Autism and 6 Year Molars

Tylenol doesn't really do much for teeth. Ibuprofin (Advil/Motrin) is better since it reduces swelling.

Molars are the worst. Teeth can definitely hurt while they're still up inside the jaw before breaking through. That's why babies cry long before their teeth ever erupt. They actually move around up and down inside the jaw. My middle daughter, who also has Autism, has always had trouble with teething and her six year molars were no different. I'm dreading when she starts getting more molars around 11 years old (she's 8 1/2).

Night time is always the worst for teething and pretty much any time someone is in pain or when they're sick.

You might also consider that the teething, if that's what's going on, is making his ears hurt. And if it's not his teeth, has he had a cold recently? Or allergies with a runny nose? If yes then he could have an ear infection which would mean, again, more pain at night when he's laying down.

We never had much luck with acetaminophen (Tylenol) because with her metabolism it seemed to wear off too quickly or just not work very well. We have better luck with Children's Advil/Motrin because she gets the same dosage (approximately) and it lasts much longer. She gets a good six hours out of it instead of only the two hours Children's Tylenol gives her (it's supposed to be 4 to 6 hours).

We don't use Tylenol for anything, it does nothing for our kids. Try Motrin, or Advil.

Poor guy. Yes, they can create a lot of pressure so far back in the jaw and laying down to sleep is the worst... :( You might have better luck with Motrin for pain. Does he like ice cream? Popsicles? I'd let him have anything cold and comforting I could get my hands one.

Good luck.

I've noticed (weight appropriate) Motrin works better for some things, have you tried that? Maybe popsicles?

Poor fella, hope he feels better soon!

:)

My ped recommended rubbing motrin or advil directly on the gums to reduce swelling. Of course I would talk to your own Ped first to make sure he or she agreed with this as not all Doctors agree.

Updated

My ped recommended rubbing motrin or advil directly on the gums to reduce swelling. Of course I would talk to your own Ped first to make sure he or she agreed with this as not all Doctors agree.

Hi M.,

I would also talk with your ped and even any other therapists that he goes to. They may have additional suggestions as to how to help him. I know that autistic children can be overly sensitive to certain sensations. What did you do when his other baby teeth came in? Was he as miserable then? How did you comfort him?

Wishing him speedy teething! :) Good luck. ~L

Tylenol is bad, but especially bad for those w/Autism because it further depletes stores of glutathione. I would throw out the Tylenol for good! Actually, adding IV or transdermal glutathione (per your dr's prescription) would probably help on a lot of levels.

I would get some chew tubes like these:
http://sensoryuniversity.com/Individual-Chewy-Tubes-CHEWY..., assuming you don't already have something like that? They also make ones that vibrate that could help numb the area.

Have you tried any baby teething gels? I don't know how possible it is to get something like that back into his mouth. They make the q-tip ones that may be easier to keep him from biting you while you apply it.

If he'll lay on an ice-pack for a few minutes, that may help as well. Popsicles are a great idea- but I would stick with homemade ones. The last thing you want to do is add corn-syrup and DYE to the mix, when he is already in a panic.

My daughter has PANDAS and tooth eruption definitely exacerbates her symptoms. It is not so much the pain, but the opening of a "wound" that does it.

Hope this helps, and hope it passes quickly.

Hugs!