When do babies typically start teething. What are the common signs of teething in infants. How can parents ease their baby’s discomfort during teething. What are the best practices for caring for baby teeth and gums.

The Timeline of Baby Teeth Eruption

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a crucial role in a child’s development. Understanding when these teeth typically appear can help parents prepare for this important milestone.

On average, babies start teething around 6 months of age. However, the timing can vary significantly from one child to another. Some infants may begin showing signs of teething as early as 3 months, while others might not see their first tooth until they’re a year old.

• Average teething start: 6 months
• Earliest teething start: 3 months
• Latest teething start: 12 months

Is there a specific order in which baby teeth appear? Generally, the lower front teeth (central incisors) are the first to emerge, followed by the upper front teeth. However, it’s important to remember that each child’s teething journey is unique, and variations in the order of tooth eruption are common and usually not a cause for concern.

Recognizing the Signs of Teething

Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for babies, often leading to changes in behavior and physical symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help parents provide timely comfort and care.

Common signs of teething include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Flushed cheeks
• Increased drooling
• Irritability or restlessness
• Slight fever
• Ear pulling on the same side as the erupting tooth
• Increased tendency to suck on fingers or fists

Are these symptoms always indicative of teething? While these signs are commonly associated with teething, it’s crucial to note that teething is not typically linked to severe symptoms such as high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your baby experiences these more severe symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a pediatrician to rule out other potential health issues.

Easing Your Baby’s Teething Discomfort

Watching your baby experience discomfort during teething can be distressing for parents. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective methods to alleviate your child’s teething pain.

1. Gently massage your baby’s gums with clean hands
2. Offer a cooled (not frozen) teething ring or pacifier
3. Use a cool, clean facecloth or the back of a cold spoon on the gums
4. Provide a sugar-free teething rusk for older babies
5. Temporarily switch to softer foods for babies who have started solid foods

Can teething gels be used to relieve discomfort? While some parents turn to teething gels for relief, it’s important to use these products with caution. Cold teething gels can provide short-term relief, but they can also pose a choking hazard if swallowed in large quantities. Always consult with a dentist or pediatrician before using any pain medicines or mouth gels containing anesthetics.

The Importance of Early Dental Care

Establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial for your child’s long-term dental health. Even before the first tooth appears, parents can take steps to promote healthy gums and set the stage for proper dental care.

How can parents care for their baby’s gums before teeth appear? Using a clean, damp washcloth or muslin cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings can help remove bacteria and get your little one accustomed to oral care routines.

Once teeth begin to emerge, it’s time to introduce a toothbrush:

• Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles
• For children 18 months and older, use a pea-sized amount of low-strength fluoride toothpaste
• For children 6 and older, use standard strength fluoride toothpaste and encourage spitting out rather than swallowing
• Aim for brushing twice a day, focusing on reaching all surfaces of each tooth

When should flossing begin? As soon as two teeth are touching side by side, typically around age 2, parents should start flossing between their child’s teeth. Your dentist can demonstrate proper flossing techniques and recommend appropriate tools for young children.

The First Dental Visit: Timing and Importance

Establishing a relationship with a dentist early in your child’s life is crucial for maintaining good oral health. But when should this first visit take place?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This early visit serves several purposes:

• Allows the dentist to examine your child’s dental development
• Provides an opportunity to discuss proper oral care techniques
• Helps your child become familiar with the dental office environment
• Enables early detection and prevention of potential dental issues

What can parents expect during this first visit? The initial dental appointment is typically brief and involves a gentle examination of your child’s mouth. The dentist will check for proper jaw alignment, look for any signs of decay or other issues, and provide guidance on oral care practices tailored to your child’s needs.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions About Teething

As with many aspects of child development, teething is surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. Understanding the facts can help parents navigate this phase more confidently.

Teething and Illness

One common misconception is that teething causes illness. While teething can cause mild discomfort and irritability, it’s not typically associated with severe symptoms like high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your child experiences these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.

Amber Teething Necklaces

Some parents turn to amber teething necklaces as a natural remedy for teething discomfort. However, there’s no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and these necklaces pose a choking hazard. It’s best to avoid using such items and stick to safer teething relief methods.

Teething and Sleep Disturbances

While teething can sometimes disrupt sleep patterns, it’s not always the culprit behind sleep issues. Many factors can affect a baby’s sleep, including developmental changes, illness, or changes in routine. If sleep problems persist, consult with your pediatrician for guidance.

Supporting Your Child’s Oral Health Beyond Teething

While teething is an important phase in your child’s dental development, maintaining good oral health is a lifelong journey. As your child grows, their dental care needs will evolve.

Transitioning to Independent Brushing

As children develop fine motor skills, they can begin to take a more active role in their oral care routine. However, parental supervision and assistance remain crucial:

• Encourage your child to start brushing on their own around age 6-8
• Continue to supervise and assist with brushing until around age 10-12
• Make brushing a fun family activity to reinforce good habits

Diet and Dental Health

A balanced diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Encourage your child to make tooth-friendly food choices:

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Offer water or milk instead of juice
• Provide crunchy fruits and vegetables that help clean teeth
• Avoid sticky foods that can cling to teeth

Regular Dental Check-ups

Establishing a routine of regular dental visits from an early age can help prevent dental problems and instill good oral health habits. Most dentists recommend check-ups every six months, but your child’s dentist may suggest a different schedule based on individual needs.

How can parents prepare their child for dental visits? Here are some tips:

• Read children’s books about going to the dentist
• Play pretend dentist at home
• Maintain a positive attitude about dental visits
• Choose a pediatric dentist experienced in working with young children

Addressing Special Dental Concerns in Children

While most children follow a typical pattern of dental development, some may face unique challenges that require special attention.

Delayed Tooth Eruption

If your child’s teeth seem to be coming in later than average, it’s natural to feel concerned. However, delayed tooth eruption is often a normal variation. Factors that can influence the timing of tooth eruption include:

• Genetics
• Nutritional status
• Certain medical conditions

When should parents seek professional advice for delayed teething? If your child hasn’t developed any teeth by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatric dentist. They can evaluate your child’s oral development and determine if any intervention is necessary.

Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle tooth decay, is a serious form of tooth decay that can affect infants and young children. It often results from prolonged exposure to sugary liquids, such as milk or juice, especially when a child is put to bed with a bottle.

How can parents prevent early childhood caries?

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle
• Clean your baby’s gums and teeth after each feeding
• Limit sugary drinks and introduce water early
• Schedule regular dental check-ups

Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

Many children use thumb sucking or pacifiers as self-soothing techniques. While these habits are generally harmless in infancy and early toddlerhood, prolonged use can lead to dental problems.

At what age should children stop using pacifiers or sucking their thumbs? Most dentists recommend phasing out these habits by age 3 to 4 to prevent potential issues with tooth alignment and jaw development. If your child is having difficulty breaking the habit, consult with your dentist for gentle, effective strategies.

By understanding the teething process and implementing good oral care practices from an early age, parents can set their children on the path to lifelong dental health. Remember, every child’s dental development is unique, and regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist can ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. With patience, care, and attention to oral hygiene, you can help your child navigate the teething phase and beyond, fostering a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Teething | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

Teething | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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When will my baby start teething?

Baby teeth commonly start to appear in the mouth around 9 months of age, but timing can range from 3 to 12 months.

Teething can be uncomfortable for some babies and may make them a bit upset and bad-tempered. But lots of love and a chilled teething ring to chew on can often help.

Teething does not happen at the same time for all babies.

Some babies begin showing signs of teething as early as 3 months of age. All 20 baby teeth (10 in the top jaw and 10 in the bottom) will usually arrive by the time your child is 3 years old.

Don’t worry if your baby’s teeth come in at different times.

Learn more about how your baby’s teeth develop.

How will I know if my child is teething?

Even before you start to see a tooth erupt, you may notice some changes in your baby’s behaviour. Signs that your baby may be teething include:

• red swollen gums
• flushed cheeks
• dribbling
• being cranky or restless
• a slight fever
• pulling the ear on the same side as the erupting tooth
• sucking fingers and fists

Teething is not usually associated with illness. So don’t assume that your baby is ‘just teething’ if there are symptoms such as coughing, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures, or a high fever. See your doctor if your child is experiencing these symptoms to check if they need treatment.

How can I ease my child’s discomfort?

When your child is teething, keeping them comfortable can be a challenge. Some suggestions include:

• Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums.
• Give your baby a cooled (but not frozen) teething ring or dummy.
• Gently run a cool clean facecloth or the back of a cold spoon along your child’s gums.
• Give your baby something firm to suck on, such as a sugar-free rusk.
• For older children, give them softer foods for a while so they don’t have to chew so much.

What should I avoid or be aware of?

See your dentist or doctor before using any pain medicines or mouth gels that contain anaesthetic.

Teething gels

Cold teething gels can provide short-term relief, but if your child swallows the gel you use on their gums it can be hard to know how much is swallowed. This can make the throat numb and cause a choking hazard. Only use teething gels made for children and only as directed on the pack.

Dummy

Some people find that dummies (pacifiers) can provide children with relief and comfort while they are teething. Never dip a dummy in sugary spreads such as honey or jam as this can increase your child’s risk of tooth decay.

Amber beads

Beaded necklaces or bracelets are a potential choking hazard and unlikely to provide any pain relief for your teething child.

Caring for baby’s teeth and gums

Setting your children up for good oral health starts early, even before baby teeth start to appear.

Parents and guardians should brush babies’ and young children’s teeth for them to ensure all surfaces are cleaned. Before introducing a toothbrush, you may like to use a clean, damp washcloth or muslin cloth to clean your baby’s gums. When a few teeth have come through, you can start to use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.

When your child is 18 months, you can use a small pea-sized amount of low strength fluoride toothpaste.

If your child is 6 or over, use a small amount of standard strength fluoride toothpaste and encourage your child to spit out, not swallow and not rinse after brushing.

The recommended amount of time to brush is 2 minutes. However, for infants and young children who only have a few teeth, this amount of time is a little too long. When brushing your baby or young child’s teeth, just ensure that your reach every surface of each tooth.

Once your child has two teeth touching side by side, start cleaning in between these teeth with dental floss. This often starts when your child is around 2 years old. Your dentist can show you techniques and items that can make this an easier process.

You can check your child’s teeth at home by lifting their top lip and rolling down their bottom lip to have a look at their teeth. If you see white, brown, or black spots on the teeth that do not rub or brush away, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist to have the teeth checked.

When to visit the dentist

It is a good idea to organise your baby’s first visit to the dentist when their first tooth appears, or at around 12 months – whichever comes first. Dentists and their teams are used to working with babies and young children.

The first dental visit will involve your dentist examining your child’s teeth. This visit is also an opportunity for the dentist and parent/s to discuss important oral health topics, including:

• tips for cleaning your child’s teeth
• what to expect as your child’s mouth continues to develop
• thumb sucking and dummy use
• how to help prevent tooth decay
• avoiding injury to your child’s teeth
• advice on tooth-friendly foods and drinks

Always make a visit to the dentist a positive experience for your baby. Never use the dentist as a threat for not brushing teeth or other behaviour.

Is there financial assistance to help with costs?

If you receive a government benefit, such as Family Tax Benefit A payments, your child may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. This Government benefit provides each eligible child $1,026 of general dental treatment over a two-year period.

To check if your child is eligible, call Medicare on 132 011, or check your Medicare online account through MyGov.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Sources:

Australian Dental Association
(Babies and toddlers 0-3 years),
WA Department of Health
(Teething and your baby),
NSW Health
(Lift the Lip),
Services Australia
(Who can get it),
Services Australia
(Child Dental Benefits Schedule)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: May 2022

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Related pages

• Dental care for babies and children
• Dental care for infants and toddlers
• Baby teeth

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When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs & Remedies

Snap as many pictures of baby’s adorable gummy grin while you still can. Those little teeth will crop up in the blink of an eye—and you’ll sure know when it happens. Teething can be pretty uncomfortable for babies, and they’ll express it the only way they know how—by fussing and crying and not sleeping.

If baby is showing signs of fussiness, you may start wondering if the time for teething has arrived. So when do babies start teething? The truth is, every baby is unique. Still, there’s a general time frame—plus a few important things that all parents should know to make the process easier.

In this article:
When do babies start teething
What a baby teething chart can tell you
How to tell if baby is teething
How long does teething last?
How to soothe baby teething pain
When to call the doctor about infant teething

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Babies usually start getting their primary teeth between 3 and 6 months old, says Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, a professor of cariology and comprehensive care at the New York University College of Dentistry in New York City. But it’s quite possible that it could happen later too. In fact, some babies may not get their first teeth until as late as a year old, says Whitney Schutzbank, MD, MPH, a pediatrician at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston.

Genetics play a significant role in determining teething age, says Jeffrey Bourne, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “It tends to run in families,” he says. “Some families have teeth that come in early, some not until later.”

What is late teething?

Babies are considered late teethers when they reach their first birthday and still have no teeth, Schutzbank says. If your little one is 12 months old and you’ve yet to see any signs of teething, give your pediatrician a call. They can assess the situation during your child’s well visit and may suggest a mouth X-ray if there’s any concern.

What a Baby Teething Chart Can Tell You

When do babies start teething? It’s hard to know exactly, but the order in which baby’s 20 teeth will come in (or “erupt,” in dental lingo) is pretty predictable. As you see from the chart below, the first teeth to break through baby’s soft gums are the middle teeth (central incisors)—you’ll notice the two bottom ones first, followed closely by the two top ones. The next to crop up are the adjacent teeth, and the process continues to work its way toward the back of the mouth, with the molars surfacing last. Baby’s gums are ingeniously rigged so both the upper and lower teeth come in right and left pairs. “The order supports tooth and jaw growth and helps provide for straight teeth,” Wolff says.

Want to keep track of baby’s progress? Print out our handy teething chart.

How to Tell If Baby Is Teething

During the teething process, the tooth pushes up through the bone and then the gumline. It’s no wonder it hurts! So the answer to “when do babies start teething?” for your child is most likely when you start spotting a combination of the telltale signs of teething. When babies start teething, they may have the following symptoms:

• crying
• drooling
• low-grade fever under 101 degrees F
• trouble sleeping
• swollen gums
• loss of appetite

For more details, check out our post on teething symptoms and remedies.

How Long Does Teething Last?

There’s no clear-cut answer to this question, just as there isn’t one for the question “when do babies start teething?” But in general, babies will grow new teeth every four to six months, and they’ll usually have their complete set of baby teeth by around 24 months, Wolff says.

How long does teething pain last?

Good news! Not 24 straight months, even though it takes that long for all the teeth to come in. That’s because the pain flares up only when the teeth are actually breaking through the gums, and it subsides between episodes. So the severe symptoms usually last just a few days, Schutzbank says. What’s more, children tend to get used to the process over time, according to Bourne. While the symptoms are obvious with the first tooth or two, they become milder as baby’s mouth fills in.

How to Soothe Baby Teething Pain

Teething can be uncomfortable for baby, so you’ll want to have some tricks up your sleeve for helping to ease that discomfort as much as you can. If baby seems to be experiencing signs of teething, try some of the easy, reliable at-home remedies below.

• Gum massage: Often, babies find the most relief from gentle pressure on their sore gums, which is why you’ll find them gnawing on anything they can get in their mouths. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a safe way to provide light pressure on the gums is to give baby a gum massage. With clean hands, use your finger or knuckle to rub the sore spots in baby’s mouth. Repeat as often as necessary.

• Teethers: Babies old enough to navigate a teether in their hands and mouths may enjoy using a teether to put pressure on their gums themselves. Offer a teething ring, pacifier or clean, wet washcloth for baby to chew on. “I like these remedies as they have no side effects and are quite effective,” Schutzbank says.

• Cold: Cold can help ease discomfort too, but don’t give baby ice or teething rings that have been frozen solid; according to the AAP, it’s too hard on baby’s gums. Instead, try putting a teething toy or clean, wet washcloth in the fridge before giving it to baby.

• Something to suck on: “Some children like the feeling of sucking when teething,” Schutzbank says. You can try offering a pacifier, baby bottle or a breastfeeding session when infant teething pain is making baby cranky.

• Pain medication: If you’ve already tried the previous soothing methods and baby still seems extremely uncomfortable, you can try over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a last resort, Schutzbank says. Ibuprofen is another choice, but should only be given to babies over 6 months.

What not to use for infant teething pain

Well-meaning friends and loved ones may have a variety of suggestions for how to soothe infant teething pain—but some of them may not in fact be safe for baby. Do not use any of the following for teething pain:

• Aspirin: This medication should never be given to babies or children as it can cause Reye’s Syndrome.

• Teething gel: Teething gel is not FDA-approved for infant teething, since it offers little to no benefit but can come with serious risks. “I avoid numbing gels as they can numb baby’s throat and lead to choking or aspiration of liquids into the lungs,” Schutzbank says. Plus, numbing gels can contain benzocaine, which can lead to a serious and sometimes fatal condition called methemoglobinemia, in which not enough oxygen is delivered to baby’s cells.

• Homeopathic teething tablets: These teething tablets are also not FDA-approved and often contain potentially dangerous ingredients, Schutzbank says.

• Teething jewelry: Amber teething necklaces and other jewelry can pose a choking or strangulation hazard to baby, which is why the FDA and APP strongly advise against using them.

When to Call the Doctor About Infant Teething

They may not be super pleasant for baby, but signs of teething are usually nothing to be concerned about. However, there are some situations in which you might want to call your pediatrician for infant teething. Call the doctor if:

• Baby’s temperature rises above 100℉
• Baby’s low-grade fever lasts longer than two days
• Baby has diarrhea
• Baby won’t eat or drink

The general rule of thumb is that if baby seems unusually uncomfortable, is acting sick or has signs of teething that can’t be soothed, it’s a good idea to call the pediatrician. Your little one may have an illness or infection that needs to be treated. If you think baby needs to be seen, trust yourself and call the doctor.

About the experts:

Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, is a professor of cariology and comprehensive care at the New York University College of Dentistry in New York City. He received his doctor of dental surgery degree and PhD in oral biology and pathology from Stony Brook University. Before joining the NYU College of Dentistry in 2005, he served as associate dean at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine.

Whitney Schutzbank, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston. Her clinical interests lie in newborn medicine and nutrition. She earned both her medical degree and master’s of public health degree from Tulane University School of Medicine.

Jeffrey Bourne, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and has been practicing for more than 20 years. He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Teething Symptoms and Remedies: What You Need to Know

Safe Teething Necklaces Parents Can Wear to Soothe Baby’s Gums

The Truth About the Safety of Amber Teething Necklaces

When Baby Teeth Erupt in Children (Terms Scheme) 100% Information

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Teething in children sequence

• The structure of teeth and dental tissues
• When the first teeth appear in babies are normal
• Disorders and anomalies teething pain
  
• What help can be given to a child with teething
  

The role of teeth in the human body is difficult to overestimate it. They are the first to encounter food in the mouth and help it turn into a food bolus. In the process of evolution, teeth have undergone many changes and were originally intended only for grinding food.

With the formation and development of man as a species, teeth ceased to carry only a functional role. Aesthetic value joined it, dental units became one of the parts of the body that attracted the opposite sex and served as proof of health and well-being.

Physiologically, teeth are special bone formations in the oral cavity, which perform grasping, biting, holding and primary processing of food.

Teeth are part of the human chewing system along with the tongue, lips and jaw muscles. In most cases, the quality of teeth depends on genetic predisposition and lifelong care.

In addition to the primary processing of food, dental units perform another important function – the formation and development of speech. The formation of sounds in a child is impossible without the presence of teeth. If at an early age, for any reason, at least one tooth falls out, for example, an incisor, then this may affect the pronunciation of certain letters in the future.

Many people remain burry for life precisely because of the loss of their front teeth, which help to pronounce consonants and hissing sounds.

Incorrect bite formation also leaves its mark on the development of the shape of the face, the outlines of the cheeks, nose, and cheekbones. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the normal development of teeth in children from the very beginning of eruption.

What are the shapes of teeth?0044 – small molars or premolars – serve to grind and chew the food bolus
– large molars or molars – help to chew and grind food, they are usually powerful, have several roots.

In addition, milk and molars are also isolated. Dairy are the first set of dental units in a child and serve him until the appearance of molars. The name was fixed due to the fact that the first teeth erupt during breastfeeding.

The anatomical features of these two species are not much different from each other, although they have characteristic features. Baby teeth are smaller, less mineralized, and have shorter roots.

Due to the small size of the jaws of a child, on average, milk teeth are shorter in length. The small size of the roots is necessary so that when the time comes, the temporary dental units can easily fall out.

Structure of teeth and dental tissues

044 – neck
– root.

Crown – this is the visible part of the dental unit, which protrudes above the gum, provides protection to the inside of the tooth. It is covered with enamel, the hardest tissue in the human body.

Next comes neck – the place where the crown passes into the root. It is hidden under the gum and normally should not be visible. Various dental diseases contribute to the exposure of the neck and then this part of the tooth becomes the most susceptible to external influences.

Root is located in the dental alveolus or, in other words, the socket. There can be a different number of roots, depending on the structure of the tooth. There may be two, three or four roots.

The histological structure of the teeth also has its own characteristics. The dental unit consists of:

– enamel or the topmost layer. Under the influence of human saliva, it is covered with a special shell – pellicle

– dentin – the basis of tooth tissue. The structure of this substance is similar to the bone shell, and the strength depends on the supply of minerals. The dentine layer is under the enamel or cementum.

– pulp – in composition it is a connective tissue with a spongy structure. It is crossed by a network of capillaries and nerve processes.

– cement – covers the tooth from below. It covers the neck and root, and also fixes the tooth in its place.

What is teething

The life of teeth begins in infancy with teething. This process is physiologically determined and is characterized by the appearance of first milk and then permanent teeth in a baby.

Natural processes, when teeth erupt and then change, are associated with the development of the child’s body and reflect his health, and can also judge the correct development and other indicators.

There are specific terms for the teething process, which are quite individual for each child. On average, the first milk teeth appear at 6-10 months, and then change to permanent molars from 5 to 12 years.

Many factors play a role in when a child’s teeth erupt. First of all, this is a hereditary predisposition and the external environment. It affects the course of pregnancy, birth trauma, the presence of diseases in a woman during pregnancy, as well as other features of perinatal development.

If a child has certain developmental anomalies, the period of teething may increase several times. The mental and physical development of the child in the first year of life has a significant impact on the formation of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.

Through numerous studies, it has been noted that children who are born first in families receive their first milk teeth faster than their brothers and sisters who were born later. The same relationship is observed in young parents.

Science knows cases of children being born with teeth that erupted during fetal development. The causes of such conditions are unknown, however, premature teeth in a child are not fully formed, that is, this is not the norm.

If, after birth, the doctor detects the presence of teeth in a newborn, then they must be removed. This is necessary for several reasons: to avoid injury to the mother’s breast and to ensure that molars appear on time in the future.

When the first teeth appear in babies normally

order and correct appearance of paired dental units. At birth, the child should have no teeth, and the mucous membrane should cover the alveolar process in the form of a dense roller.

But, inside the gums, already at the stage of intrauterine development of the child, the laying of teeth occurs. By the time of birth, under a dense layer of skin there are already about 10 temporary and permanent follicles, which will soon grow into full-fledged milk teeth.

Normally, teething in children starts around 6-8 months . At this time, the crown of the tooth is already formed and the root is developing. The lower central incisors appear first, followed by the upper central incisors. This occurs around 9 months after birth.

Further, as it develops in a year and a half, the upper molars begin to appear, followed by the lower molars. When these teeth appear, the canines on the upper and lower jaws are ready for eruption, which mature by 16-17 months after birth. The process of eruption of all milk teeth units is completed by about two and a half years.

Immediately after the teeth have erupted, they have loose, rough enamel due to a small amount of trace elements. Therefore, for the proper development and further maintenance of a healthy oral cavity and dental units, daily care is necessary. Diet, timely dental care and moderate sugar intake have a great influence.

Children’s teeth have their own structural features and differ significantly from the teeth of an adult. Children have a large volume of the dental cavity and pulp, and less bone tissue. This indicates an increased vulnerability to external environmental factors. In this regard, children are more likely to experience caries and other disorders.

Thus, summing up, it can be determined that by the end of the formation of all milk teeth, their number is 20 units. For a more accurate definition, a dental formula is used, according to which the variable N determines the age in months.

6-10 months – lower central incisors
8-12 months – upper central incisors
9-13 months – upper lateral incisors
10-16 months – lower lateral incisors
13-19 months – upper first molars
14-18 months – lower first molars
16-22 months – upper canines
17-23 months – lower canines
23-31 months – upper second molars
23-31 months – lower second molars

Teething symptoms 9 0003

To understand when a child’s teeth begin to erupt, one should pay attention to the symptoms. It is generally accepted that the first appearance of teeth is necessarily accompanied by a feverish state, fever and whims of the child. This is a stereotypical concept, which is practically not substantiated by anything.

Normally, teething that continues for a sufficient amount of time should not be accompanied by any pathological conditions. According to dentists, the manifestation of symptoms that parents associate with teething are related to diet or the addition of a secondary infection.

At this age, many children are introduced to complementary foods, breastfeeding ends, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are possible. These factors can affect the emotional and physical state of the child. It becomes more susceptible to various pathogens and infections.

In addition, the eruption period can affect the seasonal incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, tonsillitis and other inflammatory processes.

However, teething in young children has its own characteristic manifestations, allowing them to be considered symptoms of this process. They appear a few days before the appearance of the top of the tooth and subside gradually.

The main signs of eruption include:

– swelling and redness of the gums

– hematomas may appear on the gum tissues a few weeks before eruption

– in some cases, bleeding of the gums can be observed

– due to mechanical irritation of the nerve fibers, itching occurs in the gums, which manifests itself in the craving of the child to chew something

– due to constant movement of the jaws, increased salivation is characteristic 37 degrees (if it is not associated with other causes)

– due to increased salivation, regurgitation or vomiting is likely, as well as coughing

– in addition, there is a violation of sleep, appetite, excessive irritability and tearfulness.

Teething disorders and anomalies include various anomalies that imply late or too early eruption, or an incorrect arrangement of dental units. To understand the difference, it is necessary to determine the normal timing of the appearance of teeth:

– The first incisor erupts at about 7 months after birth
– A complete set of incisors, canines and molars is completed by two and a half years
– Molars normally erupt at about 7 years of age. Wisdom teeth appear later than everyone, only by the age of 18, and some people do not have them at all.

The most common developmental disorders and anomalies:
– too early eruption
– problems with the coming out of teeth, in connection with which they appear later than planned
– Curvature of the teeth
– Incomplete emergence of the dental unit
– The so-called impacted teeth, when they are formed, but have not come out through the gum.

Causes of eruption anomalies are of a general and local nature. The general ones include changes that have occurred in the course of natural evolution. The human jaw gradually changed shape, decreased, but the teeth themselves did not change shape. Because of this, there was less and less space for them.

In addition, common factors include diseases of an infectious and endocrine nature, deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances.

Local factors include caries, which quite easily affects the milk teeth of children. In addition, premature loss of a milk tooth also leads to scarring of the gum tissue and, as a result, a violation in further development.

Additional causes are considered: tooth retention in the socket, displacement of the crowns of several adjacent units, germination of one tooth to the root of another, pathological bone deposits or cementomas.

Curvature of the tooth roots, the presence of follicular cysts, benign tumors and the consequences of jaw injuries are also not uncommon. In especially severe cases, dentists observe:
– pericoronitis or inflammation of the gum tissue during eruption
– abscess in the oral cavity, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process and the formation of a purulent cavity
– osteomyelitis – a purulent process with necrotic lesions of bone and soft tissues.

Pericoronitis – accompanied by damage to the oral mucosa. Pathogenic microflora and food remains enter the space where the tooth germ is located. Such an environment becomes the basis for the reproduction of microorganisms and the development of the inflammatory process.

It includes the soft tissues of the gums and, if not properly treated, a chronic infection develops. Weakened immunity and other additional factors aggravate the situation.

The main symptoms of pericoronitis include:
– intoxication syndrome with a sharp increase in body temperature above 38 degrees
– sleep and appetite disturbance
– spastic conditions of the chewing muscles are possible
– the child feels pain during swallowing
– swelling of the soft tissues of the gums, palate is possible.

Abscess in the oral cavity is a rather dangerous complication, in which there is a rise in body temperature up to 40 degrees, loss of appetite and sleep disturbance. In addition, the patient experiences a severe headache, inability to chew, spasm of the jaw muscles and an increase in regional lymph nodes.

What are the stages in violation of teething

In violation of teething, experts distinguish several stages. There are such groups of anomalies as:
– complete delay in the eruption of the tooth, it is called retention
– eruption of the tooth is partially halfway or incomplete retention
– difficulty in cutting the dental unit through the jawbone
– incorrect location of the already erupted tooth.

Another classification according to Shargorodsky implies:
– impacted tooth, when the unit is located in the bone and does not come out in time
– semi-retained tooth, when the unit is only half out of the gum
– a dystopian tooth, when the unit is located outside the boundaries of the arch.

In addition, the stages of violation during eruption can include adentia, when the tooth does not come out due to the death of its germ. This can happen due to various factors during childbearing, past pathologies, addictions, metabolic problems and others.

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In order to exclude possible anomalies during teething in children, if at least one tooth is missing, by the age of one, you should come for a consultation with a doctor. The pediatric dentist will conduct an examination and give recommendations on oral care. Perhaps, additional studies in the form of an orthopantomogram will be needed to assess the condition of the tooth germs.

When teething has already begun, the child’s condition can be alleviated by using this process with additional attention and care. To relieve itching and pain, the doctor may prescribe special drugs to reduce inflammation. The gums are treated with anesthetics, in addition, a solution of sage and chamomile helps a lot.

If parents have noticed that teething is not tolerated by the child, it is better to take care of the availability of medicines in the house in advance so that night pains are not taken by surprise. Recently, teethers have become quite popular. These are special children’s toys made of soft silicone or plastic that can be chewed on and do not injure the soft tissues of the gums.

When one or more teeth have erupted, they require special care. To do this, you need to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist for a preventive visit. The doctor will assess the correct structure of the jaws, analyze the development of the gums and other parts of the oral cavity, and give recommendations for care.

In the future, it is highly advisable to visit the doctor once or twice a year to control the eruption of the remaining teeth of the child and prevent caries. Brushing the first milk teeth should be a mandatory procedure twice a day in the morning and evening.

At first, this is done with a silicone brush, and then, from the age of one, a children’s toothbrush without paste is used. Pasta is added from two to two and a half years. This order provides a good start for the future, when the molars appear. Their health will directly depend on the timely care of milk teeth.

Many parents underestimate the importance of milk teeth, believing that they will fall out anyway, why take care of them. Such negligence can lead to damage to the rudiments of permanent teeth, the development of caries and frequent trips to the dentist.

In addition, milk teeth need constant mineralization, that is, the enrichment of the daily diet with foods that are rich in phosphorus, calcium and vitamins.

How to eat during teething

During active teething in children, it is important to monitor nutrition. It should be carried out according to the regime, but you should not allow force-feeding. Parents should be attentive and adapt to the mood of the baby, but not indulge his whims.

Sufficient liquids are desirable, fruit purees and juices are excluded. They can provoke irritation due to the presence of ascorbic acid in the composition. If possible, it is best to avoid introducing complementary foods when the baby is teething.

An additional stress factor in the form of a new food can provoke indigestion, fever and increased stress on the body. Foods to avoid include biscuits, crackers, sugar, hard foods that can damage the delicate gum tissue.

You can distract the child’s attention with an interesting game, walks in the fresh air. When the first tooth appears and the pain subsides, you can gradually return to the previous diet.

Experts have noticed that children who are breastfed during teething are easier to tolerate this process. The female breast is not only good nutrition for a small child, but also the best help in such a difficult period as the appearance of the first milk teeth.

Therefore, in order for this difficult period to pass as easily as possible for the baby, it is necessary to surround him with care and attention.

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Teething in a child – What is the treatment for teething

Teething is a long-awaited, exciting and at the same time difficult stage of a baby’s development for the whole family. Whims, bad sleep, crying. It is impossible not to understand this behavior, because the child experiences severe discomfort. He cannot independently say what is bothering him, which is why he reacts to it in the same way as to any other stimulus.

Therefore, it will be useful for parents to know what to pay attention to in such a difficult period. Modern pediatric dentistry is very developed, thanks to which moms and dads have all the necessary information on how to help their child.

Which teeth erupt first: 6-7 months

It is generally accepted that the approximate term for the eruption of the very first tooth in an infant is 6-7 months. This can happen both earlier and later, because everything is individual. Usually at the age of 6-7 months, the central lower incisors appear first in a small mouth. This is the kind of cute smile with two central teeth that babies smile in photographs.

During this period, the activity of the baby increases significantly. He can start crawling and exploring the world. Therefore, parents need to closely monitor the child: when the first teeth begin to cut, he will try to pull everything into his mouth to relieve itching.

Upper teeth coming in: 8-12 months

Upper central incisors can be expected around 8 months of age. In a month, the upper lateral incisors will also appear. The lower pair of most babies erupts by 11 months. Normally, by the age of 1, a baby should already have eight teeth.

However, even with normal development, babies may experience delayed eruption in 25% of cases. Quite rarely, this is caused by the absence of the rudiments of milk teeth – adentia. To confirm this diagnosis, the method of radiovisiography is used in a dental clinic.

How the first teeth come out: 13-20 months

At the age of 13-15 months, the upper first molars begin to appear, and after a while the lower ones. Fangs usually erupt by one and a half years. These units most often cause many problems, since their eruption is more painful and can often be complicated by the general malaise of the baby.

The second painters come out at about 20 months of age. At this time, parents can detect the first problems with very small teeth. However, dentists are in a hurry to reassure – even if a child has rather problematic carious milk teeth, this is not a sign that the permanent ones will be the same.

Normally, by the age of 2.5, children should already have a complete set of milk teeth – 10 on each of the jaws.

How many days are the upper teeth cut?

If the child does not have any developmental problems, the eruption of milk teeth can last an average of 2-7 days. The most disturbing symptoms for the baby are usually observed in the first two days.

Sometimes some complications occur in infants:

• Long delay – may be due to certain pathologies, such as adentia, or due to genetic characteristics;
• The appearance of a hematoma (cyst) – for a number of reasons, such as difficult eruption or various pathologies, a hematoma may form over a growing tooth. At first, this is manifested by darkening of the gums, after which a bump forms at the site of the eruption;
• Different order – teeth may not appear in the order described by the norm;
• Enamel hypoplasia – occurs in infants up to 10 months;
• Aphthous stomatitis – the formation of purulent sores on the gums and mucous membranes.

Difficult eruption and any complications during the appearance of the first teeth is a reason to turn to a pediatric dentist.

Cutting the upper fangs – how to help the child

Most often, it is the eruption of fangs that gives the baby the greatest discomfort. To cope with painful sensations, special toys – teethers or teethers – can help him. They both distract the baby and help him cope with itchy gums when you want to put everything in your mouth. Teethers are specially designed so that the child can chew, suck, scratch their gums. Parents should only keep them clean and well disinfected so that the baby does not put an infection in the mouth.

Which teeth appear first

In 2019, American scientists conducted a study that confirmed the relationship between the timing of the appearance of the first teeth and the weight of the baby at birth. It has been found that premature babies experience this later – by 7-8 months. Babies who were premature and born with a lack of body weight, teeth began to erupt 2-6 months later than normal. In children born with overweight, teeth, on the contrary, appeared much earlier.

Which teeth grow first in children?

The first ones are in most cases the lower central incisors. But sometimes it happens that they are ahead of the upper incisors. This is just an individual feature of the body, and not a violation or pathology. The appearance of the first teeth in the upper jaw is always easier due to the more porous structure of the bone tissue.

Babies develop teeth in pairs. If one lower central incisor has erupted, a second one should soon be expected. This sequence is determined by nature on the basis of which of the teeth a child needs at a particular stage of development.

The lower and upper incisors are the first in the dentition. Then the upper lateral incisors come into play – they are often ahead of the lower pair. After that, chewing teeth, the so-called first molars, gradually begin to come out. The fangs erupt later. Only by the age of 2-3 years does the child complete the formation of milk teeth on both jaws.

How long does it take for a child to get their first teeth?

There are many reasons that can affect the time that teeth will be cut. This process affects the entire body of the child and proceeds under the influence of neurohumoral factors. How many teeth will be cut can be influenced by:

• Heredity;
• Genetic features of the organism;
• Weight at birth;
• Preterm;
• Features of the mother’s diet during pregnancy and lactation;
• Mother’s bad habits during pregnancy and lactation.

Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly how many teeth will be cut, it all depends on the listed factors.

Teething symptoms

The initial symptoms that the baby will soon acquire teeth will be:

• sleep disturbance day and night;
• profuse salivation;
• anxiety and tearfulness;
• fever;
• the appearance of foci of inflammation on the gums;
• the appearance of irritation or rash around the lips;
• Diarrhea, cough and runny nose may occasionally occur.

All or only a few of these symptoms are characteristic of the period when teething begins. It can be noted that such symptoms are not specific and may occur due to various diseases. If the baby’s body temperature is above 38 degrees and his condition does not improve for 3 days, you should contact your pediatrician. Thinking that the baby is teething, you can miss a viral or infectious disease.

How gums swell when teething

When a baby is teething, gums swell. They swell, redden, there is a strong sensitivity and soreness. Small holes appear on the surface of the gums, from where teeth will appear, which can be very itchy.

To get rid of itching, babies begin to drag improvised objects into their mouths. It is important to prevent injury to the holes, as this can lead to various violations or make eruption difficult.

What does the gum look like when it erupts?

Many parents note that the day before their child has a new tooth, the gum in this place becomes thinner and acquires a whitish tint. The normal condition will be the presence of redness and swelling.

Gum Disease Help

This process takes more than one day and can take a whole week or even longer. Therefore, parents should first prepare to ensure that there are tools in the home medicine cabinet that will help ease the discomfort of the baby. Things to watch out for:

• If the child does not have a fever, but the gums are inflamed and itchy, dental gel will come to the rescue. Such funds can be found in any pharmacy, for example, Kamistad Gel. They contain anesthetics and cooling components that help relieve itching and pain. Such gels can be used up to 5-6 times a day – for this, a small amount of the product should be carefully applied to the sore spot and rubbed gently;
• If teething occurs with an increase in body temperature, children’s antipyretics based on paracetamol or ibuprofen (eg, Panadol, Nurofen, etc.) will help the child.