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Sore Gums

Understanding Teething Causes Fever and Effective Ways for Soothing Sore Gums

Drooling, soreness, and fussiness might be signs that a baby is teething, which occurs when the teeth erupt through the gums for the first time. Babies often begin teething around six months, but each kid is unique. Usually, the bottom gums' two front teeth erupt first. There is no proof to back up some parents' beliefs that teething might induce a fever. It's true that a baby's temperature may slightly rise during teething, but not significantly enough to result in a fever.

If your child is teething and is running a fever, another unrelated ailment is probably to blame.  It seems sensible to wonder if and how fevers and teething are related. Although a real fever is not brought on by teething, babies can and do get fevers from infections and illnesses. This is crucial information to understand because if your kid gets a fever while teething, it may be a sign of another issue that needs medical treatment.

Fever can be a symptom of almost any viral or infectious condition, including the common cold, the flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. It's helpful to know that teething isn't the cause of fever and to call your child's healthcare provider when your infant has one, whether fever comes with a moderate infection or a major disease.

Symptoms of teething:


Teething often starts in infants around the age of 6 months. However, some infants might begin teething as young as 4 months, while others don't start until 12 months.

Infants continue to develop new teeth every few months after the initial set comes through.

These signs of teething in newborns are listed below.

1. Pain: Some newborns may suffer little gum discomfort when teething, according to doctors. A breach in the gum occurs as the tooth emerges from the gumline. Bacteria going into the recently damaged gum may be the cause of this gum discomfort. However, researchers cannot establish that teething causes gum discomfort since newborns are unable to verbalise that their gums ache specifically.

2. Weeping and agitation: In some newborns, minor gum pain and discomfort might lead to irritability. This could then cause more crying. SCH warns that excessive crying shouldn't be a result of teething pain. This much sobbing can be an indication of an illness or another problem.

Soothing sore gums:


Consider these easy suggestions if your teething infant feels uncomfortable:

  1. Brush your infant's gums: Rub your baby's gums with a clean finger or a damp piece of gauze. The pressure may help your baby feel less pain.
  2. Remain calm: A teething ring or cold spoon that is not frozen might be comforting to a baby's gums. Avoid dipping these products in sweet liquids to prevent cavities.
  3. Utilise an over-the-counter medication: Consider giving your kid infant or children over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) or ibuprofen if your child is very irritable (Advil, Motrin, others).


Avoid using these to keep your kid secure:


  1. Homoeopathic teething pills: Topical gels and teething pills haven't been proven to be helpful. Recent lab analyses of several homoeopathic treatments revealed that the component belladonna, which may lead to seizures and respiratory difficulties, was present in higher concentrations than what was stated on the label.
  2. Benzocaine or lidocaine-containing teething tablets: These analgesics pose a risk to your unborn child and may possibly be deadly.
  3. Anklets, bracelets, or necklaces for teething: Choking, strangulation, oral damage, and infection risks are present with these objects.

Conclusion:


All newborns experience different phases of teething. While some people might feel discomfort, others might not. These symptoms could only last a week or so. Fever is not a teething symptom. Instead, it can be a sign of an illness or infection. Around the time that teething starts, infants frequently get sick and feel feverish. This might be the reason some parents and other caregivers think the fever is an indication of teething. A baby who gets a fever may require medical attention, especially if they exhibit additional symptoms or indicators of disease.

Dr. Shabana Hasan
Dentistry
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