Teething Troubles: How to Soothe Your Baby and Ensure Sleep Through the Night

Introduction

 As a pediatric sleep consultant, I've encountered countless parents who share the same concern: teething. It's one of those inevitable stages that can turn your peaceful nights into a whirlwind of sleeplessness and fussiness.

 Teething has a notorious reputation among parents, and for good reason. The discomfort it causes can wreak havoc on your baby’s sleep schedule. In this blog, we’ll delve into understanding teething and its symptoms and offer practical tips to manage teething discomfort and ensure restful nights for both you and your baby.

Understanding Teething

What is Teething? 

Teething is the process where your baby’s first teeth, known as primary teeth or baby teeth, break through the gums. This usually starts between 8 to 12 months of age and can continue until your child is about 2 to 3 years old.

Common Timeline and Stages of Teething in Infants

Top Teeth:

• Central incisor: 8-12 months
• Lateral incisor: 9-13 months
• First molar: 13-19 months
• Canine: 16-22 months
• Second molar: 25-33 months

Bottom Teeth:

• Central incisor: 6-10 months
• Lateral incisor: 10-16 months
• First molar: 14-18 months
• Canine: 17-23 months
• Second molar: 23-31 months

Source: American Dental Association

Common Symptoms of Teething

• White nubs visible under gums.
• Sore and red gums.
• Mild temperature (less than 38°C).
• Flushed cheeks.
• Rash on the face.
• Ear rubbing.
• Increased drooling.
• Gnawing and chewing on objects.
• Increased fussiness.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething can be a lengthy process but the painful part of teething lasts less than a week wherein the teeth are cutting through the gums. If your baby is getting multiple teeth at once then the discomfort can last for longer too. 

Typically, teething starts around 6-8 months and continues until all 20 milk teeth are in, usually by age 3. 

Addressing Misconceptions

Myth 1: Teething causes high fever and diarrhoea.

• Fact: While some children may develop a mild temperature, teething itself does not cause high fever or diarrhea. These symptoms might arise due to secondary infections from increased chewing on various objects. If your baby has a high fever (above 38°C) or diarrhea, consult a doctor.

Myth 2: Teething leads to severe illness or excessive crying and clinginess.

• Fact: Teething can cause discomfort and irritability but does not cause severe illness. If your baby is exhibiting signs of severe illness, such as a high fever or persistent vomiting, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out other causes. Increased fussiness and clinginess can occur during teething, but excessive crying might indicate other discomforts or health issues. Monitoring your baby’s overall behavior can help determine if something else is causing their distress.

Myth 3: Teething disrupts sleep for months.

• Fact: While teething can cause temporary sleep disruptions, it should not lead to prolonged sleep issues. If your baby’s sleep problems persist beyond a week, consider other potential factors or consult a pediatric sleep consultant.

Myth 4: When baby is chewing their hands and toys, they are teething.

• Fact: Babies explore the world through their mouths, which feeds their natural curiosity. Mouthing behavior is common outside of teething periods and should not be discouraged. It’s a normal part of their development and not always an indication of teething

Managing Teething Discomfort

- Teething Toys

Provide your baby with safe, chewable teething toys to soothe their gums. Opt for BPA-free options designed specifically for teething infants.

- Cold Vegetable Sticks 

Offer frozen/cold vegetable sticks like carrots or cucumber cut into atleast 1 inch thick long sticks. The cold helps numb the gums, while the texture provides relief from the pressure.

- Breastfeeding

 Breastfeeding can be incredibly soothing for a teething baby. The act of sucking provides comfort, and breast milk has natural pain-relieving properties

- Frozen Cloth Dipped in Formula/Breastmilk 

Tie a knot on one end of the washcloth and dip it in formula or breast milk. Then put it in a ziplock back and then cool it in the refrigerator/freeze it in a freezer. Let your baby gnaw on the chilled cloth to soothe their gums.

- Doctor-Prescribed Pain Relief Medication

 For severe discomfort, consult your pediatrician about baby-safe pain relief options like paracetamol. Always use medication as directed by a healthcare professional.

Teething Gel: 

Use a teething gel recommended by your pediatrician to provide numbing relief.

Cold Spoon: 

Chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator and let your baby chew on it for soothing relief.

Monitoring and Consulting a Pediatrician

If teething symptoms seem severe or prolonged, it's important to seek medical advice. Persistent sleep issues could indicate other underlying problems that need to be addressed. Your pediatrician can help rule out other causes of discomfort and provide guidance on managing your baby’s teething pain effectively.

Conclusion

Teething is a temporary phase that all babies go through. While it can be challenging, with the right strategies, you can manage your baby’s discomfort and ensure they get the rest they need. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Many parents have navigated teething successfully, and so can you. Stay patient and compassionate, and don't hesitate to seek support when needed.