Your Baby's Teething Relief: Tips from a Pharmacist - November 2024

Every baby goes through teething. For some, growing new pearly whites for the first time is a smooth ride. But for others, teething can be a harrowing experience full of pain and sleepless nights. For both baby and mum. We sat down with Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd, a qualified pharmacist with 10 years of pharmaceutical experience, to learn more about what parents can do if their children experience painful teething. Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist and Key Account Manager at Primabumi Sdn Bhd Q1: What is teething and why does it cause pain in babies/children? When a baby's very first tooth starts to come through their gums, it can be quite an uncomfortable experience for them. This discomfort is commonly referred to as 'teething'. Essentially, it means that as the tooth pushes its way through the baby's gums, it can make the baby feel uneasy and, in some cases, a bit fussy or irritable. It's like a little milestone in a baby's growth, but it can be a bit uncomfortable along the way. Q2: When does teething normally start? For many babies, the process of teething begins when they are around 6 to 10 months old and can continue until they are about 3 years old. However, teething can also sometimes happen a bit earlier or later than that. Teething involves some discomfort, and this discomfort arises because the gums, the soft part of the baby's mouth where teeth will eventually come in, can become sore and swollen before a new tooth actually appears. Q3: In what order do baby teeth come in? Most of the time, babies start getting their first teeth in a specific order: Bottom Front Teeth: Initially, they usually get the lower central incisors, which are the teeth at the bottom front of their mouth. Top Front Teeth: After that, they typically get the upper central incisors, which are the front teeth on the top. Canine Teeth: Following the front teeth, the canine teeth come in, and these are the pointy ones that help with biting and tearing food. Molars: Finally, the molars, which are the flat teeth in the back, come in last. It's like a toothy timeline for babies, and this order is pretty common, but keep in mind that every baby is unique, so there can be some variations. Q4: What are the symptoms of teething? When your baby is going through teething, you might see some signs that show they're feeling a bit uncomfortable: Sore Gums: The part of their mouth where the new tooth is trying to come in might look swollen, red or tender. Red Cheek: Sometimes, one of their cheeks might turn a bit red, and this can be linked to the teething discomfort. Eating and Sleeping Changes: Your baby might not eat or sleep as well as usual during this time because the discomfort can make them a bit fussy. Chewing and Drooling: They might start chewing on things more often, like their fingers or toys, and you might notice they're drooling (producing more saliva) more than before. Irritability: Teething can sometimes make babies feel more cranky or irritable, so they might seem a bit fussier than usual. These are just some common signs that your baby is teething, and it's all part of their normal development. Many parents find ways to comfort their little ones during this period, like using teething toys or giving them gentle massages to help with the discomfort. Q5: Does teething cause fever? When your baby is teething, you might notice a small rise in their body temperature. But it's important to know that this isn't a real fever. However, if your baby's temperature goes above 38°C, that's a sign that something else might be going on, like an infection. In that case, it's really important to get in touch with a doctor right away for advice and help. Q6: Can teething cause a rash? When your baby is teething, they tend to drool a lot, and this drool can sometimes lead to a rash. It's not the teething itself that causes the rash; it's the excess drool. When this drool runs down their face, neck, and chest, it can irritate their delicate skin. To help prevent this rash, it's a good idea to keep the area clean and dry. But be careful not to wipe too much or too often because that can actually make the irritation worse. So, strike a balance in keeping your baby comfortable and rash-free. Q7: How long do the symptoms of teething last? When your baby is teething, they might feel uncomfortable, and this discomfort usually lasts for a few days to a bit more than a week for each tooth that's coming in. But here's the twist: If multiple teeth decide to show up at once, the discomfort can be a bit different. It might last longer or feel more intense. So, how long and how tough teething is can change depending on how many teeth are making their debut. Q8: Are there any pain relievers that I can give to my baby orally? If your baby is older than 6 months, you can use either paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup to help them feel better. If your baby seems to be in a lot of pain or their gums look very swollen, ibuprofen tends to work better. But before you give any medicine to your baby, it's really important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance and to make sure it's the right choice for your little one. Q9: Apart from giving medicines, what else can I do to help ease my child’s pain? If your baby's gums are swollen and sore because of teething, you can help them feel better by doing a few things: Gentle Gum Massage: Use your clean finger or a wet gauze pad to gently rub or massage their gums. This can ease the discomfort. Teething Ring: You can also give them a teething ring made of firm rubber to chew on. Just make sure it's not too hard, as that might hurt their gums. Always keep a close eye on your child while they're using a teething ring to make sure they don't accidentally swallow it. These simple tricks can help soothe your baby during the teething process. Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Family Planning by

Family Fun By Sunway Malls

Motherhood Panel of Experts

More Stories

Light Up This Heart-Warming Mid-Autumn Festival With A Joyful Reunion at Sunway Putra Mall