Totally get what you mean about wanting answers for every fussy spell. I remember with my grandkids, we’d all crowd around, poking at their gums, convinced every little bump was a new tooth coming in. Most times, nothing happened for weeks.
That’s spot on. These days, I just remind my kids that sometimes babies are just having an off day, and that’s okay. It’s not always about teeth.“It’s almost like their gums play tricks on us.”
I’ve definitely been there—my youngest went through a stretch where we were convinced every cranky day meant a tooth was about to pop through. Sometimes it was, but honestly, more often it was just...nothing. I started looking for other signs, like drooling or chewing on things, but even then, sometimes it was just a rough day and not teething at all. It’s tough not having clear answers, especially when you just want to help them feel better.
That’s so relatable. When my nephew was teething, everyone kept pointing at the tiniest mood swing and saying “it’s gotta be a tooth.” But honestly, sometimes he’d just wake up grumpy and there was no tooth for weeks. Do you think the signs like chewing or drooling are reliable at all? Or is it just a guessing game every time? I always wondered if some kids just chew for fun...
I always wondered if some kids just chew for fun...
Honestly, I think you’re onto something. I remember when I first got braces, I chewed on my hoodie strings and pens all the time, just out of habit or boredom. Maybe babies do the same? Drooling and chewing don’t always mean teeth are coming in—sometimes it’s just their thing.
Drooling and chewing don’t always mean teeth are coming in—sometimes it’s just their thing.
Ha, this brings back memories. My daughter used to gnaw on literally anything she could get her hands on—remote controls, her own toes, the dog’s tail (don’t ask). We thought every week was “the week” for teething, but nope, just a baby with a chewing hobby. Sometimes it’s just boredom or curiosity. I guess some kids are just born to be professional chewers.
