On average when do babies start teething. When Do Babies Start Teething? A Comprehensive Guide to Timeline, Signs, and Relief
When do babies typically begin teething. What are the common signs of teething in infants. How can parents help alleviate teething discomfort. What is the usual timeline for baby tooth eruption. Which teeth tend to emerge first in babies. Are there any dangerous teething remedies to avoid.
The Teething Process: What Parents Need to Know
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first set of teeth. This process typically begins around 6-8 months of age, although the exact timing can vary from one child to another. Understanding the teething process can help parents better prepare for and manage this sometimes challenging phase of infancy.
What is teething?
Teething refers to the process where a baby’s teeth break through the gums. Newborns are born with 20 baby teeth hidden beneath their gumline. As these teeth begin to emerge, it can cause discomfort and various symptoms in infants.
Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline: When to Expect Each Tooth
While every baby is unique, there is a general timeline for tooth eruption provided by the American Dental Association (ADA). This timeline can serve as a helpful guide for parents:
- Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth): 6–10 months
- Upper central incisors (top front teeth): 8–12 months
- Upper lateral incisors: 9–13 months
- Lower lateral incisors: 10–16 months
- Upper first molars: 13–19 months
- Lower first molars: 14–18 months
- Upper canines: 16–22 months
- Lower canines: 17–23 months
- Lower second molars: 23–31 months
- Upper second molars: 25–33 months
It’s important to note that if there are no signs of teeth by 6 or 7 months, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should see a dentist by their first birthday, regardless of whether teeth have appeared.
Recognizing the Signs of Teething in Infants
Teething can be an uncomfortable process for babies, and they may exhibit various signs and symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help parents provide appropriate comfort and care. Common indicators of teething include:
- Increased irritability and crying
- Excessive drooling
- Rash around the mouth, neck, or chest (caused by drooling)
- Gnawing or biting on objects
- Cheek rubbing
- Ear pulling
- Slight elevation in temperature (but not a true fever)
It’s crucial to distinguish between teething symptoms and those of other conditions. Around 6 months of age, when teething often begins, babies’ immune systems are developing, and they may start experiencing colds and other viral illnesses. Parents should be cautious not to attribute all symptoms to teething and consult a healthcare provider if they have concerns.
Effective Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
While teething can be uncomfortable for infants, there are several strategies parents can employ to ease their baby’s discomfort:
- Provide a rubber teething ring for biting and chewing
- Gently rub the baby’s gums for a few minutes at a time
- Apply a barrier cream or moisturizing ointment to the cheeks to prevent rash
- Keep the area around the mouth, cheeks, and neck clean and dry
- Offer extra comfort and holding time
- Consider using a safe dosage of infant-appropriate pain medication
Dangerous Teething Remedies to Avoid
While parents naturally want to alleviate their baby’s discomfort, it’s crucial to be aware of potentially harmful teething remedies. The following should be avoided:
- Freezable teething rings: These can become too hard and may hurt the baby’s gums
- Topical pain relievers: Creams or gels applied to the gums can be harmful if swallowed in excess
- Products containing benzocaine: These can cause side effects and should be avoided
- Teething tablets with belladonna: The FDA has warned against these due to potential toxicity
Parents should always prioritize safe, pediatrician-approved methods for teething relief.
The Importance of Early Dental Care for Babies
Establishing good oral hygiene habits early is crucial for a child’s long-term dental health. Baby teeth play a vital role in a child’s development, affecting their ability to eat, speak, and eventually guide the proper placement of permanent teeth.
Why are routine dental checkups important for babies?
Baby teeth have thinner enamel compared to adult teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Regular dental checkups, starting from the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing, can help identify and prevent potential issues early on.
How can parents care for baby teeth?
Parents can start caring for their baby’s oral health even before the first tooth appears. Gently wiping the gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings can help remove bacteria. Once teeth emerge, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to clean the teeth twice daily.
Common Misconceptions About Teething
There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding teething that can confuse parents. Let’s address some of these:
Does teething cause fever?
While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it does not typically cause a true fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C). If a baby has a fever, it’s more likely due to an unrelated illness.
Are amber teething necklaces effective?
There is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of amber teething necklaces. Moreover, they pose a choking hazard and should be avoided.
Should teething babies avoid solid foods?
Teething doesn’t necessarily mean babies should avoid solid foods. In fact, some babies may find relief from gnawing on cold, firm foods like chilled cucumber or carrot sticks (under close supervision to prevent choking).
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider About Teething
While teething is a normal process that rarely requires medical intervention, there are instances when parents should seek professional advice:
- If the baby has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- If teething seems to be causing severe pain or distress
- If there are no signs of teeth by 12 months of age
- If teeth appear discolored or show signs of decay
- If the baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
Remember, every baby is unique, and what’s normal for one may not be for another. Trust your instincts as a parent and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or dentist with any concerns.
Preparing for the Teething Journey: Tips for Parents
As your baby approaches the teething stage, being prepared can help make the process smoother for both you and your little one. Here are some tips to help you navigate this developmental milestone:
Create a teething toolkit
Assemble a collection of safe teething toys, clean washcloths, and infant pain relievers (if approved by your pediatrician). Having these items on hand can help you respond quickly to your baby’s discomfort.
Establish a consistent oral care routine
Start cleaning your baby’s gums before teeth appear, and transition to brushing as soon as the first tooth emerges. This helps your baby get accustomed to oral care and sets the foundation for good dental hygiene habits.
Be patient and flexible
Teething can disrupt sleep patterns and feeding schedules. Be prepared to adjust your routine and offer extra comfort during this time. Remember, this phase is temporary, and your patience will help your baby through it.
Stay informed
Keep up-to-date with current recommendations for teething relief and dental care. Pediatric guidelines may change, so regularly check reliable sources for the most current advice.
By understanding the teething process, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to provide safe relief, parents can help their babies navigate this important developmental stage with minimal discomfort. Remember, every child’s teething experience is unique, so what works for one baby may not work for another. With patience, care, and attention to your baby’s needs, you can make the teething journey a more comfortable experience for your little one.
When do babies start teething? Timeline, signs, and more
Newborns typically have 20 baby teeth concealed below the gumline. Teething is the process of these teeth erupting through the gums.
Teething usually begins about halfway through the first year of life. Different teeth erupt at different rates, with the front teeth tending to emerge first.
During teething, a baby may feel pain and discomfort, and they can show this in various ways.
In this article, we give a general timeline for the eruption of baby teeth. We also describe signs of teething and provide tips on easing any pain and discomfort.
Share on PinterestGnawing or biting on objects can be a sign that a baby is starting teething.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), baby teeth tend to appear within the first 6–8 months of life.
The first teeth to erupt are usually the front teeth at the top or bottom of the mouth. Dentists refer to these teeth as the incisors. The rate and order in which the other teeth appear can differ from one baby to another.
The ADA provide the following timeline of the usual ages at which baby teeth emerge:
- lower central incisors (the bottom front two teeth): 6–10 months
- upper central incisors (the top front two teeth): 8–12 months
- upper lateral incisors (at either side of the central incisors): 9–13 months
- lower lateral incisors (at either side of the central incisors): 10–16 months
- upper first molars (behind the upper canines): 13–19 months
- lower first molars (behind the lower canines): 14–18 months
- upper canines: 16–22 months
- lower canines: 17–23 months
- lower second molars: 23–31 months
- upper second molars: 25–33 months
If there is no sign of any teeth appearing at about 6 or 7 months of age, this is usually no cause for concern, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
By the baby’s first birthday, they should see a dentist, whether or not they have teeth yet.
The enamel coating on baby teeth is thinner than that on adult teeth, and so it is more prone to cavities. For this reason, routine dental checkups are important for babies.
There are several indications that a baby is teething, including:
- increased irritability
- increased crying
- drooling
- a rash around the mouth, neck, or chest, caused by drooling
- gnawing or biting on objects
- cheek rubbing
- ear pulling
- a slight elevation in temperature, but not a fever
At about 6 months of age, when teething usually begins, a baby’s immune system is starting to develop, and the antibodies received from the placenta are wearing off. During this time, babies start developing colds and other viral illnesses.
It can be easy to mistake symptoms of a minor cold — such as a fever, a runny nose, fussiness, or poor appetite — for symptoms of teething.
Also, many babies put things in their mouths, drool more, and bite or chew on objects when they are this age, whether or not they are teething.
A parent or caregiver can take some steps to ease discomfort during teething and prevent issues such as a rash developing on the face or neck.
A person might try:
- providing a rubber teething ring to satisfy the urge to bite or chew
- rubbing the gums for a few minutes at a time to help prevent cheek-rubbing and ear-pulling
- applying a barrier cream or moisturizing ointment to the cheeks to help prevent a rash
- keeping the area around the mouth, cheeks, and neck as clean and dry as possible to prevent skin irritation
- spending more time comforting the baby, for example by holding them for longer periods during the day
- providing a safe dosage of a pain medication suitable for infants
Some approaches to teething can be dangerous for babies. Parents and caregivers should avoid:
Freezable teething rings
These tend to become very hard in the freezer and can hurt a baby’s gums, causing more harm than good in the long term.
Topical pain relievers
People should avoid using topical pain relief medications, such as creams or gels, on infants’ gums.
These can be harmful if a parent or caregiver accidentally applies too much or the baby swallows an excessive amount.
It is especially important to avoid gels containing benzocaine, such as Orajel products, because the medication can cause side effects.
Products containing belladonna
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned people against using teething tablets that contain extracts of the Atropa belladonna plant, commonly called belladonna.
Their investigations indicate that some of these products contain potentially toxic levels of belladonna.
The FDA have received reports of babies experiencing serious health issues after taking teething products that contain belladonna.
In most cases, a baby will not need to see a doctor because of teething. Home care can often provide relief from pain and discomfort.
However, a parent or caregiver should contact a doctor anytime an infant has a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C), with or without additional symptoms. It could indicate that the baby has an infection.
During teething, a baby may pass looser stools. However, if a parent or caregiver believes that a baby has diarrhea, they should contact a doctor. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially if it is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by vomiting.
A baby should visit a dentist by their first birthday, whether or not their teeth have started to come through. Also, routine dental care is important to prevent cavities in baby teeth.
Teething typically begins around 6 months of age. Some signs include irritability, drooling, and gnawing on objects, though not all babies experience the pain or discomfort that causes these behaviors.
A parent or caregiver can typically treat any associated discomfort at home. However, contact a doctor if an infant develops a fever, diarrhea, or other common cold or flu symptoms.
Even if their teeth have yet to appear, a baby should receive a dental checkup by their first birthday.
When Do Babies Start Teething, and How Long Does It Last?
Updated
14 April 2020
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Published
12 August 2019
Fact Checked
Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist
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Teething is a major milestone for a baby, and many new parents ask the questions, “When do babies start teething?” and “How long does teething last?” Because all babies are different, there’s no one answer, but most infants follow a similar teething pattern. Knowing the general time frame for teething helps parents keep babies comfortable during the process.
For most babies, teething begins between 5 and 8 months of age. Some, of course, begin a few weeks or months earlier, while others start teething much later. Early teethers might start sprouting the first tooth at 3 months, while late teethers may not begin until 10 months or so.
The answer to “When do babies start teething?” might also depend on genetics, as the age teething starts seems to run in families. Siblings or parents who were early or late teethers may give a clue as to when teething might begin for a particular baby. In addition, babies born prematurely may start teething later than the average for their age.
Parents sometimes notice symptoms of teething before they actually see teeth poking through the gums. Teething symptoms may show up a few days before the tooth appears. Some common symptoms of teething include:
- Drooling
- Restless sleep
- Fussiness that comes and goes instead of being continual
- Refusal to eat
- Chewing on the hands or other objects
- A mild rash around the mouth caused by drool
- Rubbing the ears or cheeks when the molars are erupting
Babies who are teething don’t typically have a fever, diarrhea, coughing, vomiting, rashes on the body, or excess fussiness for long periods of time. Parents shouldn’t consider these signs an indication that the teeth are coming in. Some babies might have a mild fever when teething starts, but it won’t be above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Any fever that high indicates another illness.
Not all babies have symptoms during teething. Some infants breeze through the process without becoming fussy at all. Most have at least a small amount of crankiness or exhibit chewing behaviors associated with teething, though. You might also be able to see swelling or a slight blister that appears on the gums before the tooth actually pops through.
Because the earliest symptoms of teething can be subtle, new moms who are distracted by other concerns or moms with insomnia might not notice until the teeth appear. Knowing the timeline for typical tooth eruption helps you know when to expect teething symptoms to appear.
Once those first teeth start breaking through the gums, the entire teething process lasts about 1.5 years. The baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, tend to come out in pairs, starting when the infant is around 6 months old and continuing until the child is around 24 months old.
Most babies get their two bottom middle teeth first, then the matching top two teeth a couple of months later. Some babies have their own patterns, though, so it’s perfectly normal if your infant already has three or four teeth at the top or bottom before the others start coming in. If you don’t see any teeth at all by the age of about 15 months, check with your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric dentist to make sure no problems exist.
The baby teething chart below can help you anticipate which teeth are coming in next.
- 6 months: lower central incisors
- 8 months: upper central incisors
- 10 months: upper and lower lateral incisors
- 14 months: first molars
- 18 months: canine teeth
- Between 20 and 30 months: second molars
Knowing the answer to the question “When do babies start teething?” gives you a head start on helping your infant get through the process smoothly. The process itself can be stressful, though.
When your baby is young, there are a lot of things demanding your attention. Issues such as postpartum depression can make it difficult to pay attention to subtle signs of teething or other physical baby milestones. You might be preoccupied with weight loss after pregnancy or dealing with postpartum birth control. Having a clear idea of how to help your child gives you a plan of action to deal with teething.
Taking care of yourself is the first step to helping your child get through teething. Moms and dads with postpartum depression or excess stress after the birth might also feel overwhelmed by the fussiness of teething. Just remember that your baby is feeling uncomfortable and that any fussiness is simply their way of letting you know. It might also help to know that babies often adapt to teething after the first few teeth are out and may not be as fussy for later teeth.
Your baby is likely to try putting objects in their mouth to ease the pain and discomfort of teething. Pressure on the gums relieves the soreness. You can press gently on your child’s gums to help.
Providing teething rings or a small towel gives your baby something safe to chew on. You can chill these objects beforehand to make them feel even better on your baby’s sensitive gums. The cold has a numbing effect that reduces pain. Be careful not to leave ice or frozen objects on your baby’s gums for too long because this could cause tissue damage. Slightly chilled teething rings are better than frozen ones.
If your teething infant is refusing food because of the discomfort, you might try different bottle nipples to see if any are more comfortable. Distractions can also help during teething. Your child might want extra cuddling sessions or might want to breastfeed more often during teething as a way to self-comfort.
Medicines aren’t generally recommended for teething. Oral medications with benzocaine, including rub-on gels, could be dangerous for babies. If your baby is experiencing a lot of pain during teething, your doctor might recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the infant is over 6 months old.
Don’t use alcohol on a baby’s gums to ease teething pain, and avoid feeding your child hard or frozen objects, such as hard crackers or frozen banana chunks, during teething. These hard foods could break apart and become a choking hazard.
Now that you know the answer to the question “When do babies start teething?” you are prepared for this exciting milestone. Soon, your infant can start exploring foods that weren’t possible before their teeth came in.
References
https://www.parenting.com/article/guide-teething-symptoms
History of updates
Current version
(14 April 2020)
Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist
Published
(24 July 2019)
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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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When teething begins: how to understand and how to help a baby
Tiunova Elena
Published: 07/06/2023
Reading time: 3 minutes
5615
When teething starts
There is no exact answer at what time a child’s teeth are cut – the timing is individual. However, you can focus on the average, standard eruption approved by WHO:
- lower incisors appear at 6–7 months;
- upper at 7–8 months;
- upper lateral incisors at 8–9 months;
- lower – closer to the year.
According to the standard, a one-year-old child must have eight milk teeth.
From a year to a year and a half, a child acquires larger teeth – upper and lower molars, and from fifteen to twenty months – upper canines, which are also called “eye”. The fact is that the optic nerve passes next to them, so these teeth are often given to a child more difficult than others. Irritation of the nerve causes severe pain, and sometimes also lacrimation.
Understanding that the first teeth are being cut can be difficult even for a doctor. After all, this process is often accompanied by fever, changes in stool and mood, refusal to eat.
Formation of the dentition
The article tells how to understand that a child is teething, and about the means of helping him with pain and inflammation of the gums. But first, a few words about the process of forming the dentition.
All teeth are placed during the fifth month of fetal development. They are in a “frozen” state and begin to grow just before eruption. So if a child has no teeth by 9-12 months, x-ray is prescribed – a study that allows you to evaluate their bookmark and location.
What affects the timing of teething
The processes in the body are individual, including the timing. The age of appearance of the first teeth is determined by a number of factors:
- Heredity.
- Prenatal period and negative factors affecting the fetus (for example, taking certain drugs by a pregnant woman).
- Nutrition of the expectant mother during the period of expectation of a baby and breastfeeding.
Introduction of complementary foods, etc.
Teething symptoms
- may have slight fever;
- restlessness – the child becomes capricious, does not sleep well, often wakes up at night;
- decreased appetite;
- profuse salivation and, as a result, redness of the skin around the mouth;
- swelling and redness at the site of teething, possible formation of hematomas on the gingival mucosa;
- increased need for baby to chew on something: pacifier, toys, fingers.
There are children in whom the appearance of teeth occurs asymptomatically and even unnoticed by the parents.