Purple gums... - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

Tiff24 · 10-22-2007, 08:10 PM

My 9 month old has been teething for about 3 weeks or so. He's getting all four top front teeth. One has broken through, one is almost out and the other two I can feel but I have no idea how much longer they have. The problem is... his gums are purple. I had no idea what that meant, but soon found out that it's bruising. My mom had told me it was normal but when she saw them yesterday told me that I should call his dr. He has his 9 month check up on Wednesday but I went ahead and called to see if I should bring him in before then. The nurse talked to his dr. and told me that his gums just can't handle getting all four teeth at once. She told me to keep doing what I'm doing by giving him Tylenol during the day, Motrin at night, and teething tablets. He's been getting Motrin everyday for the past 2.5 weeks so I can only give it at night. She gave me a few suggestions that just don't seem to make a difference. I tried freezing a wet dish cloth but when I gave it to him he bit it and started crying. He tried a few more times and just sat there whimpering so I took it away. He doesn't really like to chew on cool teething rings either. I put baby orajel on him too but it only lasts for like 5 minutes. I'm at a loss. I just sit there and cry with him 'cause I can't do anything for him. Does ANYONE have ANY other suggestions?

baj406 · 10-22-2007, 08:56 PM

I haven't tried orajel but I use Little Teethers (like orajel). It seems to have a better consistency and doesn't get washed away as quickly. I also put it on the top of the binky where it'll hit his gums so he can get it on that way. Usually he'll end up sleeping within 10 minutes of getting that binky and stay asleep for awhile. I'm not sure what else to try. I wrapped an icecube in a washcloth earlier and let him suck on it, but I don't see how that's any different from a frozen washcloth. Try teethers that aren't cool. Maybe he just needs something to chew on. And...rubbing his gums, this calms DS down. Also, DS seemed to want to eat more. I guess he was soothing himself with the bottle, but that can't be a BAD thing for an 11lb 4 month old, LOL. I hope they come through soon so he feels better.

mcr285 · 10-23-2007, 02:10 PM

a finger toothbrush is a great soother for swollen sore gums! i used to rub my daughter's gums with one and she LOVED it! if you put a little oragel on it, it's even better. i think it will help the teeth break through faster too!

Tiff24 · 10-23-2007, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I just feel so bad for him. I did find something that helps though, diced frozen peaches. He loves it. He moves it to the front of his gums with his tongue and gums it as it thaws. It really seems to soothe him.

mcr285 · 10-23-2007, 10:21 PM

i have also heard that frozen peas and frozen corn are great for teething too! my girls didn't love the peas, but my oldest loved the corn! also, juice popsicles are great too!