It's no surprise that teething can be the bane of many parents' lives. The process itself can start as young as three months, which means that by the time a full set appear, little ones could be teething for almost two-and-a-half years.
Coughing, sore bum, runny nose, flushed cheeks, dribbling and drooling - there are lots of signs that teething is taking place. Many babies and toddlers also refuse to eat and drink, so if your little one has been off their food for a number of days, it's worth bearing in mind that they could be teething and uncomfortable, rather than sick.
Some children struggle with it more than others. I used to mind a baby who developed blood blisters on his gums when his top teeth were coming through. He would also get a fever along with the pain; the poor little guy found it really hard.
Tips for sore bums
As well as managing the obvious oral pain and discomfort, you might be faced with some very bad nappies. Those poor bottoms can really suffer, so here are a few tips for dealing with them:
- Avoid using too many creams or lotions.
- Use cotton wool and water rather than baby wipes. Water Wipes are also a good alternative.
- Give little ones as much nappy-free time as possible.
- An old tried-and-tested remedy for nappy rash is to whisk up some egg white and pat it on to the bum before put their nappy back on. It’s gloopy and messy but it really works.
What to do if they bang their teeth
Once the troublesome teeth are through and all THAT drama has passed, there is the small matter of keeping those pearly whites intact.
Most children will at some point scare the life out of you with an almighty bump to the face. In many cases there is no real cause for concern and baby teeth survive the impact. A fat lip can be dealt with by using plenty of ice and allowing them to suck on an ice pop to help bring the swelling down - and distract them.
If you have any concerns about nerve damage or loose teeth, take them to a dentist. If the tooth starts to change colour at all, it could be a sign of nerve damage. While it's not the end of the world for baby teeth, it’s worth getting checked out so their adult teeth aren't affected when it’s time for them to come through.
What to do if they lose a tooth
Unfortunately, I'm not talking about the Tooth Fairy in this instance. Many older children (even the non-sporty) run the risk of having a tooth knocked out. If this happens, you should get to the dentist as soon as you can.
If you have the tooth, the best things to do is put it back in the child's mouth and ask them to keep it in a pocket of their own saliva, in their cheek or along the gums. If they are too small, pick up the tooth (without touching the root) and place it in a container of milk. The dentist won't always be able to save the tooth but it's definitely worth trying.
At one of our recent First Aid courses, one mum shared a story about her little guy who had really struggled with teething. When he was around two years old, he lost his two front teeth after falling on a wooden floor. It was only when she was cleaning his mouth that she realised the impact of his fall was so hard his teeth had shot back up into his gums. OUCH! Luckily all was not lost as once the swelling went down, his two teeth came back down and he avoided any serious damage.
The Nursery is hosting another Paediatric First Aid courses in Monkstown, Co Dublin with
Noeleen Boyle, taking place on Saturday September, 5.
Niamh O’Reilly is a sleep coach. She's also a baby and childcare guru, a 'parent nanny' and the answer to many a weary parent's woes. When it comes to baby and child issues, Niamh is your woman. Always on hand to offer a no-nonsense solution, in an approachable way. A regular in the Irish media, (most recently as TV3’s Late Lunch Show's 'parent nanny') over the next while at HerFamily.ie, Niamh will share some of her experiences, helping you attain that ‘holy grail’ – nights of uninterrupted sleep for all of the family.
Niamh's book, No Fuss Baby & Toddler Sleep, is now available to buy from all good book stores or online from Amazon.co.uk. 
