No one likes to see their baby or child in distress. Did you know that hearing your baby cry can trigger hormonal responses in your body that raise certain levels of cortisol or other hormones that play a role in bonding with your baby? Whether you’re a nursing mother who has a prolactin response to hearing your baby cry, or a father who experiences an oxytocin response, our bodies naturally respond to our baby’s cries, signaling us we need to help soothe them.
One of the toughest phases that triggers increased hormonal responses in parents is the teething phase, when their baby is uncomfortable and in distress as teeth push through. While it’s mentally draining for parents and physically exhausting for infants, it’s completely normal and every family goes through it.
While the teething phase is no walk in the park, we’re here to discuss soothing techniques to give your baby comfort during this difficult time. Continue reading for a teething guide for parents, including symptoms and techniques to make the teething phase a little easier.
Teething Symptoms
Are you a first-time parent? Have you already gone through the teething phase with older children, but need a refresher on teething? Are you searching for new soothing techniques? Whatever the case, recognizing the teething phase and catching teething symptoms early can make for a more pleasant experience for you and your baby. Catching teething symptoms early can help provide your baby with comfort and relief. Below are some teething symptoms, including some commonly known and lesser-known ones:
Excessive Drooling
All babies drool, but if you find yourself reaching for a rag or tissue to wipe drool more often, chances are your baby is teething. Those adorable gummy smiles may turn into excessive drooling ones thanks to an increase in saliva production during teething. As a result, your baby may develop a minor rash from the excess moisture. Keep them as dry as possible to avoid rashes and irritation.
Swollen Gums
Simply peer into your baby’s mouth and take a good look at their gums: if they appear red or swollen, odds are they’re teething. Gums will become irritated and swell up when teeth emerge, causing them to harden or turn redder as teething begins.
Fussiness
Your baby may be teething if you notice an increase in fussiness or irritability. Your smiley, giggly, happy baby may be crying more or be harder to comfort during teething. The discomfort can make it difficult for them to get adequate sleep or get comfortable, causing increased fussiness and irritability.
Eating or Nursing Changes
Is your baby wanting to nurse or take a bottle more often? Are they wanting to nurse or eat less? Changes in eating or nursing habits are associated with teething, thanks to the discomfort they feel. Some babies find nursing or eating comforting, while others find it causes more pain.
Disrupted Sleep
Some babies are already sleeping through the night around three months and napping well throughout the day. However, if your baby is experiencing disrupted sleep, whether refusing to nap or waking more often throughout the night, they’re likely teething. Pain and discomfort associated with teething cause them to wake more often or refuse naps.
Grabbing Ears/Cheeks
Grabbing ears and cheeks is sometimes a symptom of an ear infection, but it can also be a sign that your baby is teething. Because the gumline is so close to the ears and cheeks, pain may radiate near these areas, causing them to grab their ears or cheeks.
Low-Grade Fever
While high fevers indicate illness, low-grade fevers can occur when a baby is teething. The fever shouldn’t exceed 100.4°F and usually comes and goes. If your baby develops a higher fever, consult their pediatrician to rule out illness.
Diaper Rash
While teething doesn’t cause diarrhea, it can cause loose or more frequent stools, causing you to change your baby’s diaper more often. The increase in stools and wiping can cause diaper rash during teething. Be sure to do frequent diaper changes and apply a diaper rash cream during teething to prevent further irritation.
Teething Soothing Techniques
Understanding the varying teething symptoms, you’re probably wondering how to soothe and comfort your baby during this difficult phase. From rubbing your baby’s gums to giving doses of acetaminophen, there are plenty of teething soothing techniques to ease their pain and discomfort:
- Clean your fingers and rub your baby’s gums
- Use a safe and large enough teething toy or cold washcloth
- Teething snacks like biscuits or cold foods in a mesh teether toy
- Gently brush the gums with a baby-safe toothbrush
- Rock and cuddle your baby to provide comfort
- Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help provide relief for babies over 6 months – consult their pediatrician first.
You’ll want to stick to your baby’s routine as much as possible during teething. Keeping a consistent routine can help provide comfort while they experience discomfort from teething.
Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry for Your Entire Family’s Oral Health
Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings and preventative maintenance. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to help recommend the best type of oral hygiene practices for your specific needs and treatment. Bringing your baby to the dentist during teething can help establish good oral health early. We’ll gently examine their teeth and gums and can offer additional suggestions for soothing techniques.
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!
