B Minor

B Minor

Teething, it’s like nature’s way of saying “you look like you need a challenge.”

Common signs and symptoms of teething

  • Excessive drooling
  • Red cheeks
  • Irritable
  • Resisting food and wanting extra milk
  • Pulling on ears
  • Chewing on hands and anything else they can get their hands on
  • Red or inflamed gums
  • Trouble sleeping

 

Signs and symptoms that the professionals will tell you are not teething related but often appear with teething

 

Although medical professionals will tell you that the following symptoms are not related to teething, the following symptoms often pop up along side teething.

  • Loose and sour smelling bowl movements, fowl smelling urine and nappy rash, (this is due to the child producing excess saliva and the acid levels changing)
  • Colds and fevers, (although colds and fevers are not signs of teething, when a child is teething, their immune system is compromised whilst their little bodies put all of their energy in to trying to push their tooth out of the gums. This leaves the child more susceptible to picking up all of the germy illnesses that are going around.

***Please seek medical advice if you are concerned about your child’s health***

 

Dental care

You can start cleaning your childs gums with a face washer or soft wet cloth from as early as a newborn. This not only gets you and your child in to a great routine but also helps them to get used to the feeling and can help with softening their gums which in turn can lead to less painful eruptions.

 

Once your child is 4 months old, you can move on to a rubber bristle brush and continue to brush their gums.

Once your child gets their first tooth, it’s time to move on to a soft bristle brush.

 

*You can start using toothpaste (only a pea amount) around the time your child turns 2 years but make sure they are able to spit in to the sink and not swallow.

 

When does my child need to visit the dentist

Once your child has 16-20 teeth or has turned 2 years, (whichever comes first) it is a good idea to visit your local dentist. I love children’s Dental clinics as they are specifically designed just for children so the experience is more child friendly.

The first visit is basically just to get the child used of the dentist setting and to make sure that everything is coming along fine.

What can I do to help my child

  • Give your child loads of cuddles, they are the best when you are feeling unwell.
  • If they have started solids, freeze some orange quarters, they not only taste good but are great for your teething child to chew on.
  • If your child has not yet started solids, freeze up some breast milk or formula into ice cubes or tubes and offer it to them when they are in pain. It will not only feel good on their gums but will help to numb the pain.
  • Offer teething rings or chewy toys to chomp on.
  • Wet a face washer and roll it up then freeze. (Anything frozen is great for helping to numb the gums)
  • Apply some Bonjella to your childs gums, this has been the most successful form of treatment for my children.
  • If you have tried all of the following, and your child is still suffering then it’s time to bring out the Panadol.

 

You might also like to read:

The Fable of the Tooth Fairy

Firstborn VS Secondborn

Baby led weaning – real food from the start