$Unique_ID{BRK01492} $Pretitle{} $Title{Help For Parents of a Teething Baby} $Subject{teething baby digestive system irritability cranky gums drool chew suck child care mouth teeth gum babies irritable drooling chewing sucking tooth} $Volume{I-11,S-11} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Help For Parents of a Teething Baby ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: Could you please help the parents of a teething baby? Our adorable daughter has turned cranky and difficult to deal with. This is our first baby and perhaps we are still a bit inexperienced, so any help you can give us would be so very much appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: I am probably opening Pandora's Box in trying to answer this question for you, and will be rewarded with a flood of mail that tells me I am all wrong, but here goes anyway. You baby's irritability is the result of the swollen and painful gums that accompany the natural process of teething. Usually they drool a bit more, want to chew and suck a lot more to help reduce the discomfort and tenderness. You can help a bit by massaging the gums lightly with a finger, when time is available. Try to give your daughter something cool to suck on, like a teething ring that has been kept in the refrigerator for a while. There are some over the counter medications available, but I would check with your own doctor for his approval before using one. I don't approve of using a drop of whiskey for this indication, though I have heard of it. A hard biscuit or cookie can provide the child with something to chew away on, and in certain circles, mothers swear by stale bagels as the perfect solution to the problem. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.