Why Do Children Have Foam in Their Mouths While Sleeping?

The arrival of a baby brings joy to a family, but also leaves new parents scrambling. Some attentive parents may notice that their baby spits bubbles when sleeping, which can cause concern and worry that there may be a health issue. In most cases, this is a sign of teething, but it could also be a symptom of pediatric pneumonia, which would be accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and fever. Parents must closely observe their baby's condition to respond promptly.

Why Does My Baby Spit Bubbles When Sleeping?

Reason 1: Pediatric Pneumonia. There can be physiological reasons for a baby spitting bubbles, but it can also be caused by pathological factors. Therefore, it is necessary to judge based on the specific situation. If a baby frequently spits bubbles and also exhibits symptoms such as dry coughing, rattling sounds in the throat, poor appetite, vomiting, choking, and low-grade fever, it is possible that they may have pediatric pneumonia.

Reason 2: Teething. If the above symptoms are not present and the baby simply spits bubbles or exhibits poor feeding behavior, such as frequently biting the nipple, sucking fingers, or crying inexplicably, these behaviors are mostly related to the baby's teething process. As the baby's gums itch during teething, it stimulates the salivary glands to secrete more saliva. However, the baby's swallowing function is not fully developed at this stage, leading to spitting bubbles and drooling. If this is the case, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Medical cotton gauze can be used to wipe the gums with warm saltwater, which can clean the mouth and relieve itching during teething.

What is the Average Time for Baby Teeth to Erupt?

1. Central incisors: lower jaw at 6 months; upper jaw at 7 and a half months.

2. Lateral incisors: lower jaw at 7 months; upper jaw at 9 months.

3. First molars: lower jaw at 12 months; upper jaw at 14 months.

4. Canine teeth: lower jaw at 16 months; upper jaw at 18 months.

5. Second molars: lower jaw at 20 months; upper jaw at 2 years.

6. The average time for a baby's first tooth to erupt is 6 months, but due to individual differences, it can start as early as 4 months or as late as around 1 year.

Notes on Teething:

1. Drool should be handled promptly. When there is excessive drooling, it is advisable to avoid wearing synthetic clothing to prevent rashes and inflammation caused by friction and moisture on the chin. If possible, place a clean cotton handkerchief or towel under the chin and replace it frequently.

2. Attention should also be paid to the hygiene of hands and toys to prevent the ingestion of germs and the occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases. Giving the baby harder foods such as bread slices or cookies can help stimulate the gums and facilitate the emergence of teeth.

3. During this period, it is easy for babies to develop bad oral habits such as sucking on things, which can lead to misaligned teeth, incorrect bite relationships, and protruding front teeth over time.