Oh, the joys of teething. Those gums are so itchy! Nibbling fingers, gumming the dummy, and everything goes straight to the mouth. Will there ever be relief? Let’s see what we can do about that.
When?
Babies will normally start teething at around 6 months, however it is not uncommon for babies to start earlier. Sometimes babies are born with a tooth or two, already out.
Signs?
Your baby will drool a bit more, and constantly look for something to gum, or nibble on their fingers. Some babies may have an upset tummy, keep pulling on their ears or even have a mild rise in temperature. Remember that each baby is different and unique. The nerves supplying the gums can cause referred pain to the ears and therefor the ear pulling.
This is a painful ordeal, they will be fussy as well. What can we do to make the little munchkin feel better?
To the dentist!
This is a bit early to do anything major, but it is always great to have your baby get to know the dentist. The dentist will take a peek for any abnormalities and might give you some advice with their top tricks on dental hygiene for a baby.
Your dentist can also apply some fluoride to your baby’s teeth when the time is right, to help preserve and protect them.
Gum massage
Rubbing your baby’s gums gently can bring them a lot of relief, as it stimulates blood flow and provides a soft relief to the great itch. Thumb sucking and dummies may recreate the sensation as well.
You can use the Ashton and Parsons Infants Powders. It has long been trusted to soothe and help with teething upsets and irritations in young children. Each powder contains tincture of matricaria duplex and lactose. Tincture of matricaria is a gentle solution made from the oils found within the flower heads of the German chamomile plant.
Alternatively, you can help to numb the gums with a bit of teething gel or offer a teething biscuit for them to enjoy. Remember to supervise them when they are eating.
There are a variety of “chew toys”, such as a teething ring, available. Placing them in the refrigerator or in an ice water bucket for a while to make it cool, can help to enhance the affect. However, you should not freeze them. Plus, if we aren’t chewing on them, they make great weapons of not-so-much destruction for an oncoming tantrum.
If you are starting on solids, opt for a baby spoon with a silicone covering, to offer a soft chewing surface, as normal cutlery can be uncomfortable to use.
Introducing your baby to solid food can be a challenge, as they may experience some indigestion and discomfort at first. Using an age-appropriate baby cereal from Nestlé such as Nestum / Cerelac / Purity, will provide essential nutrients while remaining gentle on their digestive system.
Brush up
You should start a toothbrush-routine from the very first tooth. This will help your baby get used to a routine, provide some added fluoride and prevent tooth decay.
The light brushing will also help to clean the gums and tongue, and sooth some of that itchiness.
When to ask for help
If your baby is experiencing a fever or you suspect that the pain is more than some teething gel could handle, you may need to administer some pain medicine. You can ask your pharmacists or clinic sisters for advice on over-the-counter treatments, suitable for babies.
If the fever persists, you should take your baby to your doctor or local clinic, as it may then be something more than just teething. It might be good to have their ears checked out.
Read more: Treat your child safely, with over-the-counter medication
We can deliver your baby’s foods, OTC medicines and with your other Mopani online shopping, nationwide. Contact us for info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 0137555500 | WhatsApp: 0661921703
