It’s Got Teeth!

For the last few weeks the mothers in my family have all been clattering about my little boy getting teeth. Granted, he’s been drooling and sucking on anything that gets within inches of his face, but I just didn’t believe them. He’s always so smiley and never really seems uncomfortable.

So yesterday it became official, they know more than I do; he’s got a tooth! Just one and I really wouldn’t call it a tooth; it’s more of a nub. Not really good for eating beef jerky or smiling at the ladies, but it’s a start. Apparently he’s going to have twenty of these little “primary” teeth when he’s done. He’s got a lot of work to do.

It never ceases to amaze me how our bodies work. You might say, “How can you get excited about such a little moment?” Well, I’m eager to share life with my son. A tooth means at some point he will be able to shape sounds and speak. It means food, real food with interesting tastes and textures. It seems like each day he and I get a little closer. Interactions have grown in complexity, moving from random eye contact to intentional laughter and hand motions. I want to know him and I want him to know me and a tooth is a simple step in that direction.

So apparently the teething process takes some time. Most kids have their full set of primary teeth by the age of two or three. The teeth arrive in stages, and appear with an assortment of annoying symptoms. They can increase irritability, cause drooling, chin rashes, discomfort in the jaw and ear, coughing, and more frequent interruptions in sleep (for baby and dad).

As this tooth has arrived so has the advice. I will no doubt be sorting through the recommendations of friends and family, choosing what remedies to attempt first. Suggestions like cold teething rings and baby Tylenol seem most reasonable. Though, I’m sure if I lose enough sleep I might be willing to try more extreme methods, like rubbing some Jack Daniels on his gums. A finger for him, and two for me…straight up!