around the time your baby’s tooth is about to break through the gum. The teething period generally lasts for about around 8 days, so longer periods of discomfort (commonly associated with teething) may be caused by something else.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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