Teething visually manifests primarily as red, swollen, and tender gums where the new teeth are about to emerge. But visual signs are only part of the picture.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what teething can look like, both visually and behaviorally:
Visual Signs:
- Red and Swollen Gums: This is the most obvious sign. The area where the tooth is pushing through will appear inflamed.
- Visible Tooth Bud: You may be able to see or feel a hard, white bump under the gums. This is the tooth getting ready to break through.
- Excessive Drooling: While not visually striking in itself, constantly wet skin around the mouth and chin can indicate teething.
- Facial Rash: Drool can irritate the skin, leading to a rash on the face, neck, or chest.
- Gumming/Biting: The baby may constantly be trying to bite or gum on hard objects.
Behavioral Signs (Accompanying the Visuals):
- Fussiness and Irritability: Teething can be painful, leading to increased crying and crankiness.
- Difficulty Sleeping: The discomfort can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Refusal to Eat: Sore gums can make eating uncomfortable, especially solid foods.
- Increased Sucking: Some babies find comfort in sucking on a bottle, breast, pacifier, or their fingers.
Table summarizing Teething Signs:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Red, Swollen Gums | Inflammation and tenderness where the tooth is erupting. |
| Visible Tooth Bud | Hard, white bump felt or seen under the gums. |
| Excessive Drooling | Constant wetness around the mouth and chin. |
| Facial Rash | Irritation caused by drool on the skin. |
| Gumming/Biting | Baby's need to apply pressure to their gums for relief. |
| Fussiness | Increased crying and irritability. |
| Sleep Disruption | Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. |
| Feeding Changes | Refusal to eat or changes in eating habits. |
| Increased Sucking | Comfort-seeking behavior through sucking. |
It's important to note that some symptoms associated with teething, such as fever or diarrhea, are not typically caused by teething itself. If your baby has these symptoms, consult a doctor.
