Dealing with Toddler Teething Problems

First and foremost, for those of you who have children who cut teeth quicker and easier than Justin Timberlake changes girlfriends, I envy you. I also need you to pick out my next lottery numbers, because apparently you are one of the luckiest people on the planet. The rest of us are tired of feeling helpless when our little ones are uncomfortable, tired of trying to choose between thousands of "possible" teething medicines, and just plain tired overall.

The doctors, the books, and the experts say there is no direct correlation between teething and having a runny nose, diarrhea, or slight fever. As all knowing as I might be (sarcasm being the key to that statement), I can't tell you who's right. What I can tell you is that Alex is currently cutting two more teeth, and he has all the issues listed above. I don't know if one caused the other or not, and frankly, I don't care. All I want to know is how to fix it. We've all been there, (except those lucky punks we mentioned in the beginning) our normally vivacious, over-active, last-nerve straining toddler is suddenly a whimpering, pitiful baby who desperately needs Mommy or Daddy to make it better. Here's how to do just that.

1) Let them chew. Teething rings, cold wet washcloths, anything they want to chew on, let them (provided it's not your stereo equipment or your cat). Chewing will do the most to help the offending tooth cut through the gum, and cutting it through is our ultimate goal.

2) Let them drink cool, icy fluids. Cold milk, ice water, chilled juice. Keep the fluids flowing, the temperature not only helps to soothe enflamed gums, but if your toddler has diarrhea the extra fluids are always helpful. Avoid sugary sodas or sports drinks as these can make diarrhea worse, and aren't good for those teeth we're working so hard to get in the first place.

3) Ease the pain. If your toddler is having enough pain that they're having trouble sleeping at night, a child's tylenol or other pain reliever won't hurt. Make sure and contact your doctor or pharmacist though, for the proper dosage and frequency.