Teething

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Teething occurs when new teeth are cutting through the gums. A baby usually cuts his first teeth between four to eight months of age. Teeth continue to come in until age three. Lower teeth usually come in first. When your baby starts teething, you will notice that he drools a lot, chews on things, and may cry more than usual. Teething can cause gum pain. It may make your baby uncomfortable for a few days, especially when the molars (back teeth) come through.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Give medicine to decrease teething pain: Ask your child's caregiver if you should give your child acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen) or ibuprofen (eye-bu-PROH-fen). Read the instructions on the box to give your child the correct amount of medicine. Call your caregiver if you have questions about how much medicine to give.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.

How can I help my child feel better while he is teething?

• Gently rub the swollen gum with a clean finger, cool spoon, or wet gauze pad. Do this as often as you feel it is needed to soothe your child's gum.
  
  
• Your child may enjoy chewing on a clean washcloth. Wet the washcloth with cold water and wring it out. Put it in the freezer for 30 minutes, and then offer it to your child to chew on. Do not leave your child alone while he is chewing on the washcloth.
  
  
• Try giving your child a teething ring. Some children like a cold (but not frozen) teething ring. Do not tie the teething ring around your child's neck. It could catch on something and strangle your child.
  
  
• Give your child frozen juices, popsicles, or a frozen banana that has been cut into small pieces. He may also enjoy teething biscuits. Never give your child hard foods such as carrots to chew on. Do not leave these foods in a place where your child may reach them. A child may put the food in his mouth, and choke on it.
  
  
• Ask your child's caregiver if it is OK to use special teething gels or lotions. Read the label instructions carefully before using these products.

Do's and Do nots for tooth care:

Once your child has one or more teeth, do the following:

• Do schedule your child's first dental appointment. This should occur between the time that your child's teeth begin to come in and before his first birthday.
  
  
• Do clean your child's teeth using a child-sized, soft bristle toothbrush and water. Begin adding a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to the toothbrush when your child is two years old. Help your child to brush correctly. Do not let your child chew on the toothbrush or eat the toothpaste. Ask your child's dentist or caregiver to show you the right way to brush your child's teeth.
  
  
• Do wean (gradually stop) your baby from using a bottle when he is 12 to 24 months old.
  
  
• Do help your child begin to use a cup around age one. Use a spill proof top or straw to help prevent spilling.
  
  
• Do not let your child drink from a bottle while lying down or going to sleep.
  
  
• Do not let your child walk around with his bottle. Do not let him drink from the bottle or breast for times longer than a regular mealtime.
  
  
• Do not give your child fruit juice until he is six months or older. Give your child pasteurized, 100% fruit juice from a cup, not a bottle. Children less than six years old may drink one-half to two-thirds cup of juice each day. Do not give your child more than this amount each day.

Call your child's caregiver if:

• Fever, vomiting, a rash, or diarrhea (loose stools) are usually not caused by teething. Call your child’s caregiver if your child has a fever, or is vomiting, or has diarrhea while he is teething. Call if he continues to act very uncomfortable and fussy after his teeth have come in.
  
  
• Your child has signs of infection, like pus or very swollen, reddened gums in the area where the tooth is coming in.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Teething (Aftercare Instructions)