Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Teething - Brief Version
What is teething?
Teething is when new teeth start to push through your baby's
gums. You may see swollen gums or little points of white
pushing through the gum.
Your baby may:
- Drool a lot.
- Want to chew on things.
- Have mild gum pain.
How can I take care of my child?
- Massage your baby's gums.
Wash your hands. Find your baby's swollen gums. Rub
them with your finger for 2 minutes. Do this as often as
needed.
- Give your baby teething rings.
Your baby likes to chew on smooth, hard things when
teething. Give your baby a teething ring. That lets
your baby chew on something safe. Solid teething rings
and ones with liquid in the center are good.
Do not give your baby ice, Popsicles, or other frozen
things. The cold can hurt the gums. It could even cause
frostbite. Do not give hard foods like raw carrots.
Your baby could choke on them.
- Watch your baby's diet.
Do not give your baby salty foods or acid foods like
lemons or oranges. These can bother your baby's gums.
Give your baby teething biscuits.
If your baby cries when she sucks on a bottle or nipple,
change to a cup.
- Give pain medicine if your baby needs it.
If your baby seems to have a lot of pain, give
acetaminophen (Tylenol) for 1 day. You don't need to buy
special teething gels.
Call your baby's doctor during office hours if:
- Your baby gets a fever.
- Your baby cries a lot for no reason.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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