We have all heard about the traumas of teething, well, some of it is true. A cutting teeth can be painful, both for the and the parents.
A cutting teeth is the time when the baby’s teeth break through the gums, however, the process all starts way before you can see the teeth.
There are several established signs that the process of cutting teeth may be starting; will start to chew more, sometimes on their hands, your hands or if you are really lucky on a teether or teething ring. Most babies will actually start this before they are really able to hold a teething ring to their mouths for long enough, hence they will find the teether irritating. If, however, they are chewing on your hand, then you will keep it in the right position for them and it will be easier for them to get the comfort they need.
A cutting teeth can also be signalled by increased drooling. Some babies naturally seem to drool more than others, and you may be a mother to whom people are constantly saying that they think your child is cutting teeth. With these sorts of babies, there will probably be no increase when the teeth start to come through and you will probably find that one day you just notice that they are there and you have missed the whole event.
A cutting teeth may have a raised temperature, but you should never assume that this is the cause of a raised temperature, consider all other options first. It would be awful to put everything down to teething and miss a diagnosis of something far more important.
One of the sweeter signs of cutting teeth is the pink cheeks. These can sometimes be so bright that they almost look like they are painted on. However, on some babies they are more of a delicate glow. Which ever it is you may find that the cheeks actually feel slightly warm and that the skin becomes a little dry.
Then of course the final major signs of cutting teeth signal is a runny tummy. Most doctors will tell you that there is no medical proof for this – but some mothers believe that this is linked to the drooling issue. If you swallows the dribble, then it leads to an upset tummy! Once a has an upset tummy, nappy rash is likely to follow, so this too is considered by some to be a sign of cutting teeth.
We have all survived the growing pains of cutting teeth and on the whole is usually quiet happy. Their biggest discomfort would probably arise from any temperature they may get. Of course they may also get irritated if they are happily chewing you fingers and you decide that you want you hand back!
One thing you can guarantee for sure is that every is different and you and you will survive this developmental stage – don’t get too bogged down with it all, the teeth will come whatever you do.
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