by Erika Armyn

Created on: January 22, 2009

SIGNS OF TEETHING IN BABY

While teething is no fun for baby, it is certainly no picnic for Mom and Dad, either. On average, infants cut their first tooth at around seven months of age, though baby's first little tooth has been known to appear as early as three months and as late as one year. The teething experience varies for every baby, and for some the process is more painful than for others.

If you're a new mom or dad, you may be unsure if your own little cherub is sprouting a set of baby dentals, and what to do about it. You may be seeing your litte one exhibiting strange new behaviors, but are not positive that these symptoms are teething-related. Once you are aware of the multiple signs that your baby is cutting teeth, it becomes obvious, and you can help your baby find relief.

*DROOLING

Usually, the first sign that your baby is teething is excessive drool, as teething stimulates the production of saliva. If you find yourself constantly changing your little one because he's soaking the front of his clothes with a bib of spit, his mouth may be getting ready for the arrival of that first little pearly bud. You may also notice a chapping of the skin or a rash on baby's chin and around the mouth. This is irritation from the saliva and can also be a good indicator that baby is cutting a tooth.

*COUGHING/GAGGING

Is your infant coughing or gagging at all? Once again, this is due to the excess saliva in your baby's mouth and usually nothing to worry about.

*BITING

If your baby is biting down on anything she can clamp her gums down on, chances are good that there's a tooth coming in. The counterpressure when biting helps the chronic pain in baby's gums subside, and she may seek this relief by gumming down on toys, her fingers, or, if you are a breastfeeding mother, your nipples. Offer baby a teething ring that's been chilled in the freezer, or some frozen fresh fruit in a mesh baby feeder, which allows baby to enjoy chunks of fruit without the choking hazard.

*IRRITABILITY/SLEEPLESSNESS

As the discomfort of teething worsens, irritability, hence sleepless nights, will increase. A normally cheerful baby may cry constantly, and he will not be considerate enough to limit his fussing to daytime hours. The constant pain may keep baby awake during the night as well, even if he has been sleeping through the night. A reassuring cuddle may provided the comfort he is seeking and lull him to sleep.

*LOOSE BOWEL MOVEMENTS

A lot of parents find themselves changing diapers filled with loose,

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