當馬克遇上莎莉

While some children seem to sprout their first teeth with no problems at all, for others it is a painful and drawn out process. Red and swollen gums, heavy drooling, sleepless nights, inconsistent feeding, biting and general crankiness can all be signs that your baby's first tooth is on its way and for these babies, and their parents, teething is no fun. Some parents report that their baby develops a temperature or diarrhoea immediately prior to a tooth breaking through but most experts do not believe that teething causes these conditions, so treat them separately and always consult a doctor if necessary. You may, however, find that your baby gets a red rash on her chin and lower lip from all the dribbling. Gently wipe the dribble off with a soft cotton cloth, making sure that you don't rub. Smoothing a barrier cream such as petroleum jelly on her chin at bedtime and before she goes out will help to protect her skin from further irritation. 

Why does teething hurt? 

Your baby's teeth started developing in the womb, when teeth buds were formed in her gums. As her teeth develop, they push up through her gums, a process which can cause irritation, pain and swelling. (You may remember the ache your wisdom teeth created when they arrived, which will give you an idea of what your toddler is going through). While pressure seems to relieve the pain (see below) sucking causes more blood to rush to the swollen areas, making them particularly sensitive. This is why some babies may temporarily reject the breast or bottle when they are teething. 

What are the best ways to soothe painful gums? 

Some parents find that simply rubbing a finger over sore gums can numb the pain temporarily. Giving your baby something to bite on will have a similar effect, relieving the pressure and thereby easing the pain. The chances are that your baby will find things to chew on herself but she might find hard, unsweetened rusks, teething rings or a peeled raw carrot helpful, (though don't use carrots once she has her first tooth, as she may bite off lumps that she can then choke on). Anything cold will be particularly soothing so keep rubber teethers in the fridge or give your baby a partly-frozen wet flannel to gnaw on. Chilled water in a bottle or, if she prefers, a feeding cup may help to calm her gums and if she is old enough for solid foods, offer her cold apple puree or plain yoghurt. There will be times, however, when your baby will reject all of these offerings and, at these moments, a cuddle is the best therapy you can supply. 

Should I use teething gels or homeopathic remedies?

A little teething gel rubbed onto the sore gum with a clean finger has a numbing effect that lasts for about 20 minutes. However, you should not use teething gels more than six times a day and, if you are breast-feeding, you should avoid using them immediately before a feed as they can numb your baby's tongue making it hard for her to suck successfully. They might also numb your areola (the dark skin around your nipple) making feeding difficult for both of you. Many mothers swear by homeopathic granules (available from chemists). These come in small sachets that you pour into baby's mouth. Check that the brand you are buying is sugar-free. Sugar is a prime cause of tooth decay so you don't want to be filling your baby's mouth with it at regular intervals, particularly if this is not her first tooth. 

Can I give my baby infant paracetamol? 
 
Babies under three months old should not be given infant paracetamol without first talking to your doctor. Fortunately, most babies have reached this age before they get the first symptoms of teething so if all else fails, and your baby is in real distress, the correct dose can be given. However, you should first make sure that there isn't something else causing your baby to be upset. Ear infections are often mistaken for teething and will need medical attention. Also, if he has a temperature, or is inconsolable, you should certainly consult your doctor. 

How long will teething last?

Just as there is no set date at which your baby's first tooth will arrive, so the time it takes to make its journey through that little gum is different for every child. Some will be troubled for just a few days before a tooth emerges, while other babies will display all the symptoms of teething for months with nothing to show for it at all. The good news is that, for most babies, the first few teeth are the worst. Problems associated with teething tend to subside, certainly until the molars, the large teeth at the back of the mouth, start to come through and that is unlikely to happen until after your baby's first birthday, giving you and your baby time to recover from this difficult and, for some, stressful stage.