Signs That Your Baby is Teething
When you get bitten by your baby the first time, it may surprise you. You might not have noticed the different signs that your baby's first tooth was growing in. Here are some signs to look for if you think your baby might be teething.
Your Baby Keeps Crying
By now, you are probably aware of the different types of cries your baby has, and what they each mean. However, you might find that your baby is crying or whimpering and they are dry, full, and rested. In this case, it is time to check their gums as a tooth might be coming in. It can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful when a baby's teeth come in. They have inflammation of their gum tissue when the teeth start erupting, with the first few teeth causing the most discomfort. While some babies barely make a sound, others cry quite a bit.
They Are More Irritable
You might not have a baby that is crying a lot, but instead they are irritable and fussy. This is something else that is normal for babies to be even when they aren't teething, but when it continues and nothing you do seems to help much, it is often due to their teeth coming in. If your baby is constantly irritable and it lasts days or weeks, check their gums to see if the teeth are starting to come through. This sometimes happens before you notice that they are starting to teeth.
You Notice Changes in Their Gums
If you suspect that your baby might be teething, take a look at their gums. Even if a tooth isn't actually coming through yet, there are some other things to look for. Start by rubbing your finger gently over the gums. You might feel part of the gum bulging or feel the tip of a tooth that is about to come through. Also look closely at the gums for bulging or swollen areas, which is often where a tooth is about to come through. You might also see just the tip of a tooth that is visible below the gums. For more advice, contact a dentist.
Your Baby is Drooling a Lot
A lesser known sign that a baby is starting to teeth is when they are drooling more often. The drooling is a natural reaction to the teeth starting to come through the gums. You may notice that you are wiping your baby's face more often or that their shirt and bib are nearly almost wet. Putting a bib on your baby when drooling is recommended to keep them more comfortable.