Gum Pain in Babies
Gum pain is a consequence of the long and painful process of teething that babies suffer from during their first few months of life. While there is no set date for the baby’s first tooth, in most cases it comes in after six months.
By the time babies are around two and a half years old, they should already have all their baby teeth. During the teething process, babies may also show symptoms for months or only during the days before the tooth comes out.
Gum Pain in Babies
The teething process can be painful and cause crying, drooling and other behaviors as babies try to control the pain.
However, you shouldn’t worry too much about gum pain in babies. Instead, you should know that a common cause of concern occurs when the baby’s gums bleed during the teething process.
Generally, gum bleeding happens because the teeth break through their delicate tissue. However, it can also be due to bacteria that cause inflammation.
However, this shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, since it’s a normal part of teething. Other causes associated with teething are sensitivity, swelling, bruising and pain.
“Gum bleeding happens because the teeth break through their delicate tissue. However, it can also be due to bacteria that cause inflammation.”
How to Calm Gum Pain in Babies
There are many things you can try before resorting to painkillers or gels to soothe gum pain in babies. Giving your baby something fresh to chew on can ease the pressure and pain.
To do this, we recommend you try the following:
- Rub a clean finger or wet gauze over your baby’s sore gums to numb the pain temporarily. Keep in mind that babies like to feel that kind of pressure on their gums because it distracts their brain from the painful sensation of teething.
- Give the baby a teething ring. Silicone-based solid teething rings are better than liquid-filled products because they don’t leak and can be sterilized.
- If the baby is more than 6 months old, you can also let him chew cold, soft foods like bananas, cucumbers or plain yogurt. Don’t give him hard foods because they could break into pieces and make your child choke.
- Never attach any object to soothe the pain around the neck of the baby to facilitate its use, since there is a danger of strangulation. This includes teething rings or dolls.
- You can also try some cold water directly from the bottle or, if you prefer, in a cup of food.
On the other hand, over-the-counter pain killers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, administered at the right dose for the baby’s weight, can relieve gum pain. In this case, you must talk with the baby’s doctor before using pain killing gels or homeopathic remedies.
When Should You Go to the Hospital?
If the child shows nothing but swollen gums and the typical symptoms of teething, there is no need to be alarmed. However, if you think your child suffers from other types of behavioral irregularities or secondary problems, it’s necessary to seek medical attention immediately.
We also recommend you contact the pediatrician if you notice that the child suffers from feeding problems, goes through an abrupt change in temperament, has blood in their navel, contracts a very high fever, or experiences episodes of diarrhea, constipation, vomiting or dehydration.
Finally, remember that by massaging the baby’s gums, you’ll be able to detect if the baby’s pain is due to teething. In most cases, you shouldn’t worry too much. It’s something natural and will happen over time.
