Teething

Teething can be a very trying time for both young children and their parents. The experience can be less frustrating with knowing what to expect, a few tips to make the little one more comfortable and a lot of patience. While all children from 4 to 7 months through 2 to 3 years of age go through it, the experience will vary quite a bit. While some may have a long painful episode when a tooth is erupting, other will seem to have the tooth erupt overnight with no discomfort.

Some of the typical symptoms of teeth are:

• Drooling
  
• Irritability
  
• Not sleeping well
  
• Gum swelling and sensitivity
  
• Biting and gnawing on hard objects
  
• Fever and diarrhea – while slight fevers (100.5 or less) and loose bowels may occur, high fevers and diarrhea are not a symptom and other causes should be considered.
  

Some tips to ease the teeth process are: 

• Giving cold firm objects, such as a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, gently rubbing gums with a cool wet cloth or clean finger.
  Wiping the child's face often with a cloth to prevent chin rash from drooling.
  Using medication , such as children's Tylenol or over-the-counter gels with topical anesthetic, such as Baby Orajel
  

NEVER give a child aspirin due to the risk of Reyes Syndrome or assist the eruption by cutting the gums because this could lead to an infection.