What are the symptoms of teething in babies?
Teething is a natural process that occurs when a baby’s teeth start to emerge through the gums. It typically begins around 6 months of age, although it can vary from baby to baby. The teething process can be uncomfortable for babies, and they may experience a range of symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the common symptoms of teething in babies.
1. Excessive drooling: One of the most common signs of teething is excessive drooling. Babies may produce more saliva than usual, leading to drooling and sometimes even a rash around the mouth.
2. Irritability: Teething can cause discomfort and pain, leading to increased irritability in babies. They may become fussier than usual and have difficulty settling down.
3. Increased biting and chewing: Babies may instinctively bite or chew on objects to relieve the pressure and discomfort caused by teething. They may chew on their fingers, toys, or even furniture.
4. Swollen or sensitive gums: As the teeth start to emerge, the gums may become swollen, red, and sensitive. Babies may experience discomfort or pain when pressure is applied to their gums.
5. Changes in eating habits: Teething can affect a baby’s appetite. Some babies may refuse to eat or drink as much as usual due to the discomfort in their gums. Others may seek comfort by nursing or bottle-feeding more frequently.
6. Sleep disturbances: The discomfort caused by teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. They may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to increased nighttime waking.
7. Ear pulling or rubbing: The pain from teething can radiate to the ears, causing babies to pull or rub their ears. However, it is important to note that not all ear pulling is related to teething, and it could be a sign of an ear infection or another issue.
8. Facial rash or redness: The excessive drooling associated with teething can cause a rash or redness on the baby’s face, chin, or neck. Keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent or alleviate this rash.
9. Mild fever: Some babies may experience a slight increase in body temperature while teething. However, it is important to note that teething does not cause a high fever. If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
10. Changes in bowel movements: Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s digestive system, leading to changes in bowel movements. Some babies may have loose stools, while others may experience constipation.
11. Gum rubbing or biting: Babies may try to alleviate the discomfort by rubbing their gums with their fingers or biting down on objects. This can provide temporary relief from the pain.
12. Changes in mood: Teething can cause babies to experience mood swings. They may go from being happy and content to fussy and irritable within a short period.
13. Red or flushed cheeks: Some babies may develop red or flushed cheeks while teething. This is believed to be caused by increased blood flow to the area.
14. Disturbed sucking: Babies who use pacifiers or suck their thumbs may have difficulty sucking due to the discomfort caused by teething. They may refuse to use their pacifiers or thumbs or may have a weaker sucking reflex.
15. Increased gum sensitivity during feeding: Babies who are breastfeeding may experience increased gum sensitivity while feeding. They may pull away from the breast or bottle due to the discomfort.
It is important to note that not all babies will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary from baby to baby. Some babies may go through teething with minimal discomfort, while others may experience more intense symptoms. If you are concerned about your baby’s teething symptoms or if they seem to be in significant pain, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
