teething pain

I realize that even though this might be distressing for me to see our baby experiencing discomfort, it is probably more for him.

I want to know more in this issue especially since I am a first time mother.

Reading this through to learn more at just how to take care of our baby during this disturbing TEETHING time.

Teething Pain in Infants 0-24 Months

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Relieving Your Child's Teething Pain

It's downright sad that something that is a natural part of your baby's growth has to be so painful for them. Changes in your baby's behaviour can cause you to become stressed and frustrated. But you also likely have everything you need to make your baby feel better.

Tips for Relief of Your Child's Teething Pain

Just when your baby adapts to a sleeping and eating schedule, teething pain can throw it out the window. With these tips, you can help your baby find relief so that neither of you feel like you're at square one again.

 

Tips for Relief of Your Child's Teething Pain

The first sign of primary (or baby) teeth usually brings a change in your baby's behaviour. A lot of that change has to do with pain. That's understandable because the pain can affect their eating and sleeping — not to mention your own.

Recommended tips to relieve your baby's teething pain

To give your baby the relief they're crying for, try these tips:

·         Gently rub a clean finger over your baby's gums — to temporarily numb the pain. [fromhttp://www.babycenter.ca/baby/sleep/teething&sleeppatterns/]

·         Use your parenting magic — distract your baby from teething pain by rocking, singing, cuddling or playing with them.

·         Take away your baby's pacifier (if they're using one) — your baby may chew the end of the pacifier, which could pose a choking hazard.

·         Get your baby a cold, liquid-filled teething ring or washcloth to chew on — the coolness will help numb teething pain and will also help your baby's teeth break through the surface of their gums. [fromhttp://www.babycenter.ca/baby/sleep/teething&sleeppatterns/]

·         Switch to a hard or bumpy rubber teething ring when your baby's molars have come in

·         Take precautions with teething rings — ensure your baby's teething ring is DINP free (this additive is found in soft vinyl [PVC] products and poses a potential health risk) and never tie a teething ring or pacifier around your baby's neck (the chord may get caught and pose a strangling risk).

·         Cold applesauce or yogurt can help numb pain if your baby is eating solid foods. [fromhttp://www.babycenter.ca/baby/sleep/teething&sleeppatterns/]

·         Use an over-the-counter (OTC) pain relieving medication specially formulated for infants — to relieve your baby's teething pain, like Infants' TYLENOL^® Drops. Do not put Infants' TYLENOL^® or any painkiller directly against your child's gums because it may burn the dental tissue.

·         Ask your pharmacist about a topical anesthetic or teething gel — these gels may help numb teething pain for about 20 minutes but should not be used before breastfeeding because your baby's tongue may be numbed to the point where they can't suck properly. [from http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/sleep/teething&sleeppatterns/]

·         Do not give your baby products containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)—ASA may cause a dangerous medical condition called Reye's Syndrome.

When your baby's teeth break through their gums, you should also:

·         Help prevent tooth decay by limiting the amount of sugar you allow your baby to have— that includes replacing a bottle of juice with one filled with water, and avoid giving your baby a cookie or two to chew on, especially at bedtime

·         As teeth erupt, clean them with a soft baby toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste — breast milk that is very sweet should be cleaned from your baby's teeth

When to call the doctor about your baby's teething pain

Most children go through teething without the need to see the doctor but in some cases it may be worthwhile to arrange for a doctor's appointment:

·         If your baby's gums are bleeding — minimal bleeding may indicate an infection

·         If your baby is running a fever — since there is no proof that a fever is a normal part of teething, this too may be a sign of infection. Sometimes teething pain can be confused with ear pain at this age.

·         If the pain gets worse

·         Any time you feel unsure about any of your baby's symptoms.

You should also make an appointment with your child's doctor if your child is experiencing a toothache as a result of a thrush. Oral thrush is a condition in which the fungus "Candida albicans" accumulates on the lining of the mouth. Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. The lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly when scraped. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils or the back of the throat.

teething and fever

Baby Joram has been having intermittent low grade fever for more than 24 hours.
I think it has to be teething but what if I'm mistaken?

And so, I research on the net.

I read from Kidshealth.

Although teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature, it's probably not the cause if a child's temperature is higher than 100° F (37.8° C).

When Fever Is a Sign of Something Serious

In the past, doctors advised treating a fever on the basis of temperature alone. But now they recommend considering both the temperature and a child's overall condition.

Kids whose temperatures are lower than 102° F (38.9° C) often don't require medication unless they're uncomfortable. There's one important exception to this rule: If you have an infant 3 months or younger with a rectal temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, call your doctor or go to the emergency department immediately. Even a slight fever can be a sign of a potentially serious infection in very young infants.

If your child is between 3 months and 3 years old and has a fever of 102.2° F (39° C) or higher, call your doctor to see if he or she needs to see your child. For older kids, take behavior and activity level into account. Watching how your child behaves will give you a pretty good idea of whether a minor illness is the cause or if your child should be seen by a doctor.

The illness is probably not serious if your child:

• is still interested in playing
• is eating and drinking well
• is alert and smiling at you
• has a normal skin color
• looks well when his or her temperature comes down

And don't worry too much about a child with a fever who doesn't want to eat. This is very common with infections that cause fever. For kids who still drink and urinate normally, not eating as much as usual is OK.