Toddler Teething
Toddler Teething - What To Expect
A toddler teething isn't always one of the great joys of parenthood. The parents often have a cranky, grumpy, and crying toddler to deal with, and sometimes if the toddler is old enough to have learned how to throw a tantrum, that becomes part of the teething process as well.
Most parents probably don't give toddler teething problems much of a thought, at least for the first child, until they start to occur, and may be at a loss to understand what's going on, as no teeth have appeared as yet. In fact, once the tooth appears, the worst is over, as the pressure on the gums, the source of pain and discomfort, has now been relieved.
Symptoms - On the one hand, parents may be concerned that what are actually symptoms of toddler teething, may be indicative of something else being wrong with the little one. Conversely, symptoms of an illness or other disorder the toddler may be suffering from, are all too often brushed aside as being teething symptoms.
When your toddler starts teething, the symptoms most likely to appear are those of irritability, drooling, wakefulness, gum rubbing, and possible ear rubbing or a facial rash. Sometimes, because of inflammation of the gums, which is normal, the toddler may have a low fever. A high temperature is a sign that something else is wrong, something not related to teething unless a gum has become infected. If the toddler is running a high temperature or shows other signs of illness, don't ascribe the symptoms to teething. There may be another problem that needs to be dealt with.
Arrival Of The Baby Teeth - When does teething start, and how does it progress? When the first teeth appear is usually somewhat of a variable. Most toddler teething problems begin just prior to the emergence of the first teeth, normally when a child is around 6 months of age. The first teeth may appear earlier, at around 3 months, or not begin to show up until the toddler is approaching its first birthday.
The first teeth to come in are usually the bottom two incisors, which always make cute baby pictures. Because the incisors are thin and sharp, they often break through the gums without much of a problem. The bottom teeth are followed by the 4 upper incisors, which are also thin and sharp. Teething problems are often at their worst with the appearance of the first molars, which follow the upper incisors. The molars are wide and blunt, and create a great deal more pressure on the gums. Sometimes the first and second molars come along about the same time as temper tantrums develop, which can lead to a perfect storm.
What to do when teething starts? The toddler is apt to be most uncomfortable at nap time and just before bedtime. Teething pain is usually dull and fairly mild, and is not noticed as much during the hustle and bustle of daily activity. When it is quiet and time for a nap or time for bed, the toddler is more apt be aware of the discomfort, and then may become restless, irritable, or downright cranky.
Remedies - Massaging the gums can help, as can biting on something, which the toddler will often tend to do. Something cold will tend to relieve the pain, and a popsicle or some frozen fruit juice is two possible pain relievers. A chilled carrot or a frozen banana are other possibilities, but care must be taken not to give the toddler anything that he or she could possibly choke on. A chilled pacifier or a frozen teething ring can also be helpful. Toddler teething problems are something that will eventually go away, sometimes more quickly for the toddler than for the parents, who may be awaiting the next episode of crankiness due to toddler teething, which might never occur.