When do babies start teething. What are the risks associated with teething necklaces and beads. How can parents safely soothe their teething baby. What are expert recommendations regarding teething jewelry.

The Rise of Teething Necklaces and Beads: Understanding the Trend

Teething is a challenging phase for both babies and parents. As caregivers seek solutions to alleviate their child’s discomfort, alternative treatments like teething necklaces and beads have gained popularity. These accessories, typically made from materials such as amber, wood, marble, or silicone, are marketed as natural pain relievers for teething infants.

However, the growing trend has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies. In December 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning regarding the use of teething jewelry, citing serious safety risks.

What are teething necklaces and beads?

Teething necklaces and beads are wearable accessories designed to be worn by infants and young children. They come in various forms, including:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Anklets

These items are often marketed as a natural alternative to traditional teething remedies, with some manufacturers claiming additional benefits beyond pain relief.

Debunking the Claims: Are Teething Necklaces Effective?

Despite their popularity, the efficacy of teething necklaces and beads remains unsupported by scientific evidence. Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned leader in integrative medicine, emphasizes that modern science does not back the use of these accessories for teething relief.

Retailers often make bold claims about the supposed benefits of teething jewelry, particularly amber necklaces. These claims include:

• Release of pain-relieving substances when warmed by body temperature
• Stimulation of the thyroid gland to control drooling
• Enhancement of the immune system’s ability to reduce inflammation

It’s important to note that these assertions lack scientific backing. No credible research has demonstrated the effectiveness of teething necklaces or beads in alleviating teething pain or providing the other claimed benefits.

Safety Concerns: Choking and Strangulation Hazards

The primary concern surrounding teething necklaces and beads is the significant risk they pose to infants and young children. Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), highlights two main dangers associated with these accessories:

1. Strangulation
2. Choking

These risks are particularly pronounced when necklaces are worn around a child’s neck, especially during unsupervised periods such as sleep. Additionally, if the necklace breaks, the small beads can become a choking hazard if swallowed.

Why are teething necklaces considered dangerous?

Teething necklaces and beads pose serious risks due to their design and intended use:

• They can wrap around a child’s neck, potentially causing strangulation
• Small beads or parts can detach, creating a choking hazard
• Unsupervised use, particularly during sleep, increases the danger
• The materials used may not be safe for infants to chew or suck on

These factors have led to tragic incidents, including reports of children choking on detached beads and even a fatal case of an 18-month-old being strangled by an amber necklace during a nap.

Expert Recommendations: AAP Stance on Infant Jewelry

Given the potential dangers associated with teething necklaces and beads, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken a clear stance on the issue. The AAP does not recommend that infants wear any jewelry, including teething necklaces and bracelets.

This recommendation is based on the understanding that suffocation is the leading cause of death for children under one year of age and remains among the top five causes of death for children between ages 1 and 4. The use of teething jewelry unnecessarily increases this risk.

What do pediatricians say about teething necklaces?

Pediatricians and child safety experts consistently advise against the use of teething necklaces and beads. Their concerns include:

• The lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness
• The significant risks of strangulation and choking
• The availability of safer alternatives for teething relief
• The potential for parents to rely on these accessories instead of seeking appropriate medical advice

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of prioritizing child safety over unproven remedies.

Safety Guidelines for Parents Who Choose to Use Teething Jewelry

While experts strongly discourage the use of teething necklaces and beads, some parents may still choose to use them. For those who do, it’s crucial to follow strict safety guidelines to minimize risks:

1. Always supervise your child when they are wearing the necklace or bracelet
2. Opt for wearing the accessory on a wrist or ankle instead of around the neck
3. Remove the necklace or bracelet when the child is unattended, even for short periods
4. Never allow the child to wear the jewelry while sleeping, whether for naps or nighttime
5. Consider alternative forms of teething pain relief
6. Consult your child’s pediatrician with any concerns or questions about teething or your child’s health
7. Report any adverse events related to teething jewelry to the FDA’s MedWatch program

It’s important to note that following these guidelines does not eliminate the risks associated with teething jewelry. The safest approach is to avoid their use entirely.

Safe Alternatives: Effective Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

Fortunately, there are numerous safe and effective methods to alleviate teething discomfort without resorting to potentially dangerous jewelry. Here are some pediatrician-approved alternatives:

Chew toys

Plastic and rubber teething toys are excellent for soothing sore gums. Look for products specifically designed for teething infants, ensuring they are made from safe, non-toxic materials.

Cold therapy

Cold can help numb and ease the ache and inflammation associated with teething. Try these methods:

• Use a damp washcloth that has been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot for better gnawing)
• Offer cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt (for babies already eating solids)
• Use teething rings that have been cooled in the refrigerator (not frozen solid, as they can be too hard for baby’s mouth)

Gentle massage

A light, gentle massage can provide significant relief for teething babies. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Use your clean finger or knuckle to gently rub the sore areas in your baby’s mouth
3. Apply gentle pressure to help alleviate discomfort

Over-the-counter pain relief

For severe teething pain, consult your pediatrician about using over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be recommended in appropriate doses for infants experiencing significant discomfort.

It’s important to note that numbing gels or creams containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants due to potential side effects and safety concerns.

Understanding the Teething Process: What Parents Should Know

To better manage the teething phase, it’s helpful for parents to understand the typical timeline and symptoms associated with this developmental milestone.

When do babies start teething?

While the teething process can vary from child to child, most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age. However, it’s not uncommon for teething to start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Some key facts about teething include:

• The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front teeth (lower central incisors)
• Teething typically continues until around age 3, when most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth
• The order and timing of tooth eruption can vary, but generally follows a predictable pattern

What are common teething symptoms?

Teething can cause various symptoms in babies, including:

• Increased drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Irritability or fussiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Mild temperature elevation (not to be confused with fever)

It’s important to note that high fevers, diarrhea, and other severe symptoms are not typically associated with teething and may indicate other health issues requiring medical attention.

The Importance of Dental Health from an Early Age

While managing teething discomfort is important, it’s equally crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits from infancy. Here are some tips for maintaining your baby’s dental health:

• Begin cleaning your baby’s gums before teeth emerge, using a soft, damp cloth
• Once teeth appear, brush twice daily with an infant toothbrush and a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to tooth decay
• Introduce a cup for drinking around 6 months of age, aiming to phase out bottles by 12-18 months

By prioritizing dental health early on, parents can help ensure their child develops strong, healthy teeth and good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Navigating Teething: Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Dealing with a teething baby can be challenging, but with the right approach, parents and caregivers can help ease their little one through this developmental stage. Here are some additional tips to consider:

Maintain a consistent routine

Teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep and eating patterns. Try to maintain a consistent daily routine to provide comfort and stability during this potentially unsettling time.

Offer extra comfort

Your baby may need additional cuddles and attention during teething. Don’t hesitate to provide extra comfort through:

• Increased holding and cuddling
• Gentle rocking or swaying
• Soft singing or humming
• Reading favorite books together

Be patient with changes in behavior

Teething can cause temporary changes in your baby’s mood and behavior. Try to be patient and understanding, remembering that this phase will pass.

Monitor for signs of more serious issues

While some discomfort is normal during teething, be vigilant for signs that might indicate a more serious problem, such as:

• High fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Severe diarrhea
• Unusual rashes
• Prolonged symptoms

If you observe any of these symptoms, consult your pediatrician promptly.

Educate family members and caregivers

Ensure that all family members and caregivers are aware of the dangers associated with teething necklaces and beads. Provide them with information about safe alternatives and proper teething management techniques.

Stay informed about product recalls

Regularly check for updates and recalls related to baby products, including teething accessories. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website is a valuable resource for this information.

By staying informed, prioritizing safety, and using evidence-based methods to soothe teething discomfort, parents can help their babies navigate this challenging phase more comfortably and securely. Remember, while teething can be a difficult time for both babies and parents, it’s a temporary phase that signals your child’s growth and development.

Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents

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Ages & Stages

Ages & Stages

​​​​​When parents see their baby suffering, they just want a solution. Teething necklaces and beads have become an increasing popular alternative treatment to ease
teething pain.
But, are they effective and safe? The answer is no.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an

official warning in December 2018 after recieving reports of children choking on beads that break off and an 18-month-old being strangled to death by an amber necklace during a nap.

Why These Teething Necklaces and Beads are Choking and Strangulation Hazards:

“The risk is two-fold — strangulation and
choking,” said pediatrician Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP. It occurs when the necklaces are worn around a child’s neck, especially when unsupervised (such as while sleeping) or if the child were to break the necklace and swallow the beads. However, those risks are not only for these teething necklaces.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that infants wear any jewelry. Suffocation is the leading cause of death for children under a year old and among the top five causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Parents who choose to use these necklaces are advised to:

• Always supervise your child when he or she is wearing the necklace or bracelet.

• Have your child wear the necklace on a wrist or ankle and not around his or her neck.

• Remember to remove the necklace or bracelet when your child is unattended, even if it is only for a short period of time!

• Remove the necklace or bracelet while your child is sleeping (day or night).

• Consider using alternate forms of teething pain relief (see suggestions below).

• Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns or questions about your child’s health.

Safer Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby:

There are many teething-pain relievers that can soothe your baby’s sore gums safely. Here are a few worth trying:

• 
  Chew toys. Plastic and rubber toys are great for soothing aching gums.

• 
  Cold things. For help numbing and easing the ache and inflammation, try using damp washcloths that have been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot for better gnawing). Avoid teething rings that are frozen solid; they are too hard for children’s mouths.

• 
  Massage.  A light, gentle rub or massage might give your little one a lot of relief. Remember to wash your hands, then massage the sore areas in your baby’s mouth with your finger or knuckle.

• 
  Medicine. When your baby is having a really tough time, ask your pediatrician about giving a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  Note: Numbing gels or creams that contain benzocaine are not recommended for infants.

Additional Information:

• 
  Baby Teething Pain

• 
  Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know

• 
  Teething: 4 to 7 Months

• 
  How to Help Teething Symptoms without Medications

• 
  Prevention of Choking Among Children (AAP Policy Statement)

• To review recalls and safety information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) website.  ​

​​

​​​

Last Updated

12/20/2018

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2018)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Fluoride for Children: FAQs – HealthyChildren.org

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Healthy Living

Healthy Living

​Fluoride from drinking
water and other sources like toothpaste and mouth rinse can help prevent
tooth decay (dental caries for cavities) and make your child’s teeth stronger.

Here are some common questions parents ask about how fluoride helps protect children’s oral health.

Q: Why do children need fluoride?​

A: Fluoride is a natural mineral that can slow or stop cavities from forming. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars and make acid that can harm the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). Fluoride protects teeth from damage and helps rebuild the enamel. Many communities have added fluoride to the tap water to help fight cavities. Children should drink plenty of water and brush with toothpaste that has fluoride in it.

Q: Is fluoridated water safe for my children?

A: Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that
water fluoridation is safe and works to
prevent tooth decay. Community water fluoridation has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 25%.

Q: When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?

A: The AAP recommends using a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used.

Q: What if we live in a community where the water is not fluoridated? What can we do?

A: Check with your local water utility agency to
find out if your water has fluoride in it. If it doesn’t or you have well water, ask your pediatrician or dentist if your child is at high risk for cavities. The doctor may recommend you buy fluoridated water or give you a prescription for fluoride drops or tablets for your child.

Q: Should my child get fluoride varnish?

A: Yes.
Fluoride varnish is used to help prevent or slow down tooth decay. Your pediatrician will apply the varnish starting when your baby is 6 months old at
well-child visits. It is painted on the top and sides of each tooth and hardens quickly. Then, it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours. It is recommended that children have varnish applied 2 to 4 times per year until they are 5 years old.

Q: What should I know about fluoride if I am breastfeeding or using infant formula?

A: When they are younger than 6 months old,
breastfed babies and babies fed infant formula do not need fluoride supplements or formula mixed with water than is fluoridated. It is safe to use fluoridated water to
mix the formula if your baby is younger than 6 months old, but there is a small risk of “fluorosis.” (See more details, below.) Ask your pediatrician or
dentist if you need more advice.

If you prefer not to use fluoridated water with formula before your baby’s first tooth emerges, you can:

Q: What is dental fluorosis, and will fluoridated water mixed with infant formula increase the risk?

A: Fluorosis usually appears as very faint white streaks on the teeth. Often it is only noticeable by a dental expert during an exam. Mild fluorosis is not painful and does not affect the function or health of the teeth.

Although using fluoridated water to prepare infant formula might increase the risk of dental fluorosis, most cases are mild.

Once your child’s adult teeth come in (usually around age 8), the risk of developing fluorosis is over.

More Information

• 
  Good Oral Health Starts Early​
• 
  Fluoride a Powerful Tooth to Prevent Tooth Decay​

Last Updated

11/30/2020

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2020)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Graph of teething in children, signs of teething in infants

The birth of the first child is associated with a lot of unknown for young parents, so many new things await them ahead. Of course, parents are worried about the baby growing and developing properly. Gradually, the baby goes through important stages: he begins to smile, roll over from his back to his side, sleep without waking up all night. Another significant event that parents are looking forward to is the appearance of the first tooth. Parents are concerned about the question: “When do children start teething?”

Signs appearance teeth

You will notice this by the behavior and condition of the child. When teething, the child pulls everything into his mouth to scratch his gums. His salivation increases, his appetite worsens, and his gums swell. The baby is naughty and sleeps restlessly.

If your child has a fever and/or diarrhoea, you should make an appointment with the pediatrician. These symptoms cannot be attributed to mild malaise during teething. Remember that the child’s immunity is just beginning to develop at this age. Babies put all toys and objects, clean or dirty, into their mouths, so they are at risk of contracting bacteria and viruses.

How to help baby relieve pain

Pediatric dentists have developed a number of tips and tricks to help relieve pain and discomfort in babies. Current medicine does not recommend applying topical anesthetic gels and liquids to the gums due to the risk of toxicity in children 2 years of age and younger. Another outdated remedy recognized as harmful to the teeth is to dip the nipple in sugar or honey.

Don’t worry, there are many simple and harmless ways to make your child’s life easier. Try giving him a clean, durable teether or a chilled nipple. Store spare teethers in the freezer so you always have them on hand. Cold foods, such as ice cream and frozen fruit, are good for helping to combat unpleasant symptoms if the child can already eat them. Gently massaging your gums will help relieve the pain. If the pain is severe, see your pediatrician who can recommend an over-the-counter medicine for babies. Be careful and notice which way works best for the child.

Schedule eruption teeth

Noticing increased salivation, parents immediately begin to look for the first tooth in the child’s mouth. The two central incisors of the bottom row appear first when the baby is about 6 months old. However, no two children are the same; The first tooth may appear at 5 months or at 12 months. So, the correct answer to the question “when children start teething” is: “any time they want.”

After the first teeth appear, on schedule or off schedule, you are wondering when to expect the next ones. The top two central teeth erupt at about age 9up to 13 months. Between the ages of 13 and 16 months, many babies have four front teeth at the bottom and four at the top. The remaining milk teeth, lateral incisors and molars, should erupt by the age of 2 to 3 years. It’s a long process, but when it’s over, the baby will have 20 milk teeth!

Important Role Baby Teeth

Some parents feel that baby teeth are not very important because they will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. However, that is why it is necessary to take care of baby teeth! They not only make the baby’s smile beautiful, they help him learn to speak and chew food. These 20 teeth form the necessary space for the development, growth and proper positioning of the permanent teeth.

The importance of taking care of your baby’s teeth and gums right from the start of teething cannot be overemphasized. Specialists of the Russian Medical Server consider oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist to be the best methods for preventing dental diseases. The last baby tooth will fall out in a child’s early teens, around age 12. Be patient and surround your child with care so that this difficult period passes safely.

Timing of teething – Article

Author:

Marbery Gedrean
| Checked by: Shteba Victoria Petrovna

| Last revised: October 18, 2020.

Most parents are very concerned about how teething (and gums) affects their babies in everyday life. Although we cannot fully predict exactly how each baby will react to their first tooth. However, we can learn about teething symptoms and how to soothe your baby during this difficult time. In general, the more we know about teething, the better we can help our babies get through it. Let’s figure it out.

Timing of teething

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How long does it take for babies to teeth?”. It is useful to know both the time frame for the appearance of the first tooth and the time frame in which all teeth erupt. In general, teething is an ongoing process that occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months. Although your baby has twenty milk teeth that will appear within two years, teething, fortunately, only causes pain and irritation at the time when the tooth is about to break through the gum. It is not known exactly how long it will take for a tooth to fully erupt, but on average experts say it can erupt within 1-7 days per tooth. However, teething symptoms usually only last a couple of days, so if a baby experiences discomfort for an extended period of time, it’s safe to assume it’s not teething.

Chronology of teething

In most babies, the first teeth are erupted at the age of 6 to 7 months, but this can happen earlier or later. Generally, your baby’s teeth are most likely to appear in the following timelines:

6-7 months

During this time, the first teeth begin to erupt. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two middle teeth at the bottom. Children at this age become more active. They begin to grab and pull objects towards them, transfer objects from one hand to the other, and may even begin to crawl. It’s important to keep an eye on small objects within your baby’s reach, as he’ll want to put everything in his mouth during teething!

8 to 13 months

Between 8 and 12 months your baby will have upper central incisors. In addition, sometime between 9 and 13 months they will have upper and lower teeth next to their upper central incisors (these are called lower and upper lateral incisors). In addition to teething, it is important to understand that other important milestones in gross motor development are also achieved during this developmental window. Most babies are able to sit up, stand up unassisted, take their first steps, pick up and throw objects, roll a ball, and grasp objects.

13 to 20 months

Typically, between 13 and 16 months of age, your baby’s first molars come in at about the same time. Shortly thereafter, their fangs will appear in both the top and bottom rows, between about 16 and 20 months.

From 20 to 30 months

At the final stage of teething, the back teeth or second molars appear in the bottom row of the baby. While most teething symptoms appear the same in both toddlers and babies, there are some differences as your baby grows older. First of all, your baby can now tell you about their discomfort and pain, unlike non-verbal babies. On the other hand, many toddlers will not show any signs of discomfort and will not complain of pain at all during the passage of molars. For other babies, the pain can be significantly worse because their first molars are larger than their other molars. They may even complain of a headache or jaw pain!

Toys that can help

Teethers are teething toys that help to greatly relieve the symptoms of teething in children, while keeping them occupied during play. Because teething babies are always looking for something they can chew on, teething toys are specifically designed to soothe gums and temporarily ease teething.

“6 months? But my 3 month old is teething right now!”

Some babies start teething early at 6 months – and usually it’s a little thing you don’t have to worry about!

Many babies begin to drool more often and explore their world by bringing their hand to their mouth to chew at about 3-4 months. This is completely normal and is often accompanied by teething after some time.

If you suspect that your little bundle of joy, which can be much less joyful during gum pain attacks, is teething, look for symptoms such as:

• drooling, the surest sign;
• capriciousness – unfortunately, also a frequent indicator of common childhood worries;
• slight temperature increase approx. 37.2 – 38 ° C.

The bottom two teeth usually show up first, so keep an eye on this area and be prepared to be over-the-top when they show up.

When your child has their first teeth, you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.