Managing your baby's teething problems : Your online pharmacy selection

What is teething?

Teething is the process whereby a baby's first teeth break through the gums. This phenomenon, generally observed between 6 months and 2 years of age, can be accompanied by pain and various symptoms, influencing the child's behavior.

What are the symptoms of teething?

During teething, several signs may appear:

• Red, swollengums
• Increased need to chew on objects
• Excessive salivation
• Irritability or restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Refusal to eat
• Slight rise in temperature (no fever)

How can I relieve the pain of teething?

To relieve the pain caused by teething, several methods can be used:

1. Teething rings: Choose BPA-free, refrigerated teething rings to soothe the gums.
2. Gum massages: Using a clean finger, gently massage the child's gums to reduce pain.
3. Gum gels: Use teething gels suitable for babies, after consulting the pediatrician.
4. Dry bread or a piece of cold carrot can also help reduce pain by chewing, under supervision.
5. Adequate hydration: Make sure baby stays well hydrated.

When to consult a doctor

It is advisable to consult a doctor or pediatric dentist if:

• Symptoms worsen or last more than a few days without improvement.
• Body temperature exceeds 38°C (100.4°F).
• The baby persistently refuses to eat.
• Signs of distress or infection appear around the gums.

How long does teething last in a baby?

The duration of teething can vary significantly from one child to another. Typically, the first symptoms may appear a few days before the tooth breaks through the gums, and may continue until the tooth has fully erupted. This process can last from a few days to a few weeks per tooth. It's important to note that children have 20 milk teeth, which will gradually erupt until the age of 2-3.

Are there effective home remedies for teething?

Several home remedies can be used to relieve the symptoms of teething:

• Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the cheeks can reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
• Cold foods: Giving your child cold foods such as fresh fruit can help soothe sore gums.
• Frozen breast milk: Small cubes of frozen breast milk can be an excellent way to soothe gums while feeding your baby.

Can teething symptoms be prevented?

Although it's impossible to prevent the natural process of teething, it is possible to prepare and minimize your child's discomfort through several actions:

• Preparing the environment: Ensure that the baby's play and sleep environment is safe and comfortable.
• Careful monitoring: Monitoring symptoms and intervening early can help reduce their impact.
• Early oral health education: Introducing oral health care practices at an early age can help manage symptoms and prepare the child for the next stages of dental growth.

How does teething affect a child's diet?

During teething, children may show less appetite due to pain and discomfort. To avoid aggravating the pain, it is advisable to give preference to soft, room-temperature foods. Offering small amounts of food more frequently can also help maintain the necessary nutritional intake despite reduced appetite.

What are the common myths surrounding teething?

There are many myths surrounding teething:

• Teething causes high fever: Although teething can cause a slight rise in temperature, a high fever is not usually directly related and should be examined by a doctor.
• Teething necklaces are a necessity: Although popular, teething necklaces are not recommended by all pediatricians due to choking and strangulation risks.
• Dental gels are always safe: Some dental gels contain substances that can be harmful to babies, so their use should always be supervised by a health professional.