Baby drooling lots: Drooling and Your Baby – HealthyChildren.org

Teething 101: Symptoms & Soothing

As a new mom in the trenches of motherhood, it can feel kind of like you’re in a weird mommy time warp. I remember the first weeks of motherhood were a never-ending blur of feedings, spit up, pee, poop, tubes of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste®, diaper changes, crying, rocking and repeating.

I felt an enormous sense of accomplishment if I brushed my teeth or took a shower.  I was still putting orange juice in the cabinet and juice glasses in the fridge with a baby monitor in-hand at all times, but hey, I was doing it—I was being a mom!

A few months later we were “in the zone” and that’s about the time my son started teething. He wasn’t acting like his usual bubbly self. His appetite decreased, he wasn’t sleeping well and he was really grumpy. I assumed my irritable little guy was coming down with a cold, but he wasn’t. He was teething.

In my mommy mind, I thought it was way too soon for teething, but when I looked inside his mouth I could see the buds. His pearly whites were making their entrance.

Why so chewy and drool-y?

Babies tend to act a lot like puppies during the teething phase–they drool and gnaw on everything in sight.  Think of chewing as a satisfying feeling because it helps to numb the teething pain. Pressing down on sore gums counteracts the pain of the teeth pushing up.

The excess chewing stimulates the salivary glands, so that’s why teething babies may drool a lot. The drawback of drooling is that it can cause irritation around the mouth and chin. This is when bibs come in handy, and you may need to change shirts more often to keep him dry.

The diarrhea debate

Some parents see a pattern of symptoms when teething begins that includes diarrhea and diaper rash. As we just mentioned, babies tend to drool a lot during this phase. It could be that your baby is swallowing excess drool during teething that causes mild stomach irritation. This can trigger diarrhea and since diarrhea is moist and acidic, it can irritate baby’s delicate skin.

Diaper rash duty

Whether your baby develops a mild case of diarrhea from swallowing drool or from putting germy objects in her mouth to chew on, keep an eye on her diaper area during teething. The best way to keep diaper rash at bay is to use Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® during every diaper change. Let her skin dry completely after you clean her up and then apply Boudreax’s® liberally. This protective layer will keep her skin dry and her cheeks happy while she works on cutting her pearly whites.

Pain reliever

Teething can make your baby feel lousy, so products like Little Remedies® Fever & Pain Reliever can help to ease discomfort safely and quickly.  The active ingredient is Acetaminophen, which lowers fevers and relieves pain. Little Remedies® products don’t contain artificial flavors or artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, aspirin or ibuprofen.

Depending on your baby’s weight, choose the appropriate Little Remedies® Fever & Pain Reliever product. The Little Remedies® Infant Fever & Pain Reliever is for babies 24 pounds or less. If your baby is bigger, you can use Little Remedies® Children’s Fever & Pain Reliever. Plus, the AccuSafe® syringe makes dosing easy.

Teethers

Teethers are designed to provide relief for sore gums, so if baby is going to put something in her mouth, it may as well be therapeutic.

There are tons of popular teethers to choose from like BPA-free, natural rubber teethers, teethers with gum massagers and natural wood teethers. You may have to try a few to find one your baby likes. For babies 6 months and older who are having trouble eating, you can find mesh teethers that hold frozen fruit, so she gets digestible nutrition and cool relief at the same time.

Tips about teething

Just like every other stage of baby development, teething doesn’t last forever. Here are some helpful facts to keep in mind, so you know what to expect:

• The four front teeth–2 on the top, 2 on the bottom–are the central incisors, which tend to cause the most discomfort

• Incisors are sharp, so they break through the gums easier than molars which start to appear around 18-19 months

• Your baby may only exhibit teething symptoms 3-5 days before the tooth surfaces

• Teething can last as long as three years, because it takes time for all 20 baby teeth to come in, but the fussiness usually subsides quickly

• Babies typically have all of their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) by age 2 ½

What helped you survive your baby’s teething? Share your tips for teething babies with other moms on our Facebook page!

Is My Baby Teething? Here’s How to Tell

ALPHARETTA, GA – Your baby has been all smiles and giggles, cooing with you and grabbing at her toes. Lately, though, your happy-go-lucky bundle of joy is acting differently. Could she be teething?

Baby teething generally starts when babies are about 6 months old, but every baby is different. Some babies don’t cut their first teeth until they’re a year old, and other babies begin the teething process when they’re as young as 3 months.

Do you suspect your baby’s teething? Here are some common teething symptoms.

Your baby’s drooling a lot.

When your baby starts teething, you’ll notice increased amounts of saliva in her mouth. The saliva increase may even cause a rash on your baby’s chest, chin, or hands, i.e., any place where drool comes in contact with the baby’s skin. The drool plays a helpful part in the teething process, as it helps cool swollen gums to soothe your little one. Don’t be surprised if your baby soaks his outfit with saliva – pack extra outfits in your diaper bag during the teething phase. The extra saliva during teething may cause your baby’s mouth to fill up with spit. This can make your baby gag or cough, which is totally normal. She will learn to deal with these symptoms of teething.

Your baby is chewing on fingers or toys.

Some teething babies like to bite down on toys or their own fingers to help soothe teething pain. Teething discomfort may cause your baby to be more aware of her mouth, and as she grows, she’ll be more likely to put objects in her mouth. Babies have an oral fixation and for good reason. The rooting reflex helps babies move their mouths in a circular motion toward anything that touches their cheeks. This helps them find the nipple that will sustain them and help them grow. But now, as your baby hones her motor skills, she is likely to chew on a fist or on her fingers when she’s teething. Keep her hands clean, and make sure she doesn’t choke or gag on fingers or teething rings.

Your baby is whiny or fussy.

Baby teething is not always a pleasant experience. It’s even more difficult that although we can explain to our babies why their mouths are uncomfortable, they can’t actually understand us. This can cause frustration for babies and for parents. If you notice your baby starting to whine or cry more often — anywhere from the 3-month mark on — it’s possible that your baby is beginning to teeth. Not all babies are fussy because of teething. Your baby may cut teeth without so much as a whimper. But other babies may be more affected by the discomfort of cutting teeth. Be patient with your baby if he’s extra fussy during this period.

It’s common, too, for teething babies to be fussy during feeding times, whether they nurse or are bottle-fed. The stimulation of eating may irritate their sore gums. Be patient with your baby, and watch for her cues. If you can learn what makes your baby upset, you can work together to find a solution.

Your baby is not sleeping well.

He may have trouble sleeping during the night or during nap time when before teething he slept deeply. Don’t worry; it’s likely that once his teeth break through, he will return to is normal sleep patterns.

While it may seem otherwise, teething is a relatively short process in your baby’s life. Soon this discomfort will bloom into beautiful, strong teeth, which will allow your baby to eat solid foods and grow even stronger. Baby teething is a blessed rite of passage that each child goes through and there are many ways you can ease the process of teething. Soon you’ll enjoy your baby’s new toothy smile.

Dr. Nanna is a pediatric dentist at Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry who specializes in treating babies. She recommends going to a dentist for kids specifically because they have a better understanding of children’s teeth at each stage of development. If you have teething questions or concerns, feel free to contact a pediatrician or pediatric dentist in Roswell.

© 2018 Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry, an Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Roswell dentist, is credited as sole source.

Irritation from saliva in a child

Babies explore the world around them with all five senses. For a child, exploration often involves using the mouth, and that can mean a lot of saliva. And where there is saliva, a rash often appears.

Why do babies drool?

Salivation begins around 3 to 6 months of age, when babies become “mouth oriented”. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that salivation performs some important functions, including:

• Moisturizes solid food in the mouth
• Is the first step in digestion by breaking down starches
• Helps baby swallow
• Aids in digestion
• Washes away food debris
• Protects baby’s teeth from caries

A child’s saliva also transmits information about his health.

When a baby is breastfed, bacteria and other microbes in the baby’s saliva interact with the mother’s mammary glands, affecting the composition of breast milk. For example, if a child is sick, the milk may change in response, containing more of the antibodies needed to overcome the illness.

Why does saliva cause irritation?

Saliva irritation can occur when a child produces excess saliva that irritates the skin around the mouth. The most commonly affected areas are the lips, chin, and cheeks, although the neck and chest can be affected if saliva is left in contact with these areas for a long time.

You may notice red, inflamed skin or small red bumps where there is irritation from saliva.

In some cases, the rash may be caused by teething. The AAP explains that increased salivation during teething can help protect and soothe baby’s tender gums.

However, in most cases, saliva irritation has no specific cause and is simply the result of the baby’s saliva production. There is nothing wrong.

Babies who use a pacifier may develop irritation because the skin around the pacifier is constantly moist. Leftover breast milk or formula left in a baby’s mouth for a long period of time can also irritate the skin and lead to a rash.

How to avoid irritation from saliva?

In cases where the rash is caused by something temporary, such as teething, the good news is that this stage will not last forever. When the baby has teeth and he learns other ways of knowing the world, the amount of saliva will decrease.

If you know your baby is teething, you can be prepared to increase salivation and prevent a rash before it starts to bother your baby. Creating a barrier between the baby’s skin and saliva will help prevent or minimize salivation. Here are a few solutions worth trying.

• Put a waterproof bib on your baby during drooling episodes. A bib can help prevent saliva from getting on your baby’s chest and irritating the skin.
• Change bodysuit if wet with drool.
• Clean baby’s face after feeding. Instead of rubbing, blot your child’s face with a cloth dampened with water. Avoid soaps or cleansing wipes as they can cause more irritation.
• Undress the child. The skin will dry naturally.
• Wipe off saliva. Use a soft cloth to frequently wipe excess saliva off your baby’s skin.

How to treat irritation from saliva?

In addition to the above preventive measures, follow these tips for faster healing:

• Check pacifiers and bottles to make sure they don’t cause irritation.
• Soothers should be disinfected daily to prevent bacterial growth and bottles should be washed after each feeding.
• Limit the use of the pacifier if you notice that it aggravates the rash by keeping the skin around the baby’s mouth moist. On the other hand, a pacifier can help reduce the amount of saliva that actually comes out of a baby’s mouth, so experiment to see what works best for your baby.
• Protect baby’s skin. You can apply an emollient such as petroleum jelly to the inflamed areas, making sure the skin is clean and dry first. This will help protect your skin from further irritation.
• Think about environmental irritants. Can blankets, bedding, or the environment cause a rash? Make sure the laundry detergents you use on your baby’s clothes and bedding are mild and won’t irritate your baby’s skin.

When should I see a doctor?

Although drooling is generally normal in infants, there are several situations that may be cause for concern. If your child is suddenly drooling and has other symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or jerky movements, call the doctor.

A child who suddenly drools, opens his mouth wide, and has difficulty breathing may choke on a foreign object.

Increased salivation in a child can also be a sign of an infection. If your baby seems unusually fidgety or irritable, sleeps poorly, has a poor appetite or fever, or swollen lymph nodes, you should also see a doctor.

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Cough in a child – all about the symptom: types, causes, treatment

Article rating

4. 33 (Votes: 15)

Contents

• Types of cough in a child

• Methods of treatment

Cough is a sudden release of air from the respiratory tract, a natural reflex and a protective reaction to the action of irritating factors. It helps to free the airways from foreign objects, mucus, microorganisms. In most cases, a cough in a child is a symptom of some pathological processes occurring in the body, and this logically makes parents worried. There are many types of cough, and in this article we will give their characteristics – this will help parents better navigate and understand in which cases a thorough diagnosis is required, and in which cases it is possible to observe his child’s condition without serious concern.

Types of cough in a child

First of all, it should be divided into natural and pathological.

Natural cough – reflex clearing of the upper respiratory tract from external (dust) or internal (mucus) irritants. It appears mainly in the morning, it is not paroxysmal, does not cause discomfort to the child – it is rather a cough. Rare episodes of coughing can also occur in a healthy child, for example, during sleep due to the accumulation of mucous discharge in the larynx. A natural cough can occur with a sharp change in air temperature, for example, when moving into a warm room from a frost. In infants, a reflex reaction may occur when saliva or mother’s milk gets “in the wrong throat”; at night, coughing can be triggered by increased saliva production due to teething.

A pathological cough is a symptom of a disease. It has many subspecies:

• Dry. It is called unproductive in another way, since there is no sputum with it. This type of cough is obsessive, not bringing relief. It is a sign of the initial phase of many colds and infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. Sometimes a foreign body in the respiratory system.
• Wet. This type of cough is productive, accompanied by sputum discharge, which brings relief. Occurs after the dry cough phase during the course of most colds.
• Paroxysmal. Painful for a person, as attacks are accompanied by a deep breath with a whistle, tears, redness of the face, sometimes ending in vomiting. Occurs in acute bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, pleurisy, whooping cough.
• Laryngeal. Cough “barking”, hoarse, appears in diseases of the larynx (laryngitis, diphtheria). With diphtheria, it can become almost silent.
• Bitonal. It is characterized by a low hoarse sound at the beginning and a high whistling sound at the end. Occurs with bronchitis, sometimes due to a foreign body.
• Cough. These are not very disturbing, short bouts of coughing due to the accumulation of mucus in the larynx. They can accompany all types of colds, sometimes they form as a habit after an illness that has already been suffered.
• Whooping cough. It is a paroxysmal, heavy, chest cough, with thick, viscous sputum, with wheezing and whistling during inspiration. Accompanying the infectious disease whooping cough.
• Spastic. It is an obsessive dry cough with a whistling sound, worse with deep breathing. Appears with obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma.
• Allergic. It is caused by a negative reaction of the body to some allergen. It is possible to distinguish a cold cough from an allergic one by the following signs: there is no sputum discharge, the cough appears suddenly, can last for several weeks, intensifies at night, is accompanied by a runny nose, but without fever, no antitussive drugs stop it.
• Night. Cough appears mainly at night and may indicate increased production of mucus in the nose due to sinusitis or adenoiditis. A stuffy nose makes the child breathe through the mouth, and this greatly dries the mucous membranes and irritates the cough receptors. In rare cases, a child may be allergic to the filler in a blanket or pillow. You should try to change the conditions of sleep – the cough may stop. In other cases, it is a symptom of a respiratory disease.
• Psychosomatic. This variety can develop in a child as a way to attract the attention of adults in situations that bring him stress – for example, before a doctor’s appointment. This will work as long as adults focus on it and indulge the whims of the child. In some cases, you may need to consult a psychologist.

Methods of treatment

The doctor needs to determine what kind of pathology in question and treat the identified root cause of the disease. Only an experienced ENT doctor and in the presence of diagnostic equipment can correctly assess the condition of the child. To make a diagnosis, you may need: blood tests, laboratory diagnostics (allergological, bronchodilation and bronchoprovocation tests, sputum examination), X-ray and CT scan of the chest.

The choice of therapy depends on the nature of the disease. Among the drugs prescribed: antitussive, expectorant, mucolytic, enveloping, antihistamines. Well proven in the treatment of physiotherapy:

• ultraviolet irradiation;
• halotherapy;
• warm-up;
• using the Milta apparatus.