Baby Teething is Normal and Fever Not It’s Prominent Symptom

Many parents feel troubled when their child starts teething as it could initiate several symptoms in the baby. But fever that could appear due to several causes is often mistaken by parents as a sign of teething.//A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has reported that high fever is not a sign of teething and it could indicate that the child is suffering from other illness.

"If a child has a really high fever, or is in significant discomfort, or won't eat or drink anything for days, that's a red flag for concern," said Dr. Paul Casamassimo, director of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Pediatric Oral Health and Research and Policy Center.

The study noted that the common symptoms of teething included drooling, swollen gums and crankiness of a child. However, these symptoms would last only for more than three to five days but in some cases, it could even last longer.

Casamassimo said, “They come and go, and the job of the parent is to comfort the child and keep their finger on the pulse of their child. Is the child eating? Staying hydrated?"

He also added that a cold piece of cloth and some teething toys can ease child's discomfort. If the child is still feeling uncomfortable, he suggested parents to use infant pain reliever. But it must be used with caution as some can cause tooth decay. Casamassimo also asked parents to stay away from topical anesthetics that contain benzocaine and lidocaine.

"Every kid is going to have it (teething) in slightly different ways. Pay attention to the symptoms. Ameliorate the symptoms. If things get out of hand, contact your pediatrician," he added.

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Source-Medindia