Swollen gums in babies are normally a sign that their first teeth are being born and, therefore, parents can observe this swelling between the baby’s 4th and 9th month, although there are babies who complete 1 year of life and who do not present any birth symptom. This happens because each child has their own growth rate.
When the teeth begin to erupt, the gums become redder and swollen, causing discomfort to the baby, who generally reacts by becoming irritable, crying and moody.
To reduce the discomfort of swollen gums, a natural and simple solution is to give him a bite of a slice of apple or a cold carrot, which must be cut large so that the baby can hold it and not choke. Another solution is to leave him with a suitable teether, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. See at what age the first teeth usually emerge.
Symptoms of teething
Normally the first teeth to emerge are the front ones, in the lower part of the mouth, but soon after that the front teeth emerge, in the upper part of the mouth.
At this stage, it is normal for the baby to present some characteristic signs and symptoms, such as:
- Be more irritable;
- Cry easily;
- Put any object in your mouth;
- Low fever, up to 37º C;
- Episodes of diarrhea.
Although it is very common for babies to put everything in their mouths at this stage, the ideal is to pay attention to the objects that are close to the baby, as some can be swallowed, which can cause suffocation, and others can be very dirty, making it easier for babies to emerge. of infections.
If there are other symptoms or if the symptoms are very intense, you should consult your pediatrician for a more detailed evaluation.
Learn more about the symptoms of baby’s first teeth and how to care.
What to do to alleviate baby’s discomfort
Rattles and teethers designed for babies to bite on when their teeth are coming in are good options for relieving discomfort, as long as they are always very clean. Placing these ‘accessories’ inside the refrigerator so that they stay cold is another excellent strategy to reduce discomfort.
At this stage, the baby keeps its mouth open and drools a lot, so it’s a good idea to always have a diaper or bib nearby to keep the baby dry, as drool in constant contact with the skin of the face can cause small wounds in the corner of the mouth. .
You should not give your baby sharp toys, keys, pens or your own hand to bite on because this can hurt the gums, causing bleeding or transmitting germs that can cause illness. The best way to know if your baby is putting things in his mouth that he shouldn’t do is by staying close to him at all times.
