When do babies typically begin teething. What are the common signs of teething in infants. How can parents ease teething discomfort. What is the usual timeline for baby teeth eruption. Which teething remedies should be avoided. When should parents consult a doctor about teething.

The Baby Teething Process: An Overview

Teething is a natural developmental stage that all infants go through as their primary teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, emerge through the gums. This process typically begins around 6 months of age, though the exact timing can vary significantly from one child to another. Understanding the teething process can help parents better prepare for and manage this important milestone in their baby’s life.

Did you know that newborns are born with a full set of 20 baby teeth hidden beneath their gums? These teeth gradually emerge over the course of the first few years of life, starting with the front teeth and progressing to the back molars. While teething can cause discomfort for some babies, it’s important to remember that it’s a normal and necessary part of their growth and development.

Teething Timeline: When Do Baby Teeth Typically Appear?

While every baby is unique and may follow a slightly different teething schedule, the American Dental Association (ADA) provides a general timeline for when different teeth typically emerge:

• 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 this timeline is just a general guide. Some babies may start teething earlier or later, and the order in which teeth appear can vary. If you’re concerned about your baby’s teething progress, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist.

Is it normal for babies to start teething later?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for some babies to start teething later than others. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there’s usually no cause for concern if a baby doesn’t show signs of teething by 6 or 7 months of age. Every child develops at their own pace, and delayed teething doesn’t necessarily indicate any developmental issues.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Teething

Recognizing the signs of teething can help parents better understand and respond to their baby’s needs during this time. While some babies sail through teething with minimal discomfort, others may experience more noticeable symptoms. Here are some common signs that your baby might be teething:

• Increased irritability and fussiness
• More frequent crying
• Excessive drooling
• Rash around the mouth, neck, or chest (often caused by drooling)
• Gnawing or biting on objects
• Rubbing or pulling at cheeks and ears
• Slight increase in body temperature (not a true fever)

It’s important to note that teething doesn’t typically cause high fevers, diarrhea, or significant changes in eating habits. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician as they may be signs of an unrelated illness.

Can teething cause sleep disturbances in babies?

Yes, teething can sometimes disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. The discomfort associated with emerging teeth may cause some babies to wake more frequently during the night or have trouble falling asleep. However, it’s important to maintain consistent sleep routines as much as possible, even during teething periods, to help your baby get the rest they need.

Effective Teething Relief Strategies for Parents

While teething is a natural process, there are several ways parents can help ease their baby’s discomfort and make the experience more manageable. Here are some safe and effective strategies to provide teething relief:

1. Offer a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or washcloth for your baby to chew on.
2. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger for a few minutes at a time.
3. Provide safe, age-appropriate teething toys for your baby to gnaw on.
4. Apply a barrier cream or moisturizing ointment to protect your baby’s skin from drool-induced rashes.
5. Offer extra comfort and cuddles during this potentially challenging time.
6. For babies over 6 months, consider offering cold foods like chilled (not frozen) fruit purees or yogurt to soothe sore gums.
7. If necessary, ask your pediatrician about appropriate pain relief medications suitable for infants.

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the most effective teething relief strategies for your little one.

Are teething necklaces safe for babies?

No, teething necklaces are not considered safe for babies. Despite their popularity, these necklaces pose significant choking and strangulation hazards. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA advise against using teething necklaces or any jewelry for infant teething relief due to these serious safety concerns.

Teething Remedies to Avoid: Keeping Your Baby Safe

While there are many safe ways to help ease teething discomfort, it’s equally important for parents to be aware of potentially dangerous remedies that should be avoided. Here are some teething treatments that experts advise against:

• Freezable teething rings: These can become too hard when frozen and may harm your baby’s gums.
• Topical pain relievers: Gels or creams applied to the gums can be harmful if swallowed in large quantities.
• Benzocaine-containing products: The FDA warns against using over-the-counter oral medications containing benzocaine (such as Orajel) in children under 2 years old due to potential side effects.
• Teething tablets containing belladonna: The FDA has issued warnings about teething products containing extracts from the Atropa belladonna plant, as they may contain potentially toxic levels of this substance.
• Amber teething necklaces: These pose a choking hazard and have not been proven effective for teething relief.

Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication or remedy for teething relief, and prioritize your baby’s safety above all else.

Why are some popular teething remedies considered unsafe?

Many popular teething remedies are considered unsafe due to potential risks that outweigh any perceived benefits. For example, teething necklaces pose strangulation and choking hazards, while some topical gels can lead to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia if too much is swallowed. The FDA and other health authorities continuously evaluate these products and issue warnings based on scientific evidence to protect infants’ health and safety.

Dental Care for Teething Babies: Starting Good Habits Early

Teething marks the beginning of your child’s dental journey, making it an ideal time to start establishing good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tips for caring for your baby’s emerging teeth:

1. Start cleaning your baby’s gums before teeth appear using a soft, damp cloth or infant toothbrush.
2. Once teeth emerge, brush them twice daily with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
3. Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing.
4. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to tooth decay.
5. Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to cavities.

Remember, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s development, affecting their ability to eat, speak, and eventually guiding the placement of permanent teeth. Taking good care of these primary teeth sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

How often should parents brush their baby’s teeth?

Parents should brush their baby’s teeth twice a day, just like adults. Start this routine as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for children under 3). As your child grows, you can gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized dollop for children 3-6 years old.

When to Consult a Doctor About Teething

While teething is generally a normal process that can be managed at home, there are times when it’s appropriate to seek medical advice. Here are some situations when you should consult your pediatrician:

• If your baby develops a fever over 101째F (38.3째C) during teething
• If teething seems to be causing severe pain or distress
• If your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
• If you notice any signs of infection in the gums, such as swelling, redness, or pus
• If your baby hasn’t started teething by 18 months of age
• If you have concerns about the order or appearance of your baby’s teeth

Remember, while teething can cause some discomfort, it shouldn’t make your baby severely ill. If you’re ever in doubt about your baby’s health during teething, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

Can teething cause high fevers in babies?

No, teething typically does not cause high fevers in babies. While some babies may experience a slight increase in body temperature during teething, a true fever (temperature over 100.4째F or 38째C) is not a normal symptom of teething. If your baby develops a high fever, it’s more likely due to an unrelated illness, and you should consult with your pediatrician.

Teething and Your Baby’s Development: What to Expect

Teething is just one aspect of your baby’s overall development during their first few years of life. Understanding how teething fits into this bigger picture can help parents navigate this stage with confidence. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Teething often coincides with other developmental milestones, such as increased mobility and curiosity about the environment.
• The emergence of teeth allows babies to start exploring new textures and foods, supporting their transition to solid foods.
• Teething can temporarily affect sleep patterns and mood, but these changes are usually short-lived.
• Every baby’s teething experience is unique, and comparing your child to others is not always helpful.
• Teething is a sign that your baby’s body is developing as it should, even if it causes temporary discomfort.

Remember that while teething is an important milestone, it’s just one part of your baby’s growth journey. Continuing to provide a nurturing, supportive environment is crucial for your baby’s overall development during this time.

Does teething affect a baby’s appetite?

Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s appetite temporarily. Some babies may eat less when they’re experiencing teething discomfort, while others might want to nurse or bottle-feed more frequently for comfort. As long as your baby is staying hydrated and generally eating well, minor fluctuations in appetite during teething are usually not a cause for concern. However, if your baby consistently refuses food or shows signs of dehydration, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician.

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

Flo Fact-Checking Standards

Every piece of content at Flo Health adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles.

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.

0035

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

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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.