When an infant or toddler is teething, there can be varying degrees of discomfort. Painful, swollen gums are common, as are bouts of diarrhea, irritability, and restlessness. You may use a children's pain reliever to help ease severe symptoms, but be cautious if administering acetaminophen (uh-seet-uh-men-o-fin). Prolonged consumption can result in liver damage. There have been rare reactions to using topical gum treatments, too. It's a good idea to seek advice from your medical professional before using over-the-counter products on infants. Applying cold substances to the gums can reduce swelling and pain. Cold teething rings are popular solutions. Teething biscuits are available, too. These are hard cookies, which dissolve rather than breaking into small pieces. Don't forget to take teething aids to your child's day care. Your child care provider may prefer teething rings for low maintenance relief, so talk about which method should be used for your child.
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