Uh Oh, here Comes the Drool

Uh Oh, here Comes the Drool

Little Johnny is six months old now and has become a drippy, grumpy hard to manage little guy. What is wrong with him? Probably Johnny has a lovely smile forming behind those cute gums of his. Rub your finger along the top of his gums. Do they seem swollen? Teeth begin to push up and through the gums creating a painful episode that lasts until they are all the way up and showing nicely. Having something sharp and persistent pushing against sensitive tissue can be intense at times and a constant nagging discomfort at the least; therefore, what can you do to help?

Ideas to Try
Cold is a natural pain killer and also numbs the peripheral nerves so use this to your benefit.

1.Find a small teething ring and put it in the refrigerator to chill; then have little Johnny chew on them, it provide soothing coolness and ease the pressure.
             (Keep a couple extra teething rings cooling in the fridge)

2. Rubbing with pressure also counteracts the intense stress of the teeth pushing through.

3. Frozen wet wash clothes to chew on.

4. Frozen bananas for gumming.

5. Chilled carrots or cucumbers if they are eating whole food be sure to watch that pieces

     do not break off into their mouth allowing them to choke.

6. Ice cubes or frozen juice in a mesh feeder like ‘Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder’

7. If Johnny refuses to nurse, your doctor may approves an anti-inflammatory medicine that will calm the pain enough that he will be comfortable enough to nurse.

Word of Caution: Numbing medicine containing Benzocaines or Lidocaines are dangerous. (Even over the counter ones). Benzocaines have also been known to cause a rare blood disease called methemoglobinemia. Benzocaines also decrease mouth sensations which can cause choking.

Teething may not be a pleasant time for you or Johnny but in a couple of years when he flashes you a brilliant smile, you won’t even remember.

References:

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6574/developmental-milestones-teething#section4

http://www.drgreene.com/articles/baby-bottle-tooth-decay/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/numbing-medications-can-harm-teething-babies-fda-warns/
http://www.circleofmoms.com/welcome-to-circle-of-moms/early-teething-aids-364298