Things Kids Put In Their Mouths

When your child constantly puts things in their mouths, it can be worrisome. The objects range from sweaty shoes, dog food, toys, soap or even batteries. Experts say this oral exploration is as a result of baby teething. Putting toys and other household objects in their mouths allows babies to discover the taste and texture of different objects. Is it hard or soft? Does it taste nice?

This habit diminishes by the time the baby is around two years old. Time for the hands to take over with the exploration! Some babies cut their first tooth as early as 3 minutes months while most start around 7 months. Telltale signs include your child drooling a lot and constantly putting things in her mouth.

When a tooth tries to break through the gum surface, kids usually feel some discomfort. Chewing on her objects eases irritation. To help, try rubbing a cold face towel or washcloth on the gum. Invest in a teething ring although this gets discarded quickly due to monotonous use for other new exciting gadgets such as cockroaches!

A four-year-old girl from the city of Thane, India, swallowed a live bullet at Lokmanya Nagar. The girl was playing in the vicinity when she found the bullet lying on the ground. Presuming it to be a chocolate, she picked it up and put it in her mouth.

In December 2013, for example, a 13-month old boy from Leicester, England, died from internal bleeding after swallowing a battery he found at his nursery school.

Haley Lents, 8, of Indiana, USA ingested 20 steel balls and 10 magnets in 2009 because "they looked like candy."

Aunraya Deweese, 8months, ate what her great grandmother and guardian, Freida Deweese, thought was "a piece of candy," It turned out to be a Water Balz toy, the size of a marble and grows to up to 400 times its original size when placed in water.

If your baby swallows anything that may be harmful to their health, seek medical attention immediately!