Best Baby Teething Toys 2021

Teething is an exciting milestone for your baby, but it can also be a difficult and painful one. While it’s thrilling that your little one is developing her own beautiful set of pearly whites, many babies also experience pain and fussiness when they start teething.

Most babies get their first tooth around the 6 month mark, although the age range can vary by a few months. What’s more, teething symptoms — such as drooling, biting, crying, coughing, refusing to eat, night waking, ear pulling, cheek rubbing and generally being irritable — can actually start occuring a few months before baby’s first tooth appears (typically between 4 and 7 months).

So when this glorious but challenging milestone rolls around, what are the best ways to help ease your baby’s teething pain? Enter: teething toys.

What are baby teething toys?

In addition to gently rubbing baby’s gums (with clean hands!) or giving her something cold to chew (many parents rely on a frozen wet washcloth or a sippy of cool water in a pinch), you may want to try giving baby teething toys.

Also called teethers, teething toys offer babies with sore gums something safe to chew on. This is helpful, because the gumming action offers counter pressure to baby’s brand-new teeth that can be soothing and help alleviate pain.

Choosing the best teething toys for your baby

Teething toys come in a range of different materials and styles, and there are more innovative designs than ever. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for baby teethers:

• Type. Teething rings are classic, but these days you can also find different types of teethers, from teething toothbrushes to teethers that look like blankets or small toys.
• Material and texture. Babies will happily chomp on anything they can get their hands on when teething, but they may be drawn to certain materials or textures over others. Some babies like soft, pliable materials (like silicone or cloth), while others prefer harder materials (such as wood). Bumpy textures may also help offer added relief.
• Avoid amber teething necklaces. Teething necklaces and beads are unsafe, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), since they can become a choking or strangulation hazard.
• Look out for mold. Mold thrives in damp environments, so teethers — which are constantly in your baby’s mouth! — can be particularly susceptible. Make sure that you choose teething toys that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

When choosing teething relief products for your little one, be sure to also avoid topical products that contain the gum-numbing ingredient benzocaine, which can have rare, but life-threatening side effects. Homeopathic or “natural” teething products that contain belladonna are also unsafe, according to the FDA.

Types of teething toys

Teething toys can generally be broken down into the following categories:

• Teething rings. These circular teethers are a more classic style of teething toy. The AAP recommends parents opt for solid teething rings and avoid liquid-filled options.
• Teething toothbrushes. These teethers have nubbins and a handle to resemble a toothbrush.
• Teething toys. Teething toys look like animals or other fun objects that baby can gnaw on.
• Teething blankets. These teething toys look like blankets or scarves, but are designed to be chewed.

How we made our picks for the best teething toys

There are a few factors that went into picking the best teething toys: The What to Expect editorial team conducted research on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use of the best teething toys. We also got input from pediatricians on what’s safe/recommended, and compared that against the products that real parents in the What to Expect Community love. Plus, What to Expect staff and contributors even road-tested some teething toys at home with our own families.

Here, our picks for the best baby teething toys.

Signs Your Baby Is Teething & How to Soothe Them

When you picture the first year of your baby’s life, you probably imagine plenty of smiles, snuggles, milestones and more. And then teething starts. When your child is teething, they can quickly change from a smiling, happy baby into a drooling, cranky mess — all because of that little white tooth trying to break through their ultra-sensitive gums. 

On average, babies will get their first tooth around 6 months of age, but there’s no specific age babies start teething. Some babies may start feeling the pain and discomfort of teething as early as 3 months. Others may not get their first tooth until closer to their first birthday.

First Signs of Teething

Each child is different, so their responses to the teething phase may vary. If you’re wondering “is my baby teething,” there are a few symptoms to look out for: 

1. Crying and Irritability

One of the most common signs your baby is teething is a noticeable change in their mood. Even the happiest baby may suddenly become irritable. Your little one may cry more frequently or become easily agitated. Typically, this mood shift will be more pronounced in the weeks leading up to the appearance of their first tooth and gradually improve with other subsequent teeth. You may notice they become increasingly irritated again when their molars begin to appear during their second year. 

2. Excessive Drooling

Another common sign of teething is excessive drooling. In some babies, this can start as early as 10 weeks of age and continue throughout the teething process. When a baby is drooling due to teething, it’s common for them to soak through their shirt (or their parent’s shirt) within a short period. No baby or parent wants to spend the day in damp clothing, so many parents use bibs to keep clothing dry throughout the day. Excessive drooling can also cause a rash on the skin around your baby’s neck, chin and mouth. 

3. Biting

One of the first signs of teething is an increased interest in biting. The pressure the pain creates from a soon-to-erupt tooth can be relieved by applying counterpressure. Instinctively, teething babies will look for things to bite down on to get that counterpressure and relieve their discomfort. You may notice your little one biting anything they can get their hands on. For older babies who already have a couple of teeth, this can be especially painful if they try to bite while nursing. 

4. Changes to Eating and Sleeping Routines

Teething is a 24/7 endeavor, which means it impacts all areas of a baby’s life. A child who is teething may struggle to nurse or drink from a bottle, as sucking may be painful to teething gums. If they’re older, they may refuse solid foods they loved just days before. The pain of teething can also disrupt sleep. Even babies who slept through the night prior to teething may suddenly be more wakeful during the night. 

5. Cheek Rubbing and Ear Pulling

A teething baby may pull on their ears or rub their cheeks during the teething process. The ears, gums and cheeks all share the same nerve pathways. That means pain in the jaws from teething may be felt in the cheeks and ears too. These sensations are especially pronounced in babies who are cutting new molars. Because this particular symptom of teething can also be a symptom of an ear infection, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician if it continues for more than a few days — especially if it’s accompanied by other cold or flu-like symptoms like congestion and fever. 

Teething Timeline

Your child’s teeth begin developing while they are still in utero, but they won’t cut through the gumline until several months after they are born. The teething age range varies from baby to baby, but in general, you can expect teething to proceed in this manner:

3 Months-6 Months: Signs That Teething Is Happening

Many parents find their babies begin drooling a lot and showing signs of discomfort as early as 3 months after birth. But that doesn’t mean a tooth is about to arrive. In fact, some babies can display signs of early teething and gum sensitivity for several months before a tooth actually appears. During this time, It’s important to focus on managing your baby’s pain and discomfort while you wait for the tooth to erupt. 

6 Months-12 Months: The First Tooth

On average, a child will cut their first tooth around 6 months of age, but it’s important to remember that number is an average. Some children get teeth sooner than that, and other children get their first tooth much later. Whatever their age when their first tooth appears, you can expect the first tooth to arrive will be one of the bottom front teeth. Once your baby has cut their bottom incisors, the next teeth to appear will be their four top teeth.

12 Months: The Molars Appear

Around your baby’s first birthday, you’ll likely notice signs that molars are making their way through the gums. Molars can also be very painful, so parents may notice their baby reverts back to some of their earlier teething symptoms, such as excessive drooling and irritability. Canines — the pointy teeth between incisors and molars, will also appear around this time. 

12 Months-24 Months: The Teething Process Winds Down

During your baby’s second year, the teething process will primarily involve molars. Young children have two sets of molars, so once the first set appears around age 1, it’s time for the second set to make their way through as they approach age 2. Molars tend to be painful because of the broad flat surface breaking through the gums. As with earlier teeth, managing the discomfort is key to getting your baby through this uncomfortable time.

How to Soothe Your Teething Baby

Watching your baby struggle with the discomfort of teething is no fun, but there are some simple things you can do to help ease discomfort: 

1. Keep Your Baby’s Face and Mouth Dry

All that drool coming from your baby’s mouth has to go somewhere. If you leave it on those chubby cheeks and cute outfits, there’s a good chance your baby will develop skin irritation. If you don’t want to change their clothes often, invest in teething bibs. These bibs can catch the drool and are easy to remove and replace throughout the day. Skin products such as Vaseline and Aquaphor can also be used on their skin to create a moisture barrier and prevent irritation.

2. Utilize Teething Rings and Toys

Teething rings are designed to apply counterpressure that reduces the painful pressure in a baby’s gums. Keep a clean supply of these rings around the house and in the diaper bag so you can soothe your baby at home and on the go. Products that can be put in the freezer are even better — the cold numbs their sore gums and provides some additional relief. 

3. Consult a Pediatrician

Your child’s pediatrician can be a great resource for how to soothe your baby during teething. They can advise you on the best way to use over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and non-medicated teething products designed to relieve pain and discomfort.  

Trust Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Quality Pediatric Dental Care

The American Dental Association recommends a child has their first dental checkup 6 months after their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn 1 — whichever comes first. An early pattern of dental checkups can help ensure your child’s teeth are developing correctly and prevent dental problems later in life. At Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, you’ll find a team of experienced dental professionals committed to taking care of your child’s teeth and gums every step of the way. 

Call today to schedule your child’s first pediatric dentist appointment.

Dr. Dana grew up in Portland, and went to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for dental school. She then moved to Anchorage, AK for her residency in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Dana takes a holistic approach to pediatric dentistry & is able to use her own parenting experience to sympathize and understand each family’s unique dynamic.

4 Pediatrician-Approved Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby – Cleveland Clinic

You finally
got your baby’s sleep
routine
on lock. So when you tiptoe out of your sleeping infant’s nursery, you
foolishly think you’re home free.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Think
again! Your baby’s cutting
a tooth,
and there’s seemingly nothing you can do about it.

“You’re spared the first one to three months, but after that, the teeth just keep on coming,” says pediatrician Ei Ye Mon, MD.

If you find yourself in the teething zone — which occurs anywhere between 4 months old and around 2 years old — you don’t have to be stuck there. Dr. Ye Mon gives her best teething remedies so you and your baby can live your best life, one tooth at a time.

Signs your baby is teething

All babies are different. So are their teething symptoms. Some will give no signs a new tooth is about to poke through. Others may show one or more of these symptoms:

1. Irritability. Fussy, cranky – whatever you call it, they are simply not themselves. Giggles have been replaced by whines and screams. They’re clingier than usual.
2. Drooling. Is that a Great Dane or your baby? Pack extra bibs!
3. Red and swollen gums. Open baby’s mouth and instead of pretty and pink, those gums are big and red.
4. Decreased appetite. With inflamed gums, eating can be uncomfortable, especially for toddlers who eat solid foods. “They may not eat normally when a tooth is getting ready to erupt,” Dr. Ye Mon says.
5. Mouthiness. Not to be confused with talking back (that comes later), this kind of mouthiness refers to when kids gnaw, chew and even bite the things around them — including mom and dad.

“It
usually takes about three or four days, but once the tooth breaks through the
gums, the symptoms should start decreasing,” Dr. Ye Mon explains.

But
don’t be surprised when it happens again. You might experience teething deja vu up to 20 times, since that’s the number of baby teeth lying in
wait.

Signs it’s more than teething

“It’s
normal for them to be upset about the pain around their gums, but they
shouldn’t be inconsolable,” explains Dr. Ye Mon.

Teething
symptoms also shouldn’t last for weeks at a time. If they do, take your baby to
the pediatrician to see if something else is to blame.

Other
symptoms that a doctor should check out include:

• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Diarrhea.
• Runny nose.
• Inconsolable crying.

Pediatrician-approved teething remedies

If
all signs point to a teething baby, Dr. Ye Mon recommends these simple teething
remedies:

• Wet cloth. Freeze a clean, wet cloth or rag, then give it to your baby to chew on. “It helps decrease inflammation along the gums,” she says. “Parents can also massage the gums with the rag.”
• Cold food. Serve cold foods such as applesauce, yogurt, and refrigerated or frozen fruit (for babies who eat solid foods).
• Teething biscuits. You can offer teething biscuits starting at 8 to 12 months of age. But pay attention to gum hygiene. “To protect against cavities, wipe the gum area and teeth with a clean cloth. As they get more teeth, introduce a toothbrush,” Dr. Ye Mon advises. “Get that routine set in place. You don’t even need toothpaste. Just brushing the plaque off can help prevent cavities later on.”
• Teething rings and toys. They’re easy for tiny fists to grasp and provide the pressure needed to soothe sore gums. “Avoid freezing the ones with gel because they may break more easily when your child gnaws on them,” she says. “Instead, use the refrigerator to keep them cold.”

Buyer beware: Teething edition

Use
caution with these common teething remedies, or avoid them altogether:

• Topical medications containing lidocaine or benzocaine. “No studies have proven the long-term benefit of these products,” Dr. Ye Mon cautions. “Plus, the effects last for such a short period. Meanwhile, your baby is swallowing it and getting high levels of the medication into the bloodstream.”
• Herbal products. “There haven’t been enough studies about the effectiveness of herbal remedies for teething,” she says. “Herbs are medications. They are still metabolized by your liver and kidneys. We don’t know the long-term side effects, so there is a risk.”
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you’re going to give your fussy child one of these medications, Dr. Ye Mon recommends starting with one dose. “If it gets to the point where one dose isn’t enough, see your pediatrician before doing serial dosing.” Also, check the Food and Drug Administration’s website for information about the safety of children’s medications.

For
your teething baby, an ounce of caution is worth a pound of cure.

Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums

Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums

Is your teething baby keeping you up at night? Understand how to soothe sore gums and care for your baby’s new teeth.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Drooling, crankiness and tears can make teething an ordeal for babies and parents alike. Here’s information to help ease the pain — for both of you.

What’s typical?

Although timing varies widely, babies often begin teething by about age 6 months. The two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the two top front teeth (upper central incisors).

Classic signs and symptoms of teething include:

• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on objects
• Irritability or crankiness
• Sore or tender gums
• Slight increase in temperature — but no fever

Many parents suspect that teething causes fever and diarrhea, but researchers say these symptoms aren’t indications of teething. If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or diarrhea, talk to the doctor.

What’s the best way to soothe sore gums?

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these simple tips:

• Rub your baby’s gums. Use a clean finger or wet gauze to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can ease your baby’s discomfort.
• Keep it cool. A cold spoon or chilled — not frozen — teething ring can be soothing on a baby’s gums. To avoid cavities, don’t dip these items in sugary substances.
• Try an over-the-counter remedy. If your baby is especially cranky, consider giving him or her infants’ or children’s over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).

What treatments should I avoid?

To keep your baby safe, avoid using:

• Over-the-counter remedies, including homeopathic teething tablets. The benefits of topical gels and teething tablets haven’t been demonstrated. In recent years, lab analysis of some homeopathic remedies found greater amounts than labeled of the ingredient belladonna, which can cause seizures and difficulty breathing.
• Teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These pain relievers can be harmful — even fatal — to your baby.
• Teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets. These items pose a risk of choking, strangulation, mouth injury and infection.

Do I need to call the doctor?

Teething can usually be handled at home. Contact the doctor if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable or if teething seems to be interfering with his or her eating or drinking.

How do I care for my baby’s new teeth?

Run a soft, clean cloth over your baby’s gums twice a day — after the morning feeding and before bed. The cleansing can keep food debris and bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean his or her teeth twice a day. Until your child learns to spit — at about age 3 — use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than the size of a grain of rice. Then switch to a pea-sized dollop as your child approaches 2 to 3 years of age.

It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit at or near his or her first birthday.

Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Jan. 09, 2020

Show references

1. Wright JT. Anatomy and development of the teeth. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 23, 2019.
2. Your child’s teeth from birth to age 6. American Dental Association. https://ebusiness.ada.org/productcatalog/product.aspx?ID=96. Accessed Sept. 23, 2019.
3. Nowak AJ, et al. Preventive dental care and counseling for infants and young children. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 23, 2019.
4. Children’s oral health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2019.

See more In-depth

.

Teething

Is this your child’s symptom?

• The normal process of new teeth working their way through the gums
• Questions about teething
• Baby teeth come in between 6 and 24 months of age
• Caution: At least one tooth should be seen before using this care guide

Proven Symptoms of Teething

Teething has been researched in-depth. Kids who are teething are little different from kids who are not teething. Here are the main symptoms that have been proven:

• Drooling. Increased spit and drooling.
• Rash. Face rash from drooling. The drool contains little bits of food that are irritating to the skin.
• Chewing. Increased need to chew on things.
• Gum Pain. Gum pain is mild and not always present. May be due to mouth germs getting into the new break in the gum. Most often, your baby just acts a little more fussy. There’s not enough discomfort to cause crying. It also doesn’t hurt enough to cause sleep problems.

False Symptoms of Teething

• Teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, diaper rash or runny nose.
• It does not cause a lot of crying.
• It does not cause your baby to be more prone to getting sick.
• Caution about Fevers. Blaming teething for fevers can lead to a delay in seeking care for infections. Examples are ear and urinary tract infections. Another example is meningitis.
• There are 2 reasons why infections start between 6 and 12 months of age. One is the loss of antibodies transferred to baby from the mother at birth. The other is the developmental milestone of chewing on everything.
• Caution about Crying. Blaming teething for crying can lead to a delay of care for other illnesses. Examples are ear infections or other causes of pain.

When to Call for Teething

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Your child looks or acts very sick

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• You think your child needs to be seen
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Teething

1. What You Should Know About Teething:
   • Teething is a natural process.
   • It’s harmless and it may cause a little gum pain.
   • The main symptoms of teething are drooling and rubbing the gums.
   • It does not cause fever or crying. If these are present, look for another cause.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Gum Massage:
   • Find the irritated or swollen gum.
   • Rub it with your clean finger for 2 minutes.
   • Do this as often as needed.
   • Putting pressure on the sore gum can decrease pain.
   • Age over 12 months. You can use a piece of ice wrapped in a wet cloth to rub the gum.
3. Teething Rings (Teethers):
   • Babies rub their own sore gums by chewing on smooth, hard objects.
   • Offer a teething ring, pacifier or wet washcloth that has been chilled. Chill these items in the fridge. Do not use items frozen in the freezer.
   • Age over 12 months. A piece of chilled banana may help.
   • Do not use hard foods that could cause choking. An example is a raw carrot.
   • Do not use ice or popsicles that could cause frostbite of the gums.
   • Avoid “teething necklaces.” They are not approved by the FDA and are not helpful. They also have harmful risks including choking and death.
4. Cup Feeding:
   • If your baby refuses nipple feedings, try a cup.
   • A spoon or syringe can also be used for a short time as needed.
5. Pain Medicine:
   • Pain medicines usually are not needed for the mild discomfort of teething.
   • Fussiness often gets better with gum massage. If not, you can give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). If age over 6 months, another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Just do this for one or two days. (Reason: Frequent use can cause liver or kidney damage).
6. Teething Gels: Do Not Use
   • You can get special teething gels without a prescription.
   • Most have benzocaine in them. They are not approved by the FDA at any age.
   • Reason: Benzocaine can cause choking, bluish skin and allergic reactions. It can be very harmful if used during the first 2 years of life.
   • Also, teething gels only give brief pain relief.
   • Gum massage works much better.
7. What to Expect:
   • Most often, teething does not cause any symptoms.
   • If your child is having some discomfort, it should pass in 2 or 3 days.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Crying occurs
   • Fever occurs
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/30/2021

Last Revised: 03/11/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Is Your Baby Teething Early? Here Are 4 Common Parent Worries

Can your baby be teething at 3 months old?

While most infants get their first teeth between 4 and 6 months old, it’s still perfectly normal for teeth to erupt sooner. In fact, although rare, babies can actually be born with teeth! 
 
It’s not unusual for teething symptoms to begin at 3 months old. And when it starts, you’ll likely observe the same side effects: excessive drooling, chewing or gnawing on fists or toys, crankiness and lack of sleep (as if that’s not already an issue!). You might even see a little tooth bud weeks or even months before anything erupts. But, what if teeth actually come in at this age? 
 
“If an infant is getting teeth at three months, it is likely due to heredity and what the child may be doing with the mouth,” says Diane Bahr, MS, CCC-SLP. For example, “if the child is doing a lot of biting and chewing on fingers and toys, teeth may emerge early,” she adds.  
 
Parents and caregivers dealing with their baby’s new pearly whites often have questions about how that cute new grin can affect things like breastfeeding or starting solid foods. Here are a few answers to ease your concerns: 

1. Is my baby in pain? What can I do to help? 

How your little one deals with teething really depends on them. According to Danelle Fisher, MD, “[Teething] can take weeks to months and can cause some babies a great deal of pain where others take it in stride.” Topical anesthetics are tempting to caregivers who want to help ease the baby’s discomfort, but Dr. Fisher and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warn this isn’t a good idea. 

“Parents should avoid any product such as gel with the ingredient bupivacaine or lidocaine in it, as these can be dangerous for children less than one year of age, causing a blood disorder,” says Dr. Fisher. “[Your] baby can use a teething ring with liquid or gel inside that has been refrigerated (the freezer is too cold). Also, some natural remedies or homeopathic remedies can help.” 
 
Nevertheless, consult your pediatrician if these remedies don’t seem to do the trick. 

2. How will teething affect my breastfeeding? 

Some mums’ first inkling that their baby is teething comes with a firm and unexpected clamp down on their breast. Whether it happens when he’s teething at 3 months or later down the road, it will happen eventually. Congrats, you’re officially a teething toy! 
 
A rude awakening, for sure, but your natural reaction is actually the best solution for your little chomper: Take him off the breast with a firm, “Ouch!” or, as Dr. Fisher suggests, “No bite!” before letting him resume feeding. It may happen several times, even before his teeth fully emerge, but it will work. Be sure to use the same words and tone each time so he knows you’re serious. If you continue to experience breastfeeding problems you believe are connected to teething, Bahr suggests seeing a lactation consultant.  

If you were planning to breastfeed only until your baby’s teeth erupt, however, speak to your pediatrician about how to wean successfully and what type of formula is best for him. 

3. Does early teething mean early solids? 

Although there’s some conflicting research of late, the AAP still suggests starting your baby on solids at no younger than 6 months old. Those early teeth do cause her to chew more, but her little belly isn’t quite ready for solid food. Provide lots of safe toys to nibble on and keep an eye out for signs she’s ready for solids. 

4. Will early teething affect mouth development? 

Bahr says, “Parents should take the child to a pediatric dentist to evaluate the health and development of early emerging teeth.” She cautions that some activities and issues can affect development, too. “Excessive pacifier use and thumb-sucking [that goes beyond 10 months] can inhibit the developmental mouthing and teething process. ”  

A special note for parents and caregivers who bottle-feed or use pacifiers: While your baby is teething, keep an eye out for nipple wear. Babies often gnaw on the nipples of their bottle/pacifier, and the tip can become separated and pose a choking hazard. If there is any noticeable wear on either, replace it right away. If you have a childminder, make sure they do the same.  
 
Margie Mars is the mother of eight and Grandma of three. She writes for several top parenting sites and specialises in Attachment Parenting and Autism.  
 
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein. 

Teething and your baby

Baby teeth

Healthy baby teeth allow a toddler to enjoy a nutritious diet, aid in proper speech development, enhance the child’s appearance and contribute to good self-esteem.

Baby teeth also help to maintain the space for permanent teeth, guiding them into their correct position.

Early loss of a baby tooth can reduce the space for the permanent tooth, resulting in crowded permanent teeth.

Teething

A baby’s first tooth usually appears at around 6 months, however this can vary greatly.

By the age of 3 a child should have a full set of 20 baby teeth (10 in each jaw).

It is not uncommon for babies to experience some discomfort when new teeth break through the gums.

Teething signs and symptoms

Symptoms that indicate your baby may be teething include:

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

Mild teething problems may be eased by the baby chewing on hard objects such as chilled teething rings or sugar free rusks.

Alternatively you can give your baby a dummy or wet flannel to bite on. It may also help to rub your child’s gums with a clean finger or the back of a cold spoon.

See your dentist or doctor before using any pain reliever or oral gel containing anaesthetic, or if problems persist.

Cleaning baby’s mouth

Start cleaning gums before the teeth appear.

At first, use a clean damp cloth to wipe the gums, and when a few teeth are present use a small, soft toothbrush with no toothpaste.

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.

Where to get help

Dental Health Services

You can also

Remember

• Baby teeth are important, so take good care of your child’s teeth.
• Teething should not cause severe illness. If your child has a fever or diarrhoea, see your doctor.
• Avoid choking by always being present when your child is eating.
• A low fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children under 6 years.

Acknowledgements
Dental Health Services

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

90,000 Teething in a child: signs, how to understand, how to help

Teething in an infant is a very exciting moment in the life of a baby and his parents. And although teething is a physiological process, almost all children experience discomfort and anxiety during this period. From the point of view of a scientific approach to this problem, the difficulty lies in the fact that with all the variety of symptoms of teething from mild anxiety and moodiness, increased salivation to an increase in body temperature to high numbers and signs of impaired digestion, increased colic and diarrhea, there are not sufficient diagnostic criteria to associate all these multiple symptoms with a root cause. Nevertheless, until now, many parents and some of the practicing pediatricians are ready to blame the teething in a baby for almost all the troubles that fall on their head in the period from 5-6 months to one and a half to two years, when the teething process is mainly teeth should already be completed.

In most children, teething begins between the ages of 4 and 7 months. As a rule, the eruption of each tooth lasts from 2 – 3 to 8 days. During this time, the body temperature may rise to 37.4 – 38.0 degrees. At the same time, a high (from 38.0 and higher) temperature usually lasts no more than 2 days. Discharge from the nose during the period when teeth are erupting are usually transparent, liquid, and should not contain pathological impurities: pus, greenery, etc. Teething cough is caused by saliva entering the nasopharynx and larynx region, which is secreted in large quantities. Treatment for a cough against the background of teething does not require. Pediatricians sometimes disagree about diarrhea, with some believing that diarrhea (loose stools) is not directly related to teething. Yet studies have shown that 10 to 30% of children have frequent and / or thin stools during teething. This is also explained by the large amount of saliva secreted, which enhances intestinal motility.

Teething or infectious disease

Nevertheless, most modern pediatricians agree that such symptoms in an infant as: prolonged, more than 2 – 3 days diarrhea, cough, vomiting, fever (an increase in body temperature above 38.5 degrees) are most often caused by infection, not just teething. Therefore, for any of the above symptoms, it is necessary to examine the child by a pediatrician, and only after other reasons for the increase in body temperature have been excluded, efforts should be concentrated on helping the baby to reduce the discomfort from teething.

Teething, how to help a baby

This can take a fair amount of patience. In such a difficult period, you should more often take the baby in your arms, caress, distract from unpleasant sensations with toys, turn on pleasant, soothing music, you can sing if natural data allow. Walking in the fresh air can also be soothing. During teething, babies who are breastfed begin to cry more often and begging for breasts, and a loving mother needs to be patient, putting the baby to her breast every time, even if he is stronger than usually grabbing the areola of the nipple during feeding. To satisfy the child’s need to chew something and hold it in the mouth, you can naturally use special rubber rings or toys, the so-called teethers.You can offer your child a dryer or baby biscuits.

Currently, pharmaceutical companies offer a wide range of different products, primarily in the form of gels to “soothe the gums”. Basically, most of these products contain pain relievers such as lidocaine. You should not abuse these funds. They are not completely harmless, the anesthetics that are part of them can have an adverse effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems of the child, and most importantly, they can cause serious allergic symptoms, contribute to the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (diathesis) in children prone to allergies. In connection with the above, I can recommend, to reduce swelling and inflammation of the gums during teething, such special dental anti-inflammatory agents for topical use as holisal gel, which can be applied to the baby’s gums 2-3 times a day, but it is necessary to rub it in (not much of course) with light massaging movements over the entire surface of the gums, and not just put it in the child’s mouth.

In addition, you can give a child suffering from teething, special homeopathic drops, such as Dantinorm baby, according to the instructions for the drug.In any case, if disturbing symptoms appear, which are described above in this article, I advise you to play it safe once again and call a pediatrician to the child’s house with a high temperature. A professional should give his diagnosis and recommendations.

Teething in children

How teeth are cut: the order of their appearance

Every adult can understand what a baby feels when his first teeth are being cut – just remember how the so-called “wisdom teeth” appeared. Swelling of the gums, itching and pain – you must admit that there is little pleasant. Therefore, babies often become capricious in the process of teething. They may lose appetite and sleep, even have a slight increase in temperature.

The earliest period for the eruption of deciduous teeth in infants is in the incisors (front teeth). There are four of them on each jaw. As a rule, the lower two incisors are cut first (at 6-8 months), then the upper central incisors. The teeth appear in pairs opposite to each other, this is important for the formation of the correct milk bite.At 8-12 months, the baby has lateral incisors (first on the lower jaw, then on the upper). At one year old, a child should have eight teeth. After that, there is a short break in their appearance.

Further in the sequence – canines. There are two of them on each jaw. The location and structure of these teeth makes their eruption particularly difficult and difficult for a child. At the age of 16-20 months, the canines will appear on the lower jaw, and then on the upper jaw. Then comes the order of painters (large molars).They begin to erupt at 20-30 months, with each child in its own time. In total, there are 20 teeth in the milk bite, 10 on each jaw: 4 incisors, 2 canines and 4 painters. All of them should appear to be 2.5-3 years old.

Signs of eruption

How do parents know if their child is teething? The easiest way to find out about this is by the child’s changed behavior. He sleeps worse, is capricious. He loses his appetite (he can completely refuse to eat). But these symptoms can be caused by other reasons as well.Therefore, the most obvious sign can be considered a swelling of the gums (a small red tubercle appears on it, which parents can feel rather than see).

The changed behavior of the child is associated with the movement of the tooth in the jaw. He kind of tears the gums from the inside, which explains the unpleasant sensations: itching, burning and pain. To remove them, the child can scratch his gums, pull various objects into his mouth, and bite. This behavior cannot be suppressed, you just need to replace unsuitable objects (for example, toys) with special teethers, whose task is to help relieve the unpleasant consequences of teething.

It is because of the unpleasant sensations that the child may begin to refuse food, especially hot food (increases the pain). A gentle massage of the gums, which should be done before feeding, may help. It will relieve some of the itching and pain.

During teething, the child’s temperature can rise to 38º, but not higher. Until the teeth appear, parents should pay as much attention to the child as possible, distracting him from unpleasant sensations. This will help your baby to get through a difficult time for him.

Change of milk teeth with permanent

The eruption of molars begins at the age of 6-7 years. First, the large molars are shown (usually on the lower jaw). Then the scheme of eruption of milk teeth is repeated. The incisors on the lower jaw are the first to change, and at the age of 7-8, the incisors on the upper jaw are also replaced. At the same time, the lower lateral incisors can also change.

At 8-9 years old, the upper incisors will change. It’s the turn of the fangs. At the same time (9-10 years), teeth begin to grow, which were not in the milk bite – premolars.Each jaw has four premolars – two on the left and two on the right. At the age of 12, the canines on the upper jaw will change. At this stage, the formation of the bite height begins, which has both aesthetic and functional significance.

The last teeth (wisdom teeth or third molars) are shown between the ages of 17 and 25. Only after this can we say that the formation of dental arches is completely completed.

During the replacement of primary teeth with permanent molars, it is important to pay attention to the bite.It is easy to correct at a young age, whereas adults will have to correct it throughout their lives. By regularly visiting a pediatric dentist, you will be able to intervene in the process of bite formation in time. In addition, a specialist can control the eruption of deciduous and molar teeth (so that it is not too early or late), give recommendations on how to alleviate the child’s condition, and advise on special baby candles or teething gels.

90,000 Ten questions about baby teeth…

QUESTION No. 1. Is it true that milk teeth are formed from milk?

So thought Hippocrates, who gave them this name. In principle, the ancient doctor was not far from the truth: there is a lot of calcium in breast milk, which is used to build teeth and bones. In the “drink” from cows this important macronutrient is not less, but it is practically not absorbed by the body. Hence the conclusion: breastfeed your baby, and he will have teeth – just a feast for the eyes!

QUESTION No. 2.Why do baby teeth sometimes erupt “out of schedule”?

In a child who was born prematurely, weakened, with low weight, as well as who was ill in the first months of life and has signs of rickets, the delay in teething is associated with adverse factors acting on the body. If the child is healthy, and there are no teeth by 9-12 months, ask grandparents what month they erupted in mom and dad. The program of late teething of deciduous teeth, as a rule, is written in the genes.However, the same genes can endow a baby with teeth much earlier.

QUESTION No. 3. In what order should teeth erupt?

Dentists calculate the number of teeth that a baby should have, according to the formula – age (in months) minus six: at 7 months – one tooth, at 8 – two, at 9 – three, and so on. And this is to a minimum! By the age of one year, the baby has time to grow 6-8 incisors and the upper molar begins to break through, and he will receive a full set of 20 milk teeth only by the 2nd birthday (see the table for details).
If the order is out of order, draw the attention of the pediatrician to this fact and show the baby to the pediatric dentist.

QUESTION No. 4. How do you know if the first tooth will hatch soon?

The earliest symptom is increased production of saliva. It begins to flow like a river a couple of months before the event due to irritation of the nerve endings. Gathering in the cervical folds, saliva significantly irritates the delicate baby skin, so it must be constantly blotted with a soft gauze napkin, keeping it close at hand all the time.

A later sign of the appearance of the first tooth is a noticeably changed behavior of a six-month-old baby. It can be unreasonable whims, whining, poor sleep and appetite, a constant urge to put a toy or a finger in your mouth … Noticing this, look into the child’s mouth. Are the gums underneath red and swollen? Did an inflamed bump appear in the middle? A few more days, and the baby can be given a silver spoon “by the tooth”.

QUESTION No. 5. If the teeth are teething, does it mean that the baby will definitely get sick?

Teething is not measles or chickenpox, but a normal, natural process in which the temperature should not rise.The ideal option is when the edge of a tooth is discovered by accident while feeding a child – one day the mother just stumbles upon it with a spoon. But this is not always the case.

Anxiety caused by a baby’s hatching tooth, as well as the associated lack of sleep and malnutrition, weaken the immune system and make the child defenseless against infections – respiratory and intestinal. Try to protect the child from them by minimizing contact with strangers. Make sure that everything that the baby pulls into the mouth is clean, otherwise indigestion cannot be avoided.Do not give him new food, do not get preventive vaccinations, do not change the usual regimen. As a rule, this is enough so that the appearance of the next tooth does not create problems.

QUESTION No. 6. How to make teething easier?

Inflammation of the gums in the place where the edge of the incisor is about to appear, tooth-cutting gels with analgesics and substances that relieve redness and swelling are eliminated. In the series of Karavaev’s balms there is a special kind of Vitaon for infant gums: the herbal extracts contained in it have an anesthetic effect with a slight “freezing” effect – the cold soothes itching and pain, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and simply distracts the baby from unpleasant sensations.

QUESTION No. 7. How to feed a child at a crucial moment of teething?

With the first tooth, the sucking reflex is replaced by the need to gnaw and bite, so liquid and soft food is now indispensable. At each feeding, give your child a piece of dried bread, a slice of cucumber or carrots that have not been cooked until they are completely soft, and a quarter of an apple without peels and seeds. Chewing improves the blood supply to the gums, trains and strengthens the teeth that have appeared, and improves the nutrition of those that need to erupt.The ability to chew well is one of the signs of the well-being of the central nervous system. In addition, this is the key to not only healthy digestion, but also clear articulation, intelligible speech. Babies who have “porridge in their mouths” in infancy really preferred porridge and puree to solid food.

QUESTION No. 8. Does a baby need to brush his teeth?

It used to be that it was not necessary to do this until 2-3 years of age: after all, it is impossible to teach such a crumb to wield a brush. However, pediatric dentists have revised the previous guidelines.It turns out that the child will have to master the science of how to properly brush his teeth under the supervision of his parents from the first tooth until the age of 10 – only at this age can he be entrusted with a brush at his disposal.

Does the baby already have an incisor? Buy a special finger brush for babies at the pharmacy. Squeeze a little baby toothpaste for milk teeth on it – literally on the very edge. This amount is sufficient to clean one or more incisors. Until the child learns to rinse his mouth after the procedure, use the paste not every time – you can remove plaque from the tooth with a “bare” brush.Brushing a baby’s teeth is enough once a day.

QUESTION No. 9. Is it true that the nipple can break the bite?

Unfortunately, this is the case. Stick to the rule: the first tooth has appeared – it’s time to part with the dummy. Otherwise, the incisors will begin to grow forward, creating the so-called open bite (like in a rabbit) and distorting the features of a child’s face – after all, the jaws are actively formed at an early age. True, there are special orthodontic nipples that are used to correct such defects that have been outlined already in infancy.

Meanwhile, bite problems arise not only from dummies – they are congenital or associated with bottle feeding, and not from the mother’s breast. Underdevelopment of the lower jaw is often found in “artificial” children. Because of the tightness, the teeth can grow on it as a “bush”, overlapping each other. A droplet-shaped pacifier will help this trouble. Babies, whose lower jaw is well developed, are more suitable for the “cherry” nipple, which repeats the shape of the mother’s nipple.

QUESTION No. 10.What will help make your baby’s teeth strong?

To strengthen the enamel, pediatricians advise to arrange a “calcium subsidy” for a child during teething – give 1/3 of a tablet of calcium gluconate (or glycerophosphate) 3 times a day for 2 weeks. They do not dissolve in water – rub them and add to food.

And you can use eggshell instead of tablets – calcium is absorbed from it several times better. Collect the shell of several hard-boiled eggs and, removing the inner film from it (to avoid an allergic reaction), heat it in a pan, grind in a mortar or grind in a coffee grinder until powdery state.Sprinkle the powder into your baby’s food literally on the tip of a knife three times a day for 2 weeks.

We advise you to read – Extraction of teeth under general anesthesia.

90,000 First teeth. Teething of baby teeth

3. Teething pain relief agents

Adult action should be aimed at relieving pain and relieving itching.

Teether toys

Use special teether toys, including those that can be pre-cooled.They reduce gum pain and help relieve itching. In this case, it is not necessary to use expensive devices – it can be the most ordinary rubber ring. The main thing is that the teether is non-toxic, environmentally friendly and convenient.

Never Do not offer your baby solid food as a teether – biscuits, apples, carrots – or any other object from which a piece may come off. A child who still does not know how to chew on his own runs the risk of choking on the piece that has fallen off, and the consequences can be the most sad.

Chamomile gargle

Rinsing with chamomile infusion, which has antiseptic and soothing properties, relieves inflammation well, but it can be difficult to persuade a capricious baby with teeth to get it into this procedure. You can offer your baby warm tea made from chamomile, lavender and lemon balm. It will relieve pain, calm the baby.

Lubrication with panthenol

Inflamed and red gums can be lubricated with panthenol, which heals the mucous membrane.This can be done at night, as well as during the day, after meals, using a cotton swab for application.

Clove oiling

Clove essential oil is another tried and tested method. It acts as an anesthetic, relieves swelling, and prevents the development of infection.

Teething gels

Special gels can be used to relieve pain and gum inflammation. It is important to carefully study the composition of the gels: it is better for babies to choose gels without potentially harmful artificial substances in the composition, especially for children under the age of 1 year.

90,000 what is important for every parent to know

“What is there to treat at all?” – ask in bewilderment dad and mom, grandmothers and grandfathers of little toddlers, when they bring them to an appointment with a pediatric dentist. About this, as well as about what modern pediatric dentistry is, what are the features of the development of milk teeth, about the problems that modern babies and their parents have to face, read in our material …

“Target audience” of pediatric dentists

Formally, our patients are children from 0 to 16 years old.But in practice – until the age when permanent teeth are completely replaced by milk ones. This happens by the age of 11-12. Our youngest patient is a 2 week old toddler. Ask, what does such a baby have to do with dentistry? We answer: the only reason for such babies to go to the dentist is a short hyoid frenum.

At a later age, we mainly work with baby teeth. We see permanent teeth only when it is necessary to seal the fissures (we will talk about this a little later) or, as a last resort, when it is necessary to treat medium caries, but not deeper.

But a teenager 11-12 years old is, in fact, still a child, you argue. And to some extent you will be right. That is why we have a teenage therapist for these patients. It is he who deals with the formed permanent teeth.

Milk tooth: let’s get to know each other!

Indeed, milk teeth have some anatomical features that are useful for every parent to know.

Firstly, children’s teeth have roots (and sometimes they are longer than the roots of permanent teeth) and nerves.For some dads and moms, this often becomes a real discovery.

Secondly, the pulp occupies most of the crown of the milk tooth. And since the pulp horn comes too close to the proximal areas (that is, those areas that are in contact with the adjacent teeth of their row), even medium caries very quickly reaches the pulp, and pulpitis develops. In this case, pain in children’s caries occurs mainly with direct contact of a sick tooth with food. Spontaneous pains are extremely rare – only in the case of already advanced pulpitis.

Now let’s talk briefly about the eruption of milk teeth and their change to permanent ones. The first milk teeth appear at about 7-8 months, and by the age of 2.5 a small person should already have a “complete set” – these are 20 milk teeth. Moreover, if up to 2.5-3 years there is a short period of stabilization, then a gradual resorption of the roots of milk teeth begins. By the age of 7, there is a change in the central teeth – incisors. At the age of 9-10, the chewing group changes. But “long-livers” canines can stand up to 11-12 years.It is important to note that these are approximate dates for teething and tooth replacement. And today they are quite strongly displaced, mainly to the earlier side.

Each age has its own dental “surprises”

While adults have approximately the same “set” of dental diagnoses and their complications throughout their lives, then each age period has its own characteristics in children. So, what should you be prepared for …

The main treatment in infancy is a short frenum of the tongue.Most often, this problem is detected by district pediatricians who observe the baby in the first year of life.

What to look for: if the baby does not take or suckle well, does not grasp the nipple or nipple correctly, gets tired quickly, cries, does not eat enough, loses weight, one of the reasons may be a short bridle.

Solution. This problem is easily corrected in a few seconds by cutting the frenum of the tongue. At the age of up to 3-5 months, this does not even require anesthesia, since the operation is absolutely painless and bloodless, because the mucous membrane is very thin and there are no complicated cords.

Advice. If a diagnosis is made, do not delay the operation, so that it really goes quickly and painlessly.

As we said, it is from 6-7 months that the first milk teeth appear, and by the age of two all teeth should erupt.

At this stage, age after 1 year becomes critical. It was during this period that the first caries appears, and behind it – quite rapidly – pulpitis. What are the causes of these diseases at such an early age?

Reason # 1.Night feeding. Just imagine: your child drank breast milk at night (and it is very sweet), kefir, compote or juice. The remnants of food or drinks literally “stick around” the teeth, and mainly flow to the upper teeth from the side on which the child sleeps (which is why we treat the upper teeth much more often than the lower ones). At night, the secretion of saliva is reduced, it is practically not produced, just like in adults.

An ideal environment for the development and reproduction of bacteria appears, which gradually begins to destroy the enamel of the tooth, which leads to the so-called caries in the stain stage.Indeed, if you look closely, you can see white spots on the teeth. Then the tooth itself begins to crumble. Caries rapidly reaches the pulp …

This disease even received an honorary title – “bottle caries”. However, the name of this ailment is very conditional, and the word “bottle” should not mislead parents. That is, the cause of its occurrence can be both breastfeeding and drinking from a bottle or from a spoon with juices and compotes.

BTW!
By the localization of bottle caries, doctors can determine on which side the baby sleeps.

Reason number 2. General somatic ailments that are most often inherent in premature babies and babies whose mothers suffered from toxicosis during pregnancy. With severe toxicosis in a woman, there is a disturbance in phosphorus-calcium metabolism, which, in turn, leads to disturbances in the maturation of the enamel of milk teeth.

Reason number 3. Lack or inadequate dental hygiene.

Solution. When caries occurs, the only way of treatment can be only drilling the affected tooth tissues and replacing them with filling material.

If we talk about the treatment of pulpitis of chewing teeth in children, then we remove the pulp from the crown (!) Part, put a special medicine and close it with a filling. Only in 10-15% of cases, when the nerve is severely inflamed, it is necessary to remove it entirely, clean and rinse the canals. This does not affect the rudiments of permanent teeth. Physiological processes proceed as they should: the roots gradually dissolve, the milk tooth falls out, and the permanent one takes its place.

The most difficult thing is the treatment of the upper central teeth (incisors), since they take a long time during restoration.First, we completely remove the nerve, fill the canals with a special material, and put a filling. The treatment of one tooth takes on average 30-40 minutes. Now ready-made crowns facilitate the work. There are metal crowns (“3M” and “New smile”) covered with enamel. They follow the shape of the tooth and are very durable. And for their installation, turning and casts are not needed.

BTW: Even a carious cavity “in contact” (that is, at the point of contact with an adjacent tooth) must be treated as pulpitis – that is, with amputation (removal) of the pulp from the coronal region.

The fact is that if only caries is treated and the infected pulp cavity is closed with a filling (and it is impossible to determine by eye whether it is infected or not), then the missed inflammatory process will rapidly begin to develop. And after 1-2 months this tooth will have to be re-treated again, only this time – from pulpitis.

Advice. To preserve dental health, it is necessary first of all to give up night feeding. The only thing you can give your baby at night is plain water.And as practice shows, the children of those parents who heed our recommendations keep their teeth healthy for a long time.

Secondly, parents should know and remember that the appearance of the first tooth, that is, the age of 6-7 months, is the best time to start the obligatory daily procedure of brushing your teeth. Today in any pharmacy you can buy special toothpastes for children from 0 to 3 years old. A special brush is put on the finger, and the teeth are cleaned. The rules for brushing your teeth are very popularly explained in the instructions attached to the toothpaste.And we, for our part, are always happy to show and tell how this is done in practice. After cleaning, the residues of the paste are carefully removed with a napkin or … are eaten by the baby (and this is completely safe!). And you need to brush your teeth, like adults, 2 times a day – in the morning and in the evening.

Thirdly, teeth with a long “lifespan”, and these are primarily chewing teeth (they are also most susceptible to caries), it is necessary to do preventive sealing of fissures (fissures are depressions on the surface of the teeth that are located in the region of the chewing surfaces) at the age 2 years old.It protects the chewing surfaces of the teeth from caries damage. First, we clean (reamer) the tooth a little, and then cover it with a special compound that “seals” the tooth and protects it from caries.

And fourth, starting from 2 years old solid food should be present in the child’s diet – carrots, apples, drying, bagels. The fact is that the abundance of soft food does not stimulate the roots of deciduous teeth to resorb, and as a result, the permanent teeth come out the second row along with the deciduous ones.Solid food also influences the formation of a correct bite. In addition, it cleans the teeth mechanically. And do not be afraid, healthy teeth will not break from this, since enamel is the hardest thing in the human body.

BTW: In many children, the rudiments of permanent fifth teeth are not formed in principle. According to one of the theories, this happens precisely because in the diet of modern babies, soft food plays the “main violin”, but there is no solid food. Since there is nothing to chew – why teeth? ..

If at the age of 1 to 3 years “bottle caries” was avoided or defeated and parents monitor the observance of thorough oral hygiene and diet, then up to 5-6 years there comes a period that, perhaps, can be called a period of physiological calm.But starting from the age of 5, the risk of caries increases again.

Reason. This process is physiologically determined: the jaw grows, the front teeth (incisors) move apart – so-called diastemas appear. Because of this, the lateral, chewing, teeth “clump together”, that is, the distance between them decreases. Since they are too close to each other, they are difficult to clean properly. There is a so-called “contact caries”, that is, in those places where the teeth are in contact with each other.And in the best possible way this process is facilitated by the remains of food stuck there.

BTW: The most common reason for going to a pediatric dentist is caries, which quickly turns into pulpitis.

Solution. At this age, the doctor decides whether to treat or remove a tooth, depending on which tooth is affected and what is its “lifespan”. For example, incisors that fall out already at 6-7 years of age do not make sense to treat – such a tooth is removed. Chewing teeth that last up to about 10 years, or canines that change at 11-12 years old are worth fighting for.

Advice. The only way to avoid caries “on contacts” is to thoroughly clean out food debris, especially between chewing teeth in places where they come into contact with neighbors.

This advice also applies to those children whose teeth were sealed at an earlier age for prophylactic purposes. Let us recall that only the chewing surfaces of the teeth can be sealed and protected with a special composition, and the contact surfaces remain in the “risk zone”.

At the age of 5-6 years, speech therapists are often referred to the correction of the bridle. If at an early age the bridle interfered with sucking, now the child can begin to burst because of it, does not pronounce some of the sounds. At this age, the bridle is cut with a laser – it is painless and bloodless.

Silver the tooth!

Yes, some clinics still offer such a method of “treatment” of caries as “silvering”. And then the patients of these clinics come for retreatment.It is fair to say that “silvering” teeth is not a treatment at all. This technique is really still widespread, although it is completely ineffective. Silver closes the onset of caries, but does not cope, as promised, with the pathological process, which develops safely and is even more aggravated under the “silver”. The teeth are discolored and blackened. A few months after such “therapy”, children again go to the doctors, but with pulpitis (at best) or with black, decayed teeth, which have to be removed.

Come visit us … as often as possible

So at what age should you start visiting the dentist, you ask. The answer is …

Scheduled clinical examinations begin at 1 year. This is due to the fact that now dental diseases are early and rapid. The frequency of visits depends on the susceptibility to caries. If we have treated most of the teeth before the age of 2, then it is necessary to carry out professional examinations every 3-4 months. If the teeth remained healthy for up to 2 years, then these lucky ones only need to see a doctor every six months.Some parents bring their children to the dentist once a year, but this is too rare: since the processes are fast, there is a risk of missing caries at the initial stage.

We not only monitor the current state of the teeth and “catch” caries at the initial stages of development, but also try to predict how the jaw will develop and teeth will form in the future.

Depending on the indication, prophylactic examinations are also combined with professional dental cleaning, for example AirFlow. The frequency of this procedure depends on how much the parents or the baby himself is thoroughly brushing his teeth.Someone needs professional cleaning once a month, someone – once every six months.

Pediatric dentist – universal doctor

Indeed, he is both a surgeon and a therapist. It is on the pediatric dentist that the overall dental health of the little patient depends.

But besides that, one of his tasks is to “catch” a child with an incorrect bite and send him to another doctor – an orthodontist. And, believe me, it is better to do this at 4 than at 14, when not his mother, but he will bring his mother by the hand and say that he has “crooked teeth”.After all, occlusion disorders are much easier to correct on the plates, which are placed at the stage of milk teeth, and not on braces. Moreover, it is several times cheaper.

Orthodontist: Come on time

The smallest orthodontist’s patients are children aged 3 years who have had their front teeth removed – incisors. In this case, the doctor will be able to replace the missing teeth with plates – then it will become more convenient for the child to chew, new teeth will come out correctly and the jaw will develop.

A malocclusion can be traced at the stage of the mixed bite, that is, at about the age of 5 years, especially when the permanent 6th teeth begin to cut.Also, the reasons for the formation of an incorrect bite at this stage can be:

• diastemas (gaps between teeth) or, conversely, crowding, which can appear when the jaw is preparing to change teeth;
• Anatomically small jaw, where powerful and large permanent teeth may not fit.

Only an orthodontist can correct the bite at an early stage. And, of course, the attending physician will always tell you when to look into a colleague’s office.

Does pediatric dentistry have any specific features? What difficulties do you face?

The main and main feature is, first of all, work with small children. If sometimes it is not easy to “negotiate” with an adult, then with a baby you have to resort to all sorts of tricks and tricks. Very often we have to deal with “bribery” from parents who promise their child to buy “anything”, if only the baby opened his mouth and let the doctor treat his teeth.We are against this. It is necessary for the child to form the right motivation and, in the end, make the visit to the dentist an enjoyable (in the literal sense of the word) event. It is this task, in addition to, of course, the actual treatment, we set ourselves as one of the most important and work in this direction, and very successfully.

Another feature is the use of anesthesia in pediatric dentistry, since at the age of up to 3 years it is almost impossible to establish adequate communication with children, they simply do not have enough perseverance.The need for anesthesia is also due to the large volume of treatment. Unfortunately, today we see very young children – 1 year and 2-3 months old – with already numerous and advanced caries. Although, ideally, it is undesirable to start dental treatment before 1 year 7 months – it is by this age that the roots grow and are fully formed.

If parents do not adhere to our recommendations regarding dental hygiene and diet, we have to deal with the fact that children come to the third anesthesia during the year.We try to explain to parents that anesthesia is not a panacea. It can be justified once, but then everything must be done to prevent the appearance of caries, and, consequently, anesthesia again.

Cyst (hematoma) eruption in children. Symptoms and treatment

One of the most important periods in the development of a child’s body is the formation of the maxillofacial system, which also includes the eruption of teeth, both milk and permanent.The appearance of the latter is mostly asymptomatic and is not characterized by the occurrence of pain in the child.

But when deciduous teeth erupt, the opposite happens. In most cases, this is a long and often painful stage for the child and his parents. The process of the appearance of teeth, as a rule, affects the general condition and well-being of the baby, the temperature may rise. Often, rashes appear on the skin, the child is capricious, cries, shows anxiety and he tries to constantly gnaw something.How to facilitate this period, you can find out in our article “How to help a child with teething”

However, there are situations when the eruption of the chewing unit is accompanied by symptoms that are frightening for parents: the gum at the site of the future tooth swells and turns blue. What is the reason for this?

Why does my child have blue gums when teething?

Typically, these symptoms occur several weeks before the appearance of a tooth. This is typical for the chewing group of teeth, less often for canines.

The fact is that this group of teeth is the most difficult to erupt, due to its anatomical location and structure. Thus, in the oral cavity of the child, a volumetric formation of a rounded shape of blue, purple, burgundy or even almost black may appear. This pathology is called a cyst or eruption hematoma.

Causes of eruption cysts

Such a cyst can form when, when a tooth tries to “break through” the gum during eruption.If the tooth cannot break through the mucous membrane, it injures it. There is a detachment of the gums from the underlying bone and a “bubble” or “bag” is formed, in which blood and pus begin to collect, which resembles a convex hematoma in appearance.

IMPORTANT! Very often the forums write that a hematoma of eruption in a child can burst or break through on its own. It is absolutely impossible to do this! Doing so can lead to wound infection or other complications.

Not infrequently, such formations go away on their own, but there are situations when they are accompanied by pain, bleeding and severe inflammation.The best solution in this situation would be to seek advice from a pediatric dentist, who will prescribe an adequate treatment for eruption hematoma.

Consultation of a pediatric dentist in Kharkov. Treatment of cysts (hematomas) of eruption in children

By contacting our clinic, you will receive professional advice from an experienced pediatric dentist. The doctor will carefully examine the child’s oral cavity, if necessary, conduct additional research, on the basis of which he will prescribe adequate treatment for the eruption cyst.

There are two methods for treating eruption hematoma

The aim of the treatment is to rupture the “bag” so that the pathological contents would come out and facilitate the eruption of the tooth.

1. The first technique involves the use of teethers, which will help break through the mucous membrane that interferes with the appearance of the tooth. The first method is used if the hematoma is small in size without inflammation.
2. The second technique is a surgical procedure, during which the mucous membrane is dissected and the surgical site is washed.Surgical treatment is carried out either when the first method of treatment has not yielded results, or when the hematoma is large and severely inflamed.

Surgical removal can be performed under local or general anesthesia. We recommend that this treatment be carried out under general anesthesia. Thus, the procedure will take place much faster, without traumatizing the child’s psyche.

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Teething of temporary and permanent occlusion in children

It is believed that at the age of 6-7 years the first milk teeth (lower central incisors) should fall out, at the same time the first permanent molars grow.But what if the pattern breaks down? Can the upper incisors fall out first, or, for example, the lateral incisors and then the central incisors? What does this mean, and should parents pay special attention to this?

What if the teeth fell out too early? Or did the molars begin to grow before the incisors fell out? Is it normal for molars to start growing at 4-5 years of age? With what it can be connected? When should the situation alert parents?

Milk teeth appeared too early or too late

The rudiments of deciduous teeth are formed from the dental plate at the 7th week of embryonic development.The first are the rudiments of the lower incisors, a little later the rudiments of the upper jaw incisors are formed. By the end of the third month of fetal development, the tooth rudiments are completely separated and, as a result of cellular transformations, take the form of crowns of future teeth of a temporary bite. Further, the formation of tooth tissues (enamel, dentin, cement) begins, which continues until the birth of the child.

Although the enamel of an erupted tooth is similar in structure to the enamel of a tooth before eruption, it also has some significant differences, in that mature enamel contains more mineral components, which cause resistance to caries.The enamel continues to mature after the eruption of the tooth, mainly due to saliva.

It is with this that the relationship between the early teething of deciduous teeth in a child and the risk of developing caries in the first year of life is connected. The first tooth (usually the incisors of the lower jaw) appears in a child at about 6 months of age. However, an earlier eruption at 3-4 months is increasingly common. As a rule, this is due to a genetic predisposition, and is not a marker of certain, in particular, endocrine disorders.Sometimes babies are already born with teeth – these are natal teeth. Neonatal teeth include teeth that erupt in a baby in the first month of life (neonatal period). The reasons can be both genetic factors and an excess of calcium in the mother’s body during pregnancy or endocrine disorders. In this case, the baby should be shown to the pediatric dentist to determine the completeness of early erupted teeth, and, accordingly, the choice of treatment tactics.

Teething of deciduous teeth is considered late if the first tooth did not appear when the child reaches 1.5 years of age.In such a situation, it is necessary to consult a pediatric dentist and pediatrician. Genetic factors and endocrine pathology can often be the cause.

Often, pediatric dentists encounter milk teeth that have not erupted to the end. As a rule, these are individual teeth (a group of teeth, for example, the first temporary molars). Incomplete eruption of teeth is mainly associated with anatomical features, namely the fusion of the tooth root with the walls of the alveoli. Departure of teething from the usual pattern is not a pathology.Also, the timing and sequence of teething can be affected by birth trauma and the presence of congenital clefts. In the absence of a replacement tooth rudiment (primary adentia), the timing of the loss of a temporary tooth also increases.

General somatic pathology also affects the eruption of milk teeth. So in children with cerebral palsy, there is a lag in the formation of a temporary bite. It is the activation of teething that serves as one of the reliable criteria for assessing successful rehabilitation based on the main diagnosis of such patients.

Rickets and rickets-like conditions can also lead to delayed teething. Due to a lack (not assimilation of vitamin D) and a violation of mineral metabolism.

Permanent teeth appeared too soon or too late

It should be noted that in connection with the manifestation of acceleration processes, the timing of the eruption of permanent teeth has changed somewhat. Permanent teeth began to erupt earlier, at least 6-8 months. Often, already at the age of five, a child has a changeable bite, in which the first permanent molars and central incisors are already erupted.

The timing of teething is influenced by both local and general factors.

Local:

• injury,
• premature extraction of a temporary tooth,
• adentia,
• tooth retention,
• congenital clefts.

In the absence of the rudiment of a permanent replacement tooth or in its incorrect position, there is no pressure on the bony septum separating it from the roots of the temporary tooth.This leads to a lack of activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for root resorption.

General:

• heredity,
• genetic factors,
• endocrine pathology

In particular, in diseases of the thyroid gland as a result of a violation of the mineral balance in the body, there is a delay in the eruption of teeth, both temporary and permanent bite.So with hypothyroidism, there is a delay in the eruption of milk teeth for 1-2 years, permanent ones – for 2-3 years.

• general health.

In general, more and more pediatric dentists and pediatricians note significant differences in the timing and sequence of teething of temporary and permanent dentition in children. Teething is a multifactorial process. The timing of teething is influenced by both race and the general state of health of the body.None of the theories existing today fully give an answer to the mechanisms of teething.

Indisputable, in the opinion of many domestic and foreign pediatric dentists, is the fact that the eruption of both temporary and permanent teeth in today’s generation of children occurs earlier than average by at least 6-8 months.