It is time for your baby’s pearly whites to appear and he is cranky and ready to gnaw at anything he can get his hands on, so much for memorable moments.

Most babies begin to have teeth at around 6 to eight months. The bottom front teeth (incisors) will appear first followed by the upper front teeth. Then the lower lateral incisors and molars appear. By 30-36 months of age, your child will have 20 primary teeth.

Unfortunately, teething is associated with pain in the gums because of the tooth making its way upwards through the gums. There will be redness and inflammation of the area where the tooth is beginning to sprout. Teething time is also associated with increased drooling, irritability, fussiness and refusal to feed. Children also tend to gnaw or bit on any hard object they can find. Sometimes, teething is accompanied by low grade fever of around 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Diarrhea is also known to accompany teething. However, this could be due to your child’s tendency to bite and chew on anything they find rather than the actual teething process.

So how can you help your child through the pangs of teething? Here are some tips that may come in handy:

• Teething rings are designed to soothe children during this phase. Choose soft plastic or liquid filled rings and freeze them before you offer them to your child. Take care while using the liquid filled varieties though because some can get punctured by the baby’s teeth. Avoid liquid filled teething rings which have tiny objects floating in them. Sterilize the teething ring just like you would sterilize your baby’s bottles so that there is no risk of stomach infections.

• Chill a clean, wet washcloth in a freezer for about half an hour and offer it to your baby to chew on. The cold provides comfort for sore gums.

• Apply an ice cube to the inflamed or sore area on your baby’s gums.

• Another good idea is to freeze a spoon and place it on the sore region.

• Cuddle and carry your baby as often as you can. This will give him the comfort he needs.

• Medications like child acetaminophen will help relieve the pain and fever. You can give them to your child after consulting a pediatrician.

Some people tie teething rings around their child’s neck so that it is easily accessible. This is a strict no-no because it poses a choking hazard. Another thing to remember is to wipe drool from your baby’s face often because it can cause skin rashes.

Once the first tooth appears, take measures to ensure good oral hygiene in your baby. Wrap a piece of sterile gauze around your finger and dip it in warm water. Then run your finger gently along baby’s gums. Give your child some warm water after meals. This will help prevent dental disease.

Though the teething period is fraught with aches and wails don’t get tensed and upset. It is just a part of growing up. Soon your baby will reward your efforts and care with a toothy smile.

Jason Ladock

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