Teething Issue

Overview of Teething Issue

Teething is the process when your baby’s teeth start emerging from their gum line. Scientifically, this process is known as “Odontiasis”. 

Usually, babies start teething when they are between 4 and 7 months old. In some children, this process begins at a much later stage. This timing can vary for every child. Usually, this process is a bit uncomfortable for children and they may become fussy, and cranky, and may face difficulty falling asleep. 

Do Teething Cause Fever?

Keep in mind that teething is not related to any of these conditions: 

All of these indicate some other viral or bacterial infection and should be treated immediately. 

In Which Order do the Teeth Appear in Children?

Although the age factor can vary generally, teeth appear in the following order: 

  • Central Incisors: 6-12 months of age
  • Lateral Incisors: 9-16 months of age
  • Canine Teeth: 16-23 months of age
  • First Molars: 13-19 months of age
  • Second Molars: 22-24 months of age

Between the age of 6-12 years, children begin losing these baby teeth and they are replaced by 32 permanent adult teeth. 

Usually, the teething causes discomfort in the first few days of teeth eruption. 

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Signs and Symptoms of Teething Issue

The following symptoms can be an indication that your child is teething:

  • Red and swollen gums 
  • Flushed cheeks or a red face 
  • Your child might be having heavy dribbling 
  • Gum irritation, biting, gum-rubbing 
  • Sometimes a fluid-filled, blister-like thing may appear over the erupting tooth
  • Your child can become restless or face difficulty in falling asleep due to this gum discomfort 
  • As the gum region becomes sore, he/she might refuse food 
  • Increased fussiness 
  • Repeatedly bringing hands to the mouth 
  • Rubbing the ear or side of the cheek where the teeth are erupting 

Some teeth may be more sensitive than others and can cause more discomfort than others. Usually, large molars cause more issues than incisors as due to their large surface area they can not pass smoothly through the gum tissue. 

In adults, the eruption of third molars i.e. Wisdom teeth causes the most discomfort. 

Types of Teething Issue

Causes of Teething Issue

Happniness

Risk Factors of Teething Issue

Happniness

Prevention

Happniness

Diagnosis

Treatment of Teething Issue | When to Consult a Doctor

How Can you Soothe Your Baby’s Teething Journey?

Some simple methods by which you can soothe your baby through this difficult journey are: 

  • Put something cold in your baby’s mouth using things like a cold pacifier, a cold spoon, a clean wet washcloth, or a cold refrigerated teething toy or ring. Make sure that all the teething toys and wash clothes should be clean and regularly washed. 
  • Offering them unsweetened teething crackers can also relieve the uneasiness. 
  • Offering your 6-9-month-old child cool water from a sippy cup is also a good soothing method. 
  • You can also message their gum with your clean finger. If the teeth have not come out yet, you can also let them gnaw at your finger. 

What Should be Avoided in Teething?

Avoid over-the-counter medication for teething purposes. As these contain benzocaine which can cause hindrances in the teething process. Homeopathic teething tablets are also discouraged by doctors. 

Doctors also advise avoiding teething necklaces as they pose a choking risk. Children from a young age should be advised to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Drinking juices or bottled milk right before sleeping and not brushing your teeth afterward can lead to tooth decay

When Should you Consult a Pediatrician?

Teething is common and usually is accompanied by mild fever, increased fussiness, and sometimes diarrhea. Sometimes your child may contract some other viral infections. Nasal congestion also contributes to increased discomfort in this period. Please be sure to contact your pediatrician if any of these things happen in the teething phase.