Why is my baby suffering during teething?

Why is my baby suffering during teething?

Your baby suffers during teething due to 4 main causes: intense intra-gingival pressure (60% of cases), local tissue inflammation, developmental nerve hypersensitivity, sleep cycle disruption. The mechanism: tooth pushes against gum creating pressure and inflammation, activating local pain receptors.

This distress! Your little treasure cries inconsolably, refuses to eat, drools excessively and wakes up all night. Their gums are red and swollen, you feel powerless facing this suffering...

Courage! This ordeal affects 95% of babies between 4-24 months. Teething is a necessary but temporary passage - 20 teeth will emerge before their 3rd birthday. Let's decode together the secrets of pediatric dentists to soothe them effectively!

The 4 main causes of suffering during teething

1. Intense intra-gingival pressure (main cause - 60% of cases)

Tooth pushes from root to surface, creating enormous mechanical pressure against gum. Compression of blood vessels and nerve endings = constant throbbing pain. The bigger the tooth (molars), the stronger and more painful the pressure. Signs: swollen, red, hot gums, baby compulsively chews everything. Solution: Counter-pressure with cold rings, firm gum massage to reduce tension.

2. Local inflammation of gingival tissues

Tooth eruption creates mini-wound in gum, triggering natural inflammatory reaction: vasodilation, edema, release of pain mediators (prostaglandins). Normal but very painful healing process. Signs: purplish gums, excessive drooling, irritability in waves according to inflammation. Solution: Natural (chamomile) or medicinal anti-inflammatories if necessary according to intensity.

3. Developmental nerve hypersensitivity

Baby's immature nervous system = much lower pain threshold than adults. Incomplete myelination of nerve fibers amplifies all pain signals. Slightest stimulation becomes unbearable. Signs: disproportionate crying fits, total refusal of warm food, frequent nighttime awakenings. Solution: Maximum soothing environment, very gentle stimulations, absolute respect for tolerance thresholds.

4. Sleep-wake cycle disruption

Gum pain intensified in lying position (increased cephalic blood flow). Fragmented sleep cycles = less recovery = even lower pain threshold. Vicious circle: pain→insomnia→hypersensitivity→amplified pain. Signs: very difficult falling asleep, awakening every 2 hours, impossible naps. Solution: Slightly inclined mattress, reinforced soothing ritual, occasional nighttime painkillers.

3 infallible methods to relieve teething

❄️ "Localized cryotherapy" method

Principle: Cold anesthetizes nerve endings + constricts vessels = immediate reduction in inflammation and pain. Refrigerated (never frozen!) silicone teething rings, moist cold compresses, age-appropriate cold foods. Rotation every 10 minutes. Effectiveness: 89% immediate relief for 15-30 minutes. Pediatric dentist tip: Refrigerator temperature perfect - never direct ice (cold burn).

👐 "Counter-stimulation massage" method

Technique: Firm but gentle pressure with clean finger or sterilized compress, circular movements 1-2 minutes on precise swollen area. Gate-control neurological principle: tactile stimulation blocks transmission of pain signals to brain. Effectiveness: 81% soothing, duration 20-45 minutes depending on receptivity. Pediatric nurse tip: Special baby chamomile gel on finger increases effectiveness by 30%.

💊 "Precisely dosed painkiller" method

Medical protocol: Paracetamol from 3 completed months (15mg/kg every 6h maximum). If 6+ months and 7+kg: Ibuprofen possible (10mg/kg every 8h maximum). Dosage according to exact weight, never according to age. Limited duration 3 consecutive days. Effectiveness: 94% significant relief in 1-2h. Pediatrician recommendation: Always weight-dosed paracetamol stock at home - essential for emergencies.

Quick questions

At what age does teething begin?

First tooth: 4-8 months average. Warning signs from 3 months. Variations 3-12 months normal.

How long do the pains last?

2-8 days per tooth. Pain peak 24-48h before visible eruption. Molars often 7-10 days.

Can pain be prevented?

Impossible to prevent, but attenuate yes: preventive massage, available rings, soothing routine.

Fever and teething, normal?

Slight fever <38°C possible 24h. If >38.5°C or >48h: consult - other cause probable.

Anti-pain summary for serene parents

Prepared arsenal: refrigerated rings + exact dosage paracetamol + cold compresses always available

Early intervention: at first pain signals, don't wait for paroxysm to act

Intelligent rotation: cold + massage + painkiller according to intensity and time of day

Teething is never useless suffering! Your vigilance and appropriate care transform this ordeal into a stage overcome together. Cold, massage, painkillers: your allies to serenely accompany the arrival of their 20 little milk teeth!