BabyTeething Rash: How To Help Your Baby

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), babies' first teeth usually start to appear any time between 4 and 10 months. Their major salivary glands are becoming more active around the same time, leading to drooling or dribbling.

Some babies drool more than others. The excess saliva wets the sensitive skin around their mouth, cheeks, chin and neck, and can even soak their clothes. If the skin stays wet, it can easily become irritated by food, touch, or friction from fabrics. The result is a teething rash.

A teething rash appears as redness or dry skin around the mouth, cheeks, chin and/or neck. It is accompanied by excess drooling and other signs of teething which, according to Queensland Health, can include:

• Red, swollen gums.
• Irritability.
• Flushed cheeks.
• Restlessness.
• Sucking on the fingers or hands.

The ADA also says to look out for:

• More frequent crying.
• Difficulty sleeping through the night.
• General fussiness.
• Refusing food.
• Chewing or biting on hard objects, e.g. toys. 

If your baby isn’t drooling or showing any other signs of teething, or if they have symptoms not mentioned above (e.g. diarrhoea), the rash may be a sign of another problem and you should see your doctor. 

It’s a common belief that teething and fevers go hand in hand. However, a fever above 38^oC is very unlikely to be related to teething and should be treated as a sign of illness.

If in doubt about the nature of your baby’s rash, the ADA recommends visiting your doctor to rule out other conditions.

Thankfully, teething rashes don’t last long, but there are ways you can prevent them or help your baby to find relief.

• Keep your baby’s skin as dry as possible. If you notice drool, wipe it away immediately with a soft, clean cloth.
• Keep your baby’s clothes dry with a bib. Change the bib often and change the baby’s clothes if they get wet to prevent irritation.
• Create a protective barrier for your baby’s delicate skin by smoothing a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the lips and chin.
• Use a gentle baby soap during bath time and avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
• Clean your baby’s hands and face as soon as possible after eating to avoid irritation from food.

By keeping the skin clean, dry and free of friction, you should be able to quickly clear up your baby’s teething rash. However, if the rash doesn’t seem to be healing, or if it becomes chapped, weeping or broken, see your doctor. They will be able to help your baby's skin get better. 

Teething is already tough enough, for baby and for you. By keeping your baby’s skin clean and dry , you can prevent teething rash from adding to your worries.