Dear Dr. Lindeman,
My 5 month old son is a bit cranky and seems to be drooling a lot. Could he be teething?
He certainly could be! Teething usually begins around 4 months and may last, on and off, until 2 1/2 years of age.
Despite what your mother may have told you, teething really only produces two effects: drool and teeth. If your baby develops a fever, it is not from teething!
Teething sometimes produces a bluish or purple discoloration along the gum line. This is called an eruption cyst. As uncomfortable as it looks, eruption cysts are completely normal and do not hurt the baby.
Home Treatment
- Teething babies love to have their gums rubbed with a parent's clean finger. Next best is any large, clean object that baby can chew: frozen washcloths, small cool spoons, wet gauze, or teething rings.
- Over-the-counter teething remedies probably won't hurt, but their effectiveness is doubtful. You should never give an infant an adult-strength therapy such as Anbesol.
- Try to wipe the baby's chin and neck often to remove drool. This will help reduce rashes. If keeping the baby's face dry seems like a losing battle, cover the chin and neck with a water-proofing barrier such as Eucerin or A&D ointment.
- If teething is keeping the baby awake at night and he/she is 6 months old or older, try Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Never tie a teething ring around a baby's neck: this is a very dangerous thing to do!
Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if
- Your baby begins acting very sick
- Your baby refuses the breast or bottle for 12 hours or more
Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if
- Your baby develops fever
- Your baby continues to be cranky and uncomfortable after you attempt to ease its teething pain
- You have other concerns or questions
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax
Updated: 10/30/02
