Teething

Your 8 month old has been cranky all day, gnawing on everything in sight, and refuses to eat. Her gums look a little swollen, and you’re holding out hope that a new tooth is the cause of your little one’s difficulties.

What is the Truth Behind Teething?

An interesting study was done which followed 125 infants from their four month checkup through to their one year checkup. This research is very helpful in shedding light on what symptoms are caused by teething, and when these symptoms emerge.

Generally speaking, symptoms were worst for 4 days before the tooth emerged, and 3 days after the emergence (4 days before, the day of, 3 days after…8 days of misery total).

Teething symptoms

• Increased biting
• Drooling
• Gum-rubbing
• Sucking
• Irritability
• Wakefulness
• Ear-rubbing
• Rash on face
• Decreased appetite for solids
• Mild temperature elevation

Symptoms which did not seem to be present while teething

• Congestion
• Sleep disturbances
• Loose or more frequent stools
• Decreased appetite for liquids
• Cough
• Rashes (other than on the face)
• Fever over 102 degrees
• Vomiting

If your baby’s symptoms seem severe, it is important to have them checked out by a doctor. While this study (and others like it) did show that teething babies may experience some discomfort, the symptoms were generally mild.