When young children start teething, their bodies undergo various changes. Let us tell you which symptoms you should not ignore.

Symptoms of teething

When Do Babies Start Teething: During teething, babies suddenly become irritable during mealtimes. Parents panic as soon as this change occurs. But it's important to understand that teething is a natural process. Between the ages of approximately 6 months and 3 years, a child's 20 baby teeth emerge through their gums. Each tooth can take about a week and a half to emerge. While we can't stop the process during this time, we can certainly reduce the child's discomfort.

What are the symptoms of teething?

Common symptoms of teething include swollen gums, frequent crying, irritability, an attempt to put everything in the mouth, excessive salivation, facial rashes, changes in sleep patterns, and a loss of appetite. A mild fever may occur, but a high fever is not a sign of teething. If loose stools occur three to four times a day, it could be the result of an infection caused by frequent oral exposure.

What to do in such a situation?

Now the question arises as to what to do in such a situation. First, give the child cool and safe things to chew. A cold teether, fruit nibbler, or a mild homemade fruit popsicle can soothe sore gums. Chill the teether in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and give it to the child. Wrap a cold, wet cloth around your finger and let the child chew it, or gently massage with clean gauze. It is important to thoroughly clean and sterilize everything. At mealtimes, offer cold yogurt and rice, soft fruits, or foods that the child can chew gently. A loss of appetite is normal during this time, so avoid force-feeding. If the lack of appetite persists for more than two weeks, consult a doctor. Continue to feed age-appropriate meals at regular times, and if needed, provide additional milk and fluids.

What do experts say?

A research study published in the American Academy of Paediatrics recorded children's symptoms for 19,422 days and analysed 475 teething episodes. It was found that teething symptoms are most pronounced during a limited period of 8 days: four days before, the day the tooth erupts, and three days after. Interestingly, no single symptom was common enough to be a sure sign of teething. The researchers clearly stated that mild symptoms can occur during teething, but if the child has a high fever or severe discomfort, it should not be ignored as just teething.