Easing the pain for teething children

(FOX Providence) - While timing varies, every child's experience is unique and different. Most babies begin to teeth at six months. But they can start as young as three months, and go as long as after twelve months.

"And it's kind of based on when you or your spouse or the dad or the mom started cutting teeth. Because if you were an early teether, chances are your child might be an early teether," said Tracy Martin-Turgeon of The Children's Workshop.

The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the two top front teeth. Classic signs and symptoms often include the ever obvious drooling, crankiness, swollen gums and chewing on anything they can get their hands on.

"Drooling, gnawing, and the drooling you want to keep an eye on. Because not only will their shirts get wet, and their pajamas. But, their chin, if your not paying attention to it, it will get raw, cause it's constantly drooling and you've got to keep an eye on that," said Martin-Turgeon.

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, there are simple tips you can consider, like teething rings, teething toys or even a homemade remedy.

"You can get a clean facecloth, cold water, let them just chew on it. Also there's gels that you can use. But you've got to be careful. If you put too much, apply too much, that can numb the tongue. And the gag reflex. And they won't be able to swallow as good because they won't be able to feel it."

If you want to use over the counter remedies, consult with your baby's doctor before doing so.

"A lot of parents will check with their pediatricians obviously if its a Tylenol or a gel. And you don't want to use too much Tylenol because it's a fever reducer. So, you don't want to get them used to that."

Tracy says she liked to create her own teething solutions for her daughter. Something you might try as a healthy alternative.

"One of my favorite ones that I did, cause I made my own food, was pureed fruits in the refrigerator. They were cold, and then when they were on the gums it was a nutritious snack that they were getting, but it was also soothing their gums."

There's also a surprising sign to be aware of when your child is cutting their first teeth.

"One of the other things that children may do because their teeth hurt is fast. They don't' want to eat. So, you really want to keep an eye on that."

The good news about teething? Your child won't remember any of it.