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THECLASSROOMTHECLASSROOMTop Tips for Teething TroublesBabies usually startgetting teeth aroundfive to eight monthsof age. Some get theirfirst teeth much later,and this is normal.Many babies seem to sail through thisexperience without much trouble.Others seem to be very uncomfortablewhen teeth erupt. Drooling mayincrease. Fussiness is common. Lowgradefever may be present, butnot a high fever. Many parents andgrandparents become distraught overthe discomfort that babies experience;getting new teeth is a normal process.Here are some suggestions for helpingbabies who are uncomfortable dealingwith the stress of teething:123456Massage the gums with yourfinger to help relieve thepressure from the teeth pushingupward against the gums.Put a cold wet washcloth onthe gums of the emerging teeth.Let the baby bite on a coldteething ring. This notonly helps but can be veryentertaining for some babieswho like putting things in theirmouths at this age.If your baby is old enough toeat solids, try giving some coldfoods like applesauce or yogurt.Use oral acetaminophen(Tylenol®), a very common painreliever that is safe if used at therecommended dose.For a longer duration of actionthan acetaminophen, useibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®).Again proper attention shouldbe given to the correct dosage,which varies by the weight ofthe baby.78If these measures don’t seem towork, try topical gels. The idea isto use a local anesthetic to deadenthe pain on the gums. Be careful,though, because too much topicalanesthetic can also numb the backof the throat leading to choking orgagging on food.There are also several herbalmedications that help withteething pain. Many doctorsare uncomfortable with theseproducts because possible benefitsand side effects are uncertain.Herbal products are not regulatedin the United States. If youuse these products, follow themanufacturer’s recommendationand do a little research on yourown as to possible adverse sideeffects.Medical studies have not shown teethingto cause bad diarrhea or high fever. Ifthese symptoms are present, your babyprobably has an illness. If your baby hasa persistent, high fever, don’t assume itis from teething. Rather, seek a medicalevaluation to find out the cause.Many parents get frustrated because ofthe irritation their baby suffers whenteething. If you feel frustrated, take sometime for yourself. Relax a little. Teethingis normal, and the discomfort will soonpass.To make an appointment with apediatrician near you, we inviteyou to visit the index at the backof this publication orintermountainmedicalgroup.org.WQuality emergency careno matter where you have an emergency.hen emergencies happen anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, Intermountain Healthcare hospitalsare in the right location to handle them. All Intermountain facilities — Intermountain MedicalCenter in Murray, Alta View Hospital on the east bench, LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, andRiverton Hospital in the south of the valley — are ready with skilled caregivers and the mostproven emergency room technologies. No matter where in the Salt Lake Valley your emergencyhappens, quality emergency medicine from an Intermountain Healthcare facility is close by.Staffed by board-certified emergency physicians • 24-hour care, from minor emergencies to serious traumaHome to Intermountain Life Flight • Fully integrated with Intermountain Healthcare’s Trauma NetworkD. Mark Valentine, MDPediatricianSandy Clinic801.501.2100sandyphysicians.orgALTA VIEW HOSPITAL • INTERMOUNTAIN MEDICAL CENTER • LDS HOSPITAL • RIVERTON HOSPITALSandy Murray Salt Lake City Riverton22 INTERMOUNTAIN MEDICAL GROUP IntermountainMedicalGroup.org