TEETHING

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Teething, also known as odontiasis, marks the time when your baby’s teeth begin to push through their gumline. It’s a natural process, but it can be uncomfortable for your little one.

Contrary to popular belief, the pain associated with teething doesn’t come from the teeth cutting through the gums. Before the tooth crown emerges, hormones have already broken down the gums in that area.

Babies typically start teething between 4 and 7 months old, although some may start later. Don’t worry if your baby’s teeth come in at a different time; it varies for each child.

Symptoms of teething

Teething symptoms vary from baby to baby, but they may include:

• Swollen and tender gums
• Irritability and crying
• Slight rise in temperature (less than 100.4 F)
• Desire to gnaw or chew on hard objects
• Excessive drooling, which can lead to facial rashes
• Occasional coughing
• Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
• Bringing hands to their mouth
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

While teething can be uncomfortable, it typically doesn’t make babies sick. However, it’s essential to contact your doctor if your baby experiences diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a high fever, or respiratory symptoms like coughing and congestion. These are not typical signs of teething.

Additionally, contact your pediatrician if you notice bleeding gums or any signs of infection, such as pus or swelling on the face. Your doctor can offer guidance and ensure your baby’s comfort during this milestone.

Timing and sequence of tooth eruption

The timing and sequence of tooth eruption can vary from one baby to another and may even be influenced by family genetics. Typically, the lower front two teeth are the first to emerge, usually between 6 and 10 months of age. Following these, the opposite top two teeth appear between 8 and 12 months, followed by the two adjacent to the upper front teeth between 9 and 13 months. Then, around 10 to 16 months, the teeth adjacent to the lower front ones make their appearance, followed by the first molars (both upper and lower) between 13 and 19 months. By the age of 3, most children will have all 20 of their “baby teeth” in place.

Helping a teething baby

When your baby is teething, there are several things you can try to help alleviate their discomfort:

1. Offer something safe to chew on, such as a cold pacifier, a clean wet washcloth chilled in the refrigerator, or a solid teething toy or ring that has been refrigerated (avoid ones filled with liquid or that are too cold or hard). Never attach a teether around your baby’s neck as it poses a choking hazard, and be sure to clean teething toys and other items after each use.
2. Exercise caution with teething biscuits, as many are low in nutrition and may contain sugar and salt. Supervise your baby closely while they’re eating one, as chunks can break off easily, increasing the risk of choking. If your baby is eating solid foods, you might offer cold applesauce or yogurt as alternatives.
3. Provide cool water from a sippy cup if your baby is older than 6-9 months, as hydration can help soothe discomfort.
4. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean, cool, wet washcloth or your finger. This can provide relief by stimulating the gums. If your baby hasn’t yet developed teeth, letting them gnaw on your finger can also help. For breastfeeding mothers, massaging the gums with cool water-dipped fingers before each feeding may prevent nipple biting during nursing.
5. Keep a cloth handy to wipe away drool from your baby’s chin, as excessive drooling during teething can lead to skin irritation and rashes.

By trying these techniques, you can help ease your baby’s teething discomfort and promote their comfort during this developmental stage.

Unsafe Teething treatment

When it comes to easing your baby’s teething discomfort, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain treatments that may do more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Unsafe Teethers: Be cautious of teethers filled with liquid, as they can tear and spill, posing a choking hazard. Similarly, avoid those made of breakable materials like plastic, which can also be a choking risk. Opt for teethers made of rubber instead, ensuring they are free from harmful substances like lead.
2. Frozen Teething Aids: While it may seem soothing, frozen teething toys can be too hard on your baby’s delicate mouth and may cause discomfort.
3. Homeopathic Teething Products: Avoid using homeopathic teething tablets or gels as they haven’t been proven to be effective and may contain harmful ingredients such as belladonna, which can lead to breathing difficulties and seizures.
4. Teething Necklaces: Child health experts advise against using teething necklaces due to the risk of strangulation and choking if the beads break off and are swallowed. Additionally, amber teething necklaces, which claim to release pain-relieving substances when heated, lack scientific evidence of effectiveness.
5. Teething Medications: Topical teething medications that you rub on your baby’s gums may not provide significant relief as they quickly wash away in the mouth and can even numb the back of the throat, making swallowing difficult. Avoid over-the-counter teething gels and liquids containing benzocaine, as this ingredient is not recommended for children under 2 due to rare but serious side effects.

Instead, consider offering a small dose of children’s pain reliever like acetaminophen, following your doctor’s guidance. However, avoid giving ibuprofen to infants under 6 months old and always consult your healthcare provider before administering any medication to your baby.

Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your baby, but with safe and effective soothing techniques, you can navigate this developmental milestone together.

Natural remedies for a teething baby

When your little one is teething, you might be on the lookout for natural remedies to help ease their discomfort. However, it’s crucial to consult your pediatrician before trying any homeopathic or natural treatments as some may carry health risks for your child.

Here are some natural remedies that you can consider under the guidance of your pediatrician:

1. Cold Items: Cold objects can help numb the pain for teething babies. You can chill a clean washcloth in the refrigerator and let your baby chew on it. Similarly, refrigerating their pacifier can provide relief. Avoid gel-filled teething rings meant for the freezer as they may be too hard for young babies and could break or leak.
2. Massage: Gently massaging your baby’s gums with clean hands or offering them a clean finger or knuckle to chew on can provide relief. You can try rubbing in a circular motion to see what soothes them. For breastfed babies, rubbing your finger in cold water before feeding may prevent them from chewing on the nipple.
3. Breast Milk: Some breastfed babies find comfort in nursing during teething. Nursing can soothe the teething process for them, and they may want to feed for longer periods. However, some babies may find sucking painful for their gums and may prefer bottle feeding.

Caring for your baby’s new teeth

As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, it’s important to start practicing good oral hygiene:

• Before teeth appear, clean your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or gauze at least once a day.
• Once teeth come in, continue cleaning their mouth with a wet cloth or gauze at least twice a day, ideally after feedings.
• After their first birthday, introduce a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with water and a fluoride-free toothpaste. You can also start flossing between their teeth.

Warning Signs: When to Seek Professional Help

Tooth decay is a common problem in young children. Bacteria feed on sugars, creating acid that eats away at teeth and forms cavities. Teething is a natural process, but there are times to call a doctor:

• Dental Care: Regular dental care is crucial to prevent tooth decay, a common problem in young children. Talk to your doctor about dental care and schedule a visit around age 1.
• Homeopathic Teething Tablets – Danger Alert! The FDA recommends avoiding homeopathic teething tablets due to safety concerns. In 2017, they investigated some brands after reports of infant deaths. These tablets may contain belladonna, a poisonous substance.

If your child ingested homeopathic teething tablets and shows any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Flushed skin
• Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness
• Excessive fussiness
• Trouble urinating
• Constipation

Sources

1. American Dental Association/Mouth Healthy
2. FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
3. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
4. American Academy of Family Physicians