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Children - Teething

Teething



Teething refers to the eruption of the deciduous (baby teeth) and permanent teeth. It's a natural occurrence and usually happens without any problems. However, some children may feel discomfort before their first tooth erupts (at about 6 months); some may feel discomfort with the eruption of each of their 20 baby teeth.


Teething occurs between 6 months and 24 months of age although it can occur earlier. Normally the bottom two incisors (lower front teeth) will come in first, followed by the top four incisors (upper front teeth). When teething, children may be irritable and may place objects or fingers in their mouth and bite on them. Drooling may increase and the child may be very choosy about foods or even refuse foods altogether. Their gums may appear tender and swollen; often the cheeks near the affected gums will become red. For some children, their teeth appear without much fuss at all. But all toddlers are not so lucky. Some may become extremely irritable.


Some parents worry excessively that their child’s teething is either too early or too late. Relax. There is absolutely no evidence linking when the child’s teeth come in with how strong their teeth will eventually be. The timing of teeth is genetic. If you were late getting your teeth, it’s likely your children will be as well.

Signs That Your Child May Be Teething:


1. Increased saliva/drooling
2. Irritability
3. Loss of appetite
4. Rash on cheeks
5. Red cheeks
6. Restlessness
7. Ear pulling - may be  a sign of teething or possibly an ear infection. If they display this sign, please see your pediatrician immediately.









Suggestions:


  • Massaging your child's gums with a clean finger or the back of a small cold spoon can  aid in reducing their discomfort. 
  • Chilled teething rings are great. The coldness helps ease their discomfort and the hardness of the ring will speed up the tooth's eruption. Just make sure it’s chilled and not frozen. A frozen teething ring will damage their gums.
  • Teething ointments can be used to numb the gums. 
  • Soft foods  
  • Using lemon juice on the gums to relieve discomfort is not recommended if any teeth are present. Lemon juice is very acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel, especially newly erupted baby teeth.
  • Stay away from the frozen bananas and teething biscuits; they promote decay and are a possible choking hazard.  
  • A cold, wet cloth for your baby to suck on can soothe gums. 
  • Thumb sucking also brings relief, however, dentists recommend this practice should cease upon the arrival of the first set of permanent teeth or by age 3, so that the habit doesn’t interfere with the normal development of their permanent teeth and oral cavity.




We're out participating at educational conventions and seminars throughout the year and we'd like to use this blog as a dental resource for our community of Phoenix, AZ (and beyond). Of course, we welcome you to join the conversation. Suggest topics and ask those burning questions about dentistry that keep you up at night. Please feel free to contact me through the Morse Family Dental  website. Remember, the advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should always see your dentist. 
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Location: 2805 W Carefree Hwy #101, Phoenix, AZ 85085, USA

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