Teething and trach babies

[Gareth's Mom]

My little guy has been drooling way more than usual this weekend. Because of this, he's had a lot more secretions from his trach (the secretions are all thin, clear, and watery; it looks like it's just drool.) The doctor says it sounds like he is starting to teeth. My son takes no food by mouth and he has a very weak suck and swallow, so I don't know if he'll be at all interested in teether rings or the usual stuff. I just wondered how other moms and their babies with trachs have weathered teething and would appreciate any advice you can give.
Thanks a bunch! http://www.twinEnterprises.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Brandy

[cariaad]

Since we got the g tube Alli isnt interested in eating or drinking by mouth, but she will happily chew on anything that isnt food. I also notice more thin secretions while new teeth are coming in (she's getting molars right now). Her suck and swallow were ok as far as we know, she was just never interested in eating... Good luck with the teeth and stock up on Infant Tylenol, it helps the teething pain a lot if the way she acts is any indication! Deb

[Gretchen(Celia's mom)]

Hi Brandy, teething for us was also a challenge because Celia didn't and still doesn't take anything by mouth. She also had such a bad gag reflex that you could barely touch her lips without her gagging!!! She also did and does not swallow so the drooling was like a waterfall!!! We went through tons of bibs,shirts, and burp rags. What she started doing when her teeth started bothering her was use our hands to pat her mouth. Sometimes she would grab a hand and rub it on her lips pretty hard but would never let me rub her gums or anything. It was sad to me that I couldn't help her by rubbing her gums or by having her chew on something but we made it through. Patience and Tylenol are about the only things I can recommend. Good luck. Gretchen