Recognizing and Managing Teething Symptoms in Infants

Teething is a significant developmental milestone for infants, often accompanied by various signs that can be distressing for both the child and their parents. Recognizing these signs and knowing how to respond can ease the teething process for everyone involved.

Signs of Teething

Common signs of teething include:

Increased irritability and crying
Mild fever
Digestive disturbances

Infants may experience discomfort and exhibit unusual behaviors such as biting or chewing on objects to alleviate the itching sensation in their gums.

Managing Teething Discomfort

To ease your baby’s teething discomfort:

Provide teething rings or chilled, soft items to chew on.
Offer a cool washcloth or massage the baby’s gums gently with a clean finger.
Ensure the baby’s environment is calm and soothing.

Can Blood Appear on Gums During Teething?

While it is uncommon, blood can sometimes appear on a baby’s gums when teeth are erupting. This may happen if a capillary bursts as the tooth breaks through the gum surface. Typically, this bleeding is brief and resolves quickly. If bleeding persists or recurs frequently, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

A related issue is a hematoma, which occurs when blood vessels rupture before the tooth fully emerges. This can cause a blue or purple discoloration on the gums, indicating blood accumulation. Hematomas often resolve on their own as the tooth emerges, but if swelling is severe or persists, medical intervention might be necessary. Avoid attempting to treat this at home; consult a doctor for appropriate care.

Teething Timeline

Milk Teeth Eruption:

6-10 months: Lower central incisors
8-12 months: Upper central incisors
9-13 months: Upper lateral incisors
10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors
13-19 months: Upper first molars
14-18 months: Lower first molars
16-22 months: Upper canines
17-23 months: Lower canines
23-31 months: Lower second molars
25-33 months: Upper second molars

Permanent Teeth Eruption:

6-7 years: Upper and lower first molars, lower central incisors
7-8 years: Upper central and lower lateral incisors
8-9 years: Upper lateral incisors
9-10 years: Lower canines
10-11 years: Upper first premolars
10-12 years: Upper second premolars and lower first premolars
11-12 years: Upper canines and lower second premolars
11-13 years: Lower second molars
12-13 years: Upper second molars
17-21 years: Upper and lower third molars (wisdom teeth)

When to Seek Medical Advice

Teething symptoms can overlap with other health issues. It’s crucial to consult a doctor if:

The baby has a high fever (over 38°C) or if the fever persists for more than a few days.
Persistent diarrhea lasts more than two to three days, especially if blood or mucus is present.
The baby exhibits severe or unusual symptoms, such as wheezing or a runny nose with green mucus.

Always err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional to ensure the baby’s symptoms are due to teething and not another health issue.