Teething is the process of a baby’s primary teeth (also known as baby teeth or milk teeth) pushing through the gums and erupting into the mouth (Berkowitz, 2019). It is a normal process that begins at around 6 months of age and can continue until 3 years of age (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).
The process of teething can cause a variety of symptoms in babies, including irritability, drooling, chewing on objects, decreased appetite, and soreness or tenderness in the gums (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). Although teething can be uncomfortable for babies, it is usually a harmless process and does not cause any long-term harm (Berkowitz, 2019).
Teething can be managed in several ways, including providing a teething toy or a cold wet washcloth for the baby to chew on, gently rubbing or massaging the gums with a clean finger, or giving the baby something cold to suck on (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be used to manage the discomfort associated with teething (Berkowitz, 2019).
It is important to note that teething should not be blamed for any illnesses or fever in babies. If a baby is showing signs of illness or fever, it is important to seek medical attention from a health care provider (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).
In conclusion, teething is a normal process that begins at around 6 months of age and can continue until 3 years of age. It can cause a variety of symptoms in babies, including irritability, drooling, chewing on objects, decreased appetite, and soreness or tenderness in the gums. Teething can be managed in several ways, such as providing a teething toy or a cold wet washcloth, gently rubbing or massaging the gums, and giving the baby something cold to suck on. It is important to remember that teething should not be blamed for any illnesses or fever in babies, and that medical attention should be sought if any signs of illness or fever are present.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (6th ed.). New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Berkowitz, C. (2019). The A-Z Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. New York, NY: HarperCollins.