Did You Know?

For years, doctors dismissed the idea that teething could cause a fever. Now US research shows that teething can, in fact, cause temperatures of up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's only natural that, as a parent, you want to soothe your baby when he's in pain. Teething is a normal part of your baby's development and can't be avoided, so you may want a remedy close at hand.

Teething is when your baby's milk teeth push their way through the gums. It can be a stressful time for you and your baby. He might seem as if he's in a lot of pain. Most babies begin teething at around four months, others don't start until they are a year old.

Babies who are teething often have very flushed cheeks. Their gums can look red and become swollen, sore and painful. During teething, your baby is likely to dribble more (try to keep the skin around the mouth dry to avoid chapping). Other symptoms may include a raised temperature, drowsiness and crying more than usual. Teething can make your baby's urine more alkaline, so it's often accompanied by nappy rash.

Products, such as Bonjela, can help. It is sugar free and contains an analgesic to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation and redness. Applied to the affected area of your baby's gums, it can start to soothe pain instantly and lasts up to four hours. A teething ring can also be a great help in relieving your baby's discomfort, especially if you chill it in the fridge.

By the time your baby is two and a half, he should have a full set of teeth, but caring for his teeth should start long before then. Regular trips to the dentist should also begin as his teeth start to appear. Once your baby is six months old, it is advisable to take him to the dentist every four to six months to have his teeth checked regularly.

For a free leaflet, 'Coping with teething', please call the Medical Information Unit at Reckitt & Colman Products, free of charge, on 0500 455456.