What Are the Signs and Symptoms During a Baby’s Teething Period?
May 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Weiling
Introduction
During teething, babies often drool excessively because tooth eruption stimulates the gums, causing sensations of swelling, itching, and pain. As a result, saliva production increases. When a baby drools unexpectedly, parents should examine the baby’s mouth; if no signs of illness are present and the gums appear swollen and firm, this typically indicates that teething has begun.
During teething, infants may exhibit certain atypical behaviors; however, teething symptoms vary significantly from child to child. Excessive drooling is common during this period, as emerging teeth stimulate the gums, causing sensations of swelling, itching, or discomfort—thereby increasing salivary secretion. If an infant begins drooling inexplicably, parents should examine the infant’s mouth. In the absence of any signs of illness and with noticeably plump, swollen gums, this typically signals the onset of teething.
Additionally, gum discomfort is typical during teething, often resulting in fussiness or crying. To alleviate this discomfort, infants may instinctively bite—especially during breastfeeding, when they might bite the mother’s nipple. Thus, unexplained crying accompanied by biting behavior may also indicate the beginning of teething; parents should closely monitor their infant’s dental development. Chewing on appropriate objects helps relieve teething-related itching and pain. Parents can provide teething rings or chew toys designed for infants to minimize discomfort. Newly erupted teeth should be gently brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush formulated specifically for children, while the rest of the oral cavity can still be cleaned using gauze or a soft cloth dampened with plain water.
