NEWS RELEASES
Teething pain and crankiness go hand in hand

HOUSTON (March 20, 2006) - Even before that first glimpse of your child’s pearly whites, you may notice your sweet, happy 5- or 6-month-old has turned into a clingy, fussy child.

“Most children begin to cut teeth between the ages of 4 and 7 months, with the average child getting his or her first tooth at about 6 months,” said Dr. Kathleen Hassel, a pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Kingwood. “By age 3, your child should have his or her full set of primary – or baby – teeth.”

Pain, crankiness, drooling and biting to ease gum pain may begin up to a month before you actually see your child’s first tooth. Gums may also become swollen and red, making those cute chubby cheeks seem even fuller.

Sometimes, although not always, children may run a low-grade fever when a tooth is about to break through. However, teething should not cause high fever. Any fever above 101 degrees should be evaluated by your child’s pediatrician.

To minimize the pain associated with teething, Dr. Hassel suggests the following:

• Offer your child a teething ring, pacifier or wet washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator, but not frozen in the freezer.
• Give children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Check with your child’s pediatrician for the proper dosage for your child.
• Use an over-the-counter teething gel, such as Orajel, but use it sparingly.
• If your child refuses to eat from a bottle, use a cup to feed him or her liquids.
• Massage your child’s gum with a clean finger or damp washcloth.