Teething Trouble
Pain from teething can be a cause of persistent crying but the discomfort starts a few days before the tooth is visible. There a few other tell-tale early signs that suggest a tooth may be on its way.
Drool Rash
Discomfort in the mouth causes excess saliva which
can dribble out. Sudden onset of dribbling or dribbling more than usual
can be a sign that a tooth is breaking through. Dribble in contact with
sensitive skin can cause a ‘drool rash’ that is red and slightly bumpy
around the mouth and chin.
Switching to an absorbent bib that can be worn all the time will make it easier to ‘dab and dry’ the face frequently while you are out and about. During sleep sensitive skin can rub on damp sheets and become sore. A cotton towel tucked securely across the bed will help to absorb nap time dribble and keep skin more comfortable.
Upset Tummy/ Nappy Rash
Some children experience an upset tummy
around the same time as a tooth is breaking through. If you know your
child is affected by a nappy rash or loose stools when teething please
speak to your key-worker so we can ensure extra nappy checks and
changes to keep your child comfortable.
Please remember that our nurseries do have a policy to contact parents if a child has two loose nappies in a row to prevent the spread of tummy infections and diarrhoea.
Biting
Young babies affected by teething pain will often be
pushing their hands into their mouths with their crying. You can
purchase specific non-toxic, phthalate, BPA and PVA free teething rings
that can be kept in the fridge.
Having gone to all the trouble of cutting teeth it makes good sense to take care of them which is why all Schoolhouse nurseries are ‘tooth-friendly’. We only offer water or milk between meals and children of all ages brush their teeth daily in nursery. When teeth appear, your child can bring in their own toothbrush and join in the fun or, in some nurseries, we are able to provide free toothbrushes thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
You can help protect your child’s teeth by moving them off a bottle and onto a cup as soon as they are able. Continual sucking through a bottle especially in older children can affect the shape of the teeth and cause dental decay. A cup uses a different swallowing technique that protects teeth.
You can also protect emerging teeth by encouraging your child to drink cooled boiled water if they need a drink between feeds in preference to juices. The sugar in juices can cause dental decay especially if given at bedtime.
Your child can still get all the health benefits of fruit by enjoying purees and then enjoying real fruit as finger foods as part of a balanced meal.
