4 Mythbusters about teething that new parents must know

If you have a cranky infant who is drooling all over the place and wants to chew on every single thing, he/she can get their hands on, you know they are teething. Is teething routinely associated with fever and/or diarrhea? Well, it turns out research shows there is no “cause and effect” relationship.

However, the fact that it is almost impossible to stop them from putting random stuff in their mouth especially if they are crawling around the house makes them more prone to infections with resultant fever.

Refrain from OTC teething gels/remedies for obvious reasons; their little bodies are not predictable in metabolizing these random substances. Instead, use these symptomatic relief techniques to soothe your teething precious little one-

• Rub your baby’s gums Use a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can ease your baby’s discomfort.

• Keep it cool A cold washcloth, spoon or chilled teething ring can be soothing on a baby’s gums. Don’t give your baby a frozen teething ring, however.

• Try hard foods If your baby is eating solid foods, you might offer something edible for gnawing — such as a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot. Keep a close eye on your baby, however. Any pieces that break off might pose a choking hazard.

• Dry the drool Excessive drooling is part of the teething process. Having a teething ring, fingers or other objects in the mouth produces saliva. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to dry your baby’s chin.