AID IN THE PERIOD OF TEETHING

If in the period of teething the infant is anxious, such situation is considered normal, as well as the constantly flowing saliva, sucking fingers or the attempts to scratch the gum on something. The aid to be provided for the child is very simple:

•    keep the piece of a very soft cloth to wipe the saliva constantly. This will protect the baby from skin irritation. When the infant is lain to bed for sleep there should be a napkin under its head to soak up spontaneously flowing saliva;

•    give it the special quality silicone toys for developing gum disease, ‘the teethers’, or special rings with the fluid inside that the child can chew and run its gums on. The fluid makes the ring softer and pleasantly cools the gums (the rings can be stored in the refrigerator). Only genuine, certified products are recommended. The risk of acquiring low quality toy of unknown materials is unacceptable, as the materials can damage the child’s;
•    massage the gums periodically with a special attachments, or with a finger (the hands should be thoroughly washed, nails cut short, with neatly finished edges), a wet gauze pad can also be helpful. This will also prevent the occurrence of stomatitis;
•    the breastfeeding helps to calm the infant and relieve the itching gums;
•    some children are happy to suck and nibble dry biscuits, bread crusts or peeled apples. These can be offered as a good distraction;
•    playing with the child and long walks are not only good physical exercise, these are also good distraction  from the painful sensations.

 

It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the gums with the various gums medications without a prescription, no pills or potions are to be given to the child without the doctor’s recommendation. Only an expert, a pediatrician or pediatric dentist, can prescribe an ointment or gel to relieve the pain, as it is necessary to conduct a preliminary test for allergic reactions. Although creams and gels containing lidocaine are sold without any prescription, the child’s gums cannot be lubricated without the medical examination, because in case of allergy to lidocaine, the infant will suffer anaphylactic shock.

The accumulation of saliva in the throat often causes cough, and its leaking to the nasal passages leads to running nose. The treatment of this condition is not required, and the child recovers in 2-3 days without any complications. If the condition lasts, the pediatrician can evaluate the cause and severity of this pathological process so that the condition will not be confused with real diseases complicated conditions developing simultaneously to teething.