The signs that a baby is beginning to teeth are fairly universal. The symptoms often include observational irritability, including fussiness and whining for no apparent reason. Baby's show signs of distress when they have a wet or dirty diaper and also when they are getting hungry. Once you have checked to see if a diaper needs to be changed and offer food or libation; the next step is seeing if the child is wanting to be held. Children that receive constant attention early on, likely are irritable as they may go to a babysitter so the parent can go back to work. As the scenery changes, the baby senses it and will be increasingly upset until they become more comfortable with not being held as much.
Low Grade Fever
If none of the above symptoms can be identified as the culprit, the next step is to identify other behaviors. Another sign of teething can be a low grade temperature increase. If the baby is running a low grade fever it could mean that they are ill, but when observed in collaboration with irritability it can also be a sign of teething.
The most observable sign of teething is the baby putting their little hands in their mouth. They will often try to sooth their pain by chewing or gnawing on their hands or on toys that are nearby. This behavior can be seen fairly consistently as the tooth tries to reach the surface. This is very painful for the child and it is important to understand how to help soothe their discomfort during the process.
How to Help
As a parent, the child looks to you to aide in helping them feel better as they develop. There are a variety of things you can try to offer comfort. Begin by washing your hands well to sanitize them. Then place your pointer finger in the mouth and work your way around the top and bottom gums. You are working to identify the point of discomfort. Once you designate that point you can apply an ice cube (I recommend to place it in a secure cloth so it will not slip out) or ice soothing ring teether to numb the throbbing of the gums. Try this in short intervals as you do not want to cause damage. It is best if you apply for about three to five seconds at a time. If the child can tolerate longer periods of exposure then you can increase with each interval. Consider applying an ointment cream that is age appropriate. These products can include a low dose numbing gel and it will last longer than ice being applied.
Aspirin or Tylenol
Teething is painful for the mouth but also can be accompanied by slight headaches due to grinding the gums. Administer a reputable pain reliever such as aspirin or Tylenol. Be careful to remember allergic reactions, by consulting your pediatrician.
Teething Ring
Purchase a high quality teething ring that can be placed in the freezer. A teething ring that is frozen provides comfort and allows an opportunity to help the tooth breach the surface by the gnawing motion.
Teething is a process every child must go through. Although it is uncomfortable for the baby it can be made more tolerable if you follow the steps outlined above.