Can babies go off food when teething

Feeding and teething: how to help them with the pain | Baby & toddler articles & support

Your child might have just started weaning when teething creates a stumbling block. Here we see how teething can affect eating, and how to get through it.

One symptom connected with teething is a decreased appetite for solid foods (Macknin et al, 2000; Lyttle et al, 2015; Eisenstadt et al, 2017). And guess what? You’re likely to start weaning your little one around the six-month mark – the exact same time many babies cut their first teeth (eyes roll again) (Lyttle et al, 2015).

So why do they start fussing all of a sudden? It will come as no surprise that teething causes a lot of discomfort (Eisenstadt et al, 2017).

Where’s my baby’s appetite gone?

Just like us adults can go off our foods when we’re feeling under the weather, so can our little ones. The gums swell and are tender to touch just before a tooth breaks through (Ashley, 2001). So anything in your little one’s mouth could cause more pain.

That said, not all babies lose their appetite when teething. Like with everything else, they’re all different. In fact, the science shows only around one third of teething babies lose their appetite (Macknin et al, 2000).

When will my baby’s teething affect their appetite?

Interestingly, some studies show children lose their appetite with teething only when their canines come through, not when their incisors or molars emerge (Memarpour et al, 2015). Generally, these canines – the pointy ones either side of the front four – appear when your little one is 16 to 22 months old (NHS Choices, 2016a; NHS Devon, 2018).

We know from parents we speak to that many encounter food fussiness earlier than the 16 to 22 month mark. So our practical tips can apply whatever your baby’s age over six months, when weaning starts (NHS Choices, 2018). This guide shows you what to do if your baby is struggling to juggle tooth pain and munching.

Which foods are best when they are teething?

If your baby goes on a feeding strike as they start to cut some teeth, the following should help. It is a case of trial and error here, there’s no right answer. Experiment and see what they seem most comfortable with the following types of foods.

1. Soft foods

Much like us adults might eat nothing but soup after a painful procedure at the dentists, babies might just want to stick with soft foods and purees. Anything they can slurp from a spoon with minimal contact with their gums. A fruit or vegetable puree, or a soft risotto or macaroni cheese (blitzed or slightly overcooked for minimal chewing) could be just the comfort food they need right now.

2. Cool foods

Chilled foods can take the heat out of those burning gums (Ashley, 2001). Yogurt is an easy option here. A ready-made pouch popped in the fridge. Or try some fruit or veg straight from the fridge such as cucumber sticks, a whole strawberry or avocado mushed up.

Just remember foods containing meat, or prepared in advance will need reheating for food hygiene reasons so might not be suitable (NHS Choices, 2015). And make sure you stay with them while they’re eating to watch out for choking.

3. Hard foods

To chew and bite down on have been proven to provide relief in around half of teething babies. Why? Their firmness provides counterpressure to a rising tooth (Memarpour et al, 2015).

Try carrot sticks, whole green beans or sugar snap peas, sliced pepper, breadsticks or bread crusts for babies over six months (Ashley, 2001). As above, just ensure you are on watch to avoid them choking on the chunkier items.

Avoid rusks, because nearly all brands contain some sugar. And sugar can cause tooth decay, even if your child only has a few small teeth (NHS, 2016b). You can read more about how to ease their pain with hard foods and teether toys here.

Does it matter if they are not eating as much as usual?

Try not to worry if not much is going in at any one mealtime. If they are still drinking their usual milk, they’ll be getting nutrients from that. That said, if their hunger strike seems to last more than a few days and you’re worried, see your GP or health visitor.

Try to keep them hydrated. While some babies want to suck and therefore breast or bottle-feed more during a bout of teething (Macknin et al, 2000), others go off the idea. If they are refusing milk or drinking less than usual, try to get them to sip some water, or add milk to their purees. Some parents we speak to also make breast or formula milk lollipops to get milk into their little ones, and soothe their gums at the same time. Win, win.

If they are chewing down on everything, including their bottle teat, try a teether toy instead, which might be more sturdy. If your baby is chewing down on your nipple (hideous), then read our article on feeding and biting.

When will the fussing end?

Your baby will probably have a reduced appetite for solids for the five days ahead of a tooth peeping through, the day it surfaces and for three days afterwards (Macknin et al, 2000). So in general, your baby should be more into their food again in just over a week. That is, unless another tooth is on its way (. ..you guessed it, another eye roll).

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

For guidance on how to look after those teeth once they appear (and what foods and drinks they should avoid) read our article on brushing baby’s teethand why teeth hygiene is important for babies.

NCT has partnered with the British Red Cross to offer courses in baby first aid.

Baby Doesn’t Want to Eat? Painless Tips and Tricks

Baby cereal on the floor and peas in your loved one's hair? You might be overwhelmed with worry, but you’ll be happy to hear that your baby is only showing signs of independence. Once they reach an age of about 9 months, babies begin wanting to control their feeding time and where they put their food.

Luckily, there are a few simple tips and tricks that can help you deal with a baby’s decreased appetite. Let’s take a closer look.

Picky eater

Is your baby refusing food based on color and texture, or unwilling to try anything new? Congrats, you’ve got a picky eater on your hands!

Picky eating is a completely normal baby behavior. Between 20% and 50% of parents say that their kids are picky eaters and are dealing with a baby loss of appetite. Pushing away the spoon or turning their head can happen for dozens of reasons, including teething or an immature digestive system. It's also possible that your baby isn't yet ready for solid foods.

As long as your baby’s growth and weight gain are normal, there’s usually no need to worry.

Too much pressure

Are you constantly pushing food closer to your baby, watching their every move, and hovering over them? What if we tell you that babies can sense that you are anxious at mealtimes? And once they sense your anxiety and pressure, they’ll eat less because of it.

We understand that you might be tempted to analyze their every bite, but one way of dealing with your baby's loss of appetite is by sitting back and staying relaxed. Try to remember that playing, dropping, and smearing food is completely normal — it’s a natural part of your baby becoming familiar with the food.

If you’re spoon-feeding your little one, try following their cues as to when to bring the spoon closer to their mouth and when to stop feeding them.

Your baby is tired

Sometimes there is no grand reason why your baby doesn't want to eat — they may simply be tired and want to sleep. So, if you try to feed your baby right before a nap or bedtime, they’ll likely be uninterested. For this reason, make sure you’re offering them food when they’ve had their nap and are fully alert.

Distractions

Toys, music, people, and screens are all major baby distractions. And in some cases, your baby not eating is simply because they've become too distracted to focus on their food. To encourage eating, try creating a distraction-free environment where your baby can focus their attention on testing and enjoying the foods.

Are teething and loss of appetite connected?

According to the American Dental Association, babies begin teething when they’re somewhere between 6 and 12 months of age. One of the most common symptoms of teething is a loss of appetite.

Your baby doesn’t want to eat because of the discomfort and pain of teething. Their gums become inflamed and sore as teeth push on the gum. The pressure can make your baby’s mouth hurt, ultimately leading to a lack of appetite and skipping meals.

To help relieve their pain, there are some proven methods tested by parents and pediatricians. Some of them include using oral pain relievers, while others include rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth.

Here are some tips and tricks to increase the appetite of your baby and get them to start eating better.

For picky eaters

If you find yourself overly worried about your baby’s decreased appetite and eating habits, talk to your pediatrician about testing the following tricks:

Let your baby try different textures in order to find what they like
Never force your baby to eat — a general tip is to feed at the earliest sign of hunger and stop at the earliest sign of satiety
Offer solid food in small increments
Give solids two or three times a day
Minimize distractions
Let your baby touch their food
If your baby only likes one food and avoids trying something new, mix together the new food with the food your baby likes
Offer your child smaller bites, as they may get overwhelmed by a large amount of food
Feed your baby more slowly, and feed them less

For babies who feel pressured

Never force-feed your baby — if you’re worried, talk to your child’s doctor
Follow their cues as to when to bring the spoon closer to their mouth and when to stop feeding

For tired babies

Offer food when your baby feels alert and happy
Don’t feed your baby before naptime

For distracted babies

Create a distraction-free environment by removing screens, toys, and sounds that might attract your baby’s attention
Feed your baby in an empty room and avoid having other people around, as they are also a major distraction

For teething babies

If your baby is teething, offer them familiar foods, as this can give them comfort
Relieve the pain by rubbing your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth, a clean finger, or a gum-rubbing finger pad — teething rings are another popular method of relieving the pain that comes with teething
If necessary, use oral pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) to help with the pain
Make sure that your child stays hydrated

Between dropping food on the floor and clamping their mouths shut, babies can be troublesome eaters. Their eating problems can be due to many things, including feeling pressured, feeling tired, or teething. But as long as your baby’s weight and health are good, there’s no need for concern. This is a vital step for your child's learning, growth, and independence. However, if you’re worried about your baby loss of appetite or if you notice a decrease in weight, call your baby’s pediatrician for help.

what to do if the teeth are climbing and the baby has a poor appetite

Published: 05/06/2022

Reading time: 2 min.

Number of reads: 73185

Author of the article: Ponomareva Yulia Vladimirovna

Pediatrician, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Allergist-Immunologist

The appearance of milk teeth in a baby is a difficult stage in the life of both a child and all family members. This is one of the most common causes of restlessness, moody behavior and poor appetite in an infant in the first year of life. Let's discuss how parents need to behave in order to help the baby get through this difficult period.

Contents: Hide

Timing of teeth
Changes in health
Refusal to eat
General rules
Baby porridge
Practical tips

Terms of appearance of teeth

The formation of teeth occurs in utero, that is, the baby is born already with a full set of teeth, which are then waiting for their time to erupt. The timing and pace of teething is an individual process, which depends primarily on heredity, as well as on external factors, such as the quality of drinking water and the nature of nutrition. For the first 3-4 months, the baby is exclusively breastfed, and the baby does not need teeth yet. By the 4th month of life, the baby is already deficient in the nutrients of breast milk, the stage of the start of the introduction of complementary foods begins. At this age, many children begin to appear the first milk teeth. However, the timing of the onset of eruption can be shifted to the second half of life, this is also a variant of the norm. On average, by the 12th month of life, a child has 8 teeth and 20 by 2 years.

Health changes

The most common teething symptoms are increased salivation and itchy gums. During this period, the child pulls in his mouth and gnaws his own fingers and any objects that come across. In addition, the appearance of teeth is often accompanied by an increase in body temperature, changes in the stool and a decrease in appetite. The temperature can be above 38 ° C and disturb the child for several days. To make sure that changes in the baby's health are associated with the appearance of milk teeth, carefully examine the child's oral cavity. On examination, you will find redness and swelling of the gums at the site of the new tooth, and the child will respond even to a slight pressure on this area. Against the background of teething, the immune defense of the baby is often reduced, which leads to the appearance of symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection. Therefore, changes in the state of health of the crumbs can only be indirectly associated with teething. In every ambiguous situation, do not neglect the advice of a pediatrician.

Refusal to eat

Teething in babies is often accompanied by eating disorders - children become selective in choosing food, and often completely refuse food. Since the appearance of milk teeth is a long process, many parents of babies are concerned that during the period when teeth are being cut, the child does not eat almost anything. The contact of food with the gums increases pain, and the child does not perceive any food well. "How and what to feed the baby?" - this is the most pressing issue for parents of infants in the first year of life. Try to follow the general recommendations during this period, as well as some practical tips to help keep the child from being hungry.

General rules

Despite the difficult situation, do not force-feed. Forced eating can provoke disruption of the digestive tract and be the cause of improper eating behavior in the future. During this period, it is better to adhere to a free feeding regime according to the principle - often, but in small portions. If the mother is breastfeeding, then expect the frequency of feedings to change. The child has a need for frequent application, not only to satisfy hunger, but also for emotional calm. In the acute phase, refuse to introduce complementary foods and choose foods that minimally irritate the oral mucosa. During this period, salivation is increased in babies, therefore, to restore the water balance, periodically offer the baby drinking water for babies, allowed from birth. The baby has a desire to gnaw and bite everything, but during this period it is better to refuse solid food as much as possible, since sharp edges can additionally injure the mucous membrane and only worsen the situation. Among complementary foods, the most optimal choice during teething are cereal complementary foods.

Children's porridge

What are the advantages of choosing children's porridge as a priority in the baby's diet during the period of the appearance of milk teeth? Firstly, it is a highly nutritious product - the combination of milk and cereals meets the needs of the child for energy and nutrients, even with a relatively small amount of the finished product. Secondly, the appropriate consistency of commercially produced baby cereals facilitates the assimilation of complementary foods. Bebi Premium baby cereals for children over 4 months of age have a homogenized degree of grinding, which does not require additional gum grinding and reduces the load on the jaw apparatus. In addition, they are easily and without lumps diluted with water or breast milk at room temperature, which also reduces the severity of pain compared to warmer foods. Fruit and vegetable complementary foods, despite the appropriate puree-like structure, are rich in organic acids, which can be a source of irritation of the delicate mucous membrane of the baby's gums. During this period, another important advantage of the Bebi Premium line of children's cereals is the reduced sugar content. Sugar is a good breeding ground for microbes that live in the oral cavity, its excess intake can increase the inflammatory process in the gums.

Practical advice

The pharmaceutical market offers a variety of topical gum pain relievers approved for use in children. However, it is recommended to use them very carefully and in consultation with the pediatrician in cases where pain significantly affects the condition of the crumbs. Be careful when using them, as swallowing the gel with painkillers can lead to severe toxic reactions. Safe aids are special teethers. Among them, the most effective are devices with a cooling gel or water inside. Offer the baby teethers before the next meal, and then he will eat complementary foods more calmly. Another simple and useful procedure is to massage the gums in the direction from the center to the corners of the mouth, avoiding impact on the eruption zone. Massage improves blood flow, activates growth processes and reduces tension in the gum area. Remember, teething is a natural physiological process, and the task of parents is to help the baby to overcome this difficult life stage as comfortably as possible.

#When teething

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Teething in children

How teeth are cut: the order of their appearance

Every adult can understand what a baby feels when his first teeth are cut - just remember how the so-called "wisdom teeth" appeared. Swelling of the gums, itching and pain - you must admit, there is little pleasant. Therefore, babies often begin to act up in the process of teething. They may lose their appetite and sleep, even have a slight increase in temperature.

The earliest period for the eruption of milk teeth in infants is in the incisors (front teeth). There are four on each jaw. As a rule, the lower two incisors are cut first (at 6-8 months), then the upper central incisors. Teeth appear in opposite pairs, which is important for the formation of a correct milk bite. At 8-12 months, the baby has lateral incisors (first on the lower jaw, then on the upper). At one year old, a child should have eight teeth. After that, there is a short break in their appearance.

Next in sequence are fangs. There are two on each jaw. The location and structure of these teeth makes their eruption especially difficult and difficult for the child. At the age of 16-20 months, fangs will appear on the lower jaw, and then on the upper. Then comes the turn of painters (large molars). They begin to erupt at 20-30 months, each child has its own time. In total, there are 20 teeth in the milk bite, 10 on each jaw: 4 incisors, 2 canines and 4 painters. All of them should appear by 2.5-3 years.

Teething signs

How can parents know if their baby is teething? The easiest way to find out about this is by the changed behavior of the child. He sleeps worse, is naughty. He loses his appetite (may refuse to eat completely). But these symptoms can be caused by other reasons. Therefore, the most obvious sign can be considered swelling of the gums (a small red bump appears on it, which parents can feel rather than see).

The changed behavior of the child is associated with the movement of the tooth in the jaw. It seems to tear the gums from the inside, which explains the unpleasant sensations: itching, burning and pain. To remove them, the child can scratch the gums, pull various objects into the mouth, and bite. It is impossible to stop such behavior, you just need to replace inappropriate objects (for example, toys) with special teethers, whose task is to help remove the unpleasant consequences of teething.

It is precisely because of discomfort that the child may begin to refuse food, especially hot food (increases the pain). It may help to massage the gums gently, which should be done before feeding. It will relieve some of the itching and pain.

During teething, the baby's temperature may rise to 38º, but not higher. Until the teeth appear, parents should give the child as much attention as possible, distracting him from discomfort. This will help the baby to survive a difficult time for him.

Replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones

Eruption of molars begins at the age of 6-7 years. First, large molars are shown (on the lower jaw, as a rule). Then the pattern of eruption of milk teeth is repeated. The incisors on the lower jaw are the first to change, and at the age of 7-8 years, the incisors on the upper jaw are also replaced. At the same time, the lower lateral incisors may also change.

Upper incisors will change at the age of 8-9. It's the turn of the fangs. At the same time (9-10 years), teeth begin to grow that were not in the milk bite - premolars. Each jaw has four premolars - two on the left and two on the right. At the age of 12, the fangs on the upper jaw will change. At this stage, the formation of the bite height begins, which has both aesthetic and functional significance.

The last teeth (wisdom teeth or third molars) are shown between the ages of 17 and 25. Only after this can we say that the formation of dental arches is fully completed.