When do babies typically start teething. What are the earliest signs of teething in infants. How long does the teething process usually last. Which baby teeth come in first and in what order. What are effective ways to soothe a teething baby.

The Teething Process: When It Begins and What to Expect

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth. While the timing can vary widely, most babies begin teething between 6 and 12 months of age. However, it’s important to note that this is not a rigid timeline, and some infants may start teething earlier or later.

In rare cases, some newborns may be born with a tooth already erupted, or a tooth may emerge within the first few weeks of life. These situations, while uncommon, are generally not a cause for concern.

Early Teething: Is It Possible?

Can babies start teething before 6 months? Indeed, some infants may begin teething as early as 3 or 4 months. This early onset of teething is considered normal and is often influenced by genetic factors. If you notice signs of teething in your young infant, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician to ensure proper dental development.

Late Teething: When to Be Concerned

On the other hand, some babies may not show signs of teething until 14 months or even later. While this can be concerning for parents, it’s crucial to remember that every child develops at their own pace. However, if your baby hasn’t shown any signs of teething by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult a pediatric dentist for a professional evaluation.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Teething

As teeth begin to emerge, babies may experience various symptoms. Being able to recognize these signs can help parents provide appropriate comfort and care during this potentially challenging time.

• Irritability and increased fussiness
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on objects or fingers
• Sore, swollen gums
• Slight increase in body temperature

It’s important to note that while teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it typically doesn’t result in a high fever. If your baby develops a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, it’s crucial to consult your pediatrician, as this could indicate an underlying illness unrelated to teething.

The Teething Timeline: Which Teeth Appear and When

Understanding the typical order in which baby teeth emerge can help parents anticipate and prepare for each stage of the teething process. While individual experiences may vary, most babies follow a general pattern of tooth eruption.

Bottom Teeth Eruption Sequence

1. Central incisors: 6 to 10 months
2. Lateral incisors: 10 to 16 months
3. First molars: 14 to 18 months
4. Canines: 17 to 23 months
5. Second molars: 23 to 31 months

Top Teeth Eruption Sequence

1. Central incisors: 8 to 12 months
2. Lateral incisors: 9 to 13 months
3. First molars: 13 to 19 months
4. Canines: 16 to 22 months
5. Second molars: 25 to 33 months

By the time a child reaches 2.5 to 3 years of age, they typically have a full set of 20 primary teeth. This marks the completion of the initial teething process, which usually spans about two years from start to finish.

Soothing Techniques for Teething Discomfort

While teething is a natural process, it can cause discomfort for some babies. As a parent, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate your child’s teething pain:

• Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Offer a cold teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth to chew on
• Provide safe, rubber teething toys
• Use over-the-counter pain relief medications as recommended by your pediatrician
• Try chilled (not frozen) fruits in a mesh feeder for babies who have started solids

It’s important to avoid teething gels or tablets containing benzocaine, as these can be harmful to infants. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication or new teething remedy.

The Importance of Early Dental Care

As soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to start thinking about dental care. Proper oral hygiene from an early age can help prevent cavities and establish good habits that will last a lifetime.

When to Start Brushing

Should you start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears? Absolutely! Use a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to gently clean your baby’s teeth twice a day. As your child grows, you can gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized dollop around age 3.

First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This early visit allows the dentist to check for proper oral development and provides an opportunity to discuss good oral hygiene practices with parents.

Common Teething Myths Debunked

There are many misconceptions surrounding teething, and it’s important for parents to separate fact from fiction to provide the best care for their teething babies.

Myth: Teething Causes High Fevers

While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it doesn’t typically result in high fevers. If your baby develops a temperature above 101°F (38.3°C), it’s likely due to an unrelated illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Myth: Teething Causes Severe Diarrhea

Some parents associate loose stools with teething, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this connection. If your baby experiences persistent diarrhea, it’s important to consult your pediatrician, as this could be a sign of an infection or other health issue.

Myth: Amber Necklaces Relieve Teething Pain

Despite their popularity, there’s no scientific evidence to support the use of amber necklaces for teething pain relief. Moreover, these necklaces pose a choking and strangulation hazard, making them unsafe for infants and young children.

When to Seek Professional Help

While teething is generally a benign process, there are instances when it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Here are some situations that warrant attention:

• Your baby develops a fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• You notice signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output or dry mouth
• Your baby seems excessively irritable or inconsolable
• There’s no sign of teeth by 18 months of age
• You notice any abnormalities in your baby’s mouth or gums

Remember, your pediatrician and pediatric dentist are valuable resources during the teething process. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions about your baby’s oral health and development.

Preparing for the Next Stage: Permanent Teeth

As your child grows, they’ll eventually transition from their primary teeth to their permanent set. This process typically begins around age 6 or 7 and continues into the teenage years.

When Do Baby Teeth Start Falling Out?

Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower central incisors. The process of losing baby teeth and gaining permanent teeth can last several years, with most children having all their permanent teeth (except wisdom teeth) by age 12-13.

Caring for Mixed Dentition

During the transition period, when your child has both baby and permanent teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Encourage regular brushing and flossing, and continue with routine dental check-ups to ensure proper development of the permanent teeth.

As your child grows and their teeth continue to develop, it’s important to maintain open communication with your pediatric dentist. They can provide guidance on proper care techniques, address any concerns about alignment or spacing, and recommend interventions if necessary.

Teething is an important milestone in your baby’s development, marking the beginning of their journey towards a healthy, beautiful smile. By understanding the process, recognizing the signs, and providing appropriate care, you can help make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible for your little one.

Remember, every child is unique, and the teething process can vary widely from one baby to another. Trust your instincts as a parent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have any concerns about your child’s dental development. With patience, care, and attention, you can help guide your baby through the teething process and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs & Symptoms

Your baby’s first tooth and those adorable toothy grins are milestones you’ll look for and treasure. If you’re wondering when they will appear, it’s good to know that the timing of teething varies widely from baby to baby. Read on to discover when your baby may start teething, the signs and symptoms of teething, how long teething typically lasts, and much more.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Teething often starts when babies are between 6 and 12 months old, though in some cases those first teeth may appear earlier or even a little later. In some very rare cases newborns may be born with a tooth already erupted, or have a tooth come through in the first few weeks.

What if Teething Starts Later Than You Expect?

It’s helpful to remember that growing teeth is not a competitive sport, and that your baby’s teeth will arrive when they are ready. So, don’t be concerned if your friends’ children get teeth before your baby does.

The age range can be quite broad when it comes to teething. Though it’s likely that teething may begin between 6 and 12 months, the first tooth may appear as early as 3 or 4 months or as late as 14 months. Some babies might even be slightly outside of this range on either side. Genetics may play a role in the timing.

Of course, if you’re concerned about your baby’s teeth (or lack thereof) or have any questions about dental care, speak to her healthcare provider or dentist.

Which Teeth Come in First?

How Long Does Teething Last?

The duration of the teething process can vary. At some point between your child’s second and third birthdays, however, your little one will have a full set of 20 primary teeth. This means the total teething period lasts about two years.

If your little one has teething discomfort, know that this will probably come and go. Teething symptoms are typically experienced in the days before a tooth erupts; then the soreness subsides until a new tooth starts to come in.

How Many Baby Teeth Will Appear in Total?

Your little one’s first set of teeth are known as primary or baby teeth. By the time she’s 2 and a half to 3 years old she will have a full set of 20 baby teeth.

When your child is around 6 or 7 years old, the baby teeth will start falling out to make way for her permanent teeth, sometimes called secondary teeth. It takes many years for all 32 secondary teeth to come in, so for a while there your child will have a mix of primary and secondary teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

As the baby teeth grow and break through the gums, teething symptoms can include:

• Irritability. Your little one might seem a little fussier and may cry more than usual.

• Disturbed sleep. Teething pain or discomfort may cause your baby to wake up during the night.

• More drooling. It’s common for a teething baby to drool a lot when teething. Experts say the extra saliva can help soothe the tender gums.

• Chewing on things. When your baby is teething, she may gnaw on toys, a teething ring, or even her own fingers to help relieve the pressure she feels on her gums. Chewing on something firm helps massage the gums and helps ease any discomfort as the tooth tries to erupt.

• Sore, swollen gums. The spot where a tooth is coming through may be tender, red, and swollen.

• Low-grade temperature. During teething, your little one’s temperature may be slightly elevated, but teething is unlikely to cause a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby seems very uncomfortable or has a temperature of at least 101 degrees (or at least 100.4 degrees for a baby under 3 months) , contact your little one’s healthcare provider, who can determine what’s causing the fever.

Teething Timeline

Top Teeth

• Central incisors (the front teeth): 8 to 12 months

• Lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth): 9 to 13 months

• Canines, or cuspids (the sharp, pointy teeth on either side of the lateral incisors): 16 to 22 months

• First molars (the back teeth used to grind food): 13 to 19 months

• Second molars (the back teeth that fill in the last gaps): 25 to 33 months

Bottom Teeth

• Central incisors (the front teeth): 6 to 10 months

• Lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth): 10 to 16 months

• Canines, or cuspids (the sharp, pointy teeth on either side of the lateral incisors): 17 to 23 months

• First molars (the back teeth used to grind food): 14 to 18 months

• Second molars (the back teeth that fill in the last gaps): 23 to 31 months

How to Soothe Your Teething Baby

Teething can be uncomfortable for some babies, and as there’s no magic technique that works for every child, you may have to experiment to find something that helps your little one feel better. Among the many ways to soothe your teething baby are these two quick ideas:

• Give a teething ring. Chewing on one of these rings lets your teething baby massage her own gums. Some types can be cooled in the fridge to give extra relief, but don’t put a teething ring in the freezer—this can make it too hard and cold for your little one’s sensitive gums. To keep your little one safe, never tie a teething ring to a string that’s looped around your baby’s neck or clipped to her top.

• Massage your baby’s gums. Using a clean finger, gently massage your baby’s sore gums.

How to Care for Your Baby’s New Teeth

It’s important to start caring for your baby’s teeth (or tooth) as soon as the first one pokes through. Those baby teeth have to last several years before they’re replaced with adult teeth, and establishing good dental hygiene habits early on will help set your little one up for healthy teeth and gums throughout her life.

Taking steps to prevent cavities and tooth decay in the baby teeth is just as important as it is with adult teeth, because decay in these teeth can affect the permanent teeth that follow and cause other dental problems like pain and infections.

Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Regular brushing is an important part of dental care. The key thing at this stage is to gently clean baby teeth twice a day and to get your little one used to the brushing routine.

Here are some guidelines for brushing your baby’s teeth, as well as some tips on teaching your older child how to get the job done, with your help:

• Brush at least twice a day, always brushing after your child has had anything sugary as well as after the last meal or drink of the day

• Put a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for your baby’s age. Carefully brush each tooth, making sure to reach all the surfaces, including the sides and the inside surface. Once your child is about 2 years old you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. You’ll need to teach him how to rinse and spit, rather than swallowing the toothpaste.

• The direction of the brush stroke doesn’t really matter. The key is to clean each tooth from all angles, making sure you reach the back teeth as well

• For now you’ll need to brush your baby’s teeth. As he reaches the toddler and preschooler stage, help him begin brush his own teeth, under your close supervision. You’ll need to lend a hand until he’s 7 or 8 years old to ensure those teeth get a thorough clean. Here are some ideas for how to make brushing more fun for both of you.

Diet

Your little one’s diet is a big part of dental health. Avoid giving your child sugary drinks like fruit juice and sodas, or sticky sweet snacks like gum, toffee, and sticky caramel. Also, don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup of milk, formula, juice, or any other sweet drink, as this can cause the sugary liquid to pool in his mouth and lead to tooth decay.

For more on caring for your baby’s teeth, check out our article on dental care for children.

Dental Checkups

Getting professional care from a dentist is crucial for the healthy development of your child’s teeth, mouth, and gums. Usually, the first dentist visit should take place within about six months of the first tooth poking through or by the time your child is 12 months old, whichever comes first.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, you can make an appointment at any time. Your baby’s healthcare provider will also check your baby’s teeth and gums at his regular well-child checkups.

When to See Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

If your little one is showing symptoms like fever, irritability, or diarrhea, or any other signs of childhood illness, and you’re not sure whether it’s related to teething or something else, it’s safest to call your healthcare provider so an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be made.

You should also contact your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned about how much discomfort your baby is in as a result of teething. The provider may recommend some form of pain relief while also making sure that nothing else is wrong to cause the elevated levels of pain or discomfort. Do not use teething gels to numb the gums, as these are dangerous.

You’ll also want to consult your baby’s healthcare provider or dentist if your baby has a tooth problem or injury, such as a broken or chipped tooth.

Interesting Facts About Baby Teeth

Want to know more about teething and those white-as-can-be baby teeth? Here are some fun facts about your little one’s teeth:

• On average, about four teeth will poke through every six months during the teething process

• Girls’ teeth may erupt a little sooner than boys’ teeth

• The bottom teeth tend to erupt before the same type of tooth on the top

• Teeth usually erupt in symmetrical pairs; in other words, one tooth on the right side of the jaw and the same type of tooth on the left side of the jaw will poke through at roughly the same time

• Your child’s primary teeth are smaller and whiter than the permanent teeth that will replace them in a few years’ time

• From around the age of 4, your child’s face and jaw will begin to grow and change shape, and this will create gaps in his smile as the baby teeth won’t catch up in size. This is completely normal—it’s the mouth’s way of making space for the bigger adult teeth that will follow.

• Your baby’s secondary teeth will be coming in when he is about 7 or 8 years old. Because it will take a little while before your child has a full set of adult teeth, for several years your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth.

• Your baby has 20 primary teeth but will have many more secondary teeth. By the time your child is in his teens or early 20s, he’ll have between 28 and 32 adult teeth.

The Bottom Line

Teething can sometimes be a challenging time for your baby and you. Try to keep in mind how important those teeth are, helping your child chew and bite into the nutritious foods that are fueling his growth and development.

If you’re still waiting for that first tooth, know that it will be here soon enough, and more will be on the way. Each new tooth that emerges will make that smile even more adorable than it was before.

Take good care of your baby’s tiny teeth and before you know it the gaps in your little one’s smile will be filled in with some of the cutest, whitest teeth you’ve ever seen!

When Do Babies Start Teething?

When your baby starts teething, it can be an exciting milestone. Those first teeth are not only adorable, they will eventually help your baby chew foods and speak clearly. Unfortunately, it’s often an uncomfortable process when babies start getting teeth. To make matters worse, the teething process is different for every baby, so it is not always easy to tell when babies start cutting teeth.

In this article, we will address the following questions:

• When do babies usually start teething?
• How soon can a baby start teething?
• What are signs of teething?
• Is fever a sign of teething?
• How can I relieve my baby’s teething pain?
• What teething pain remedies should I avoid?
• What should I do when my baby starts teething?

When Do Babies Usually Start Teething?

It really varies in terms of when babies start getting teeth; there is no one “normal” age at which the first tooth emerges. Some babies are born with teeth while others don’t see a single tooth until after their first birthday.

That said, many children get their first tooth between ages six and ten months. Typically, the lower central incisors (the two front teeth on the bottom) are the first to erupt (i.e., break through the gums). Most children will have their full set of primary teeth by age three.

Okay, so many children start teething between six and ten months, but how soon can a baby start teething? Can a baby start teething too early?

A baby can start teething at any point. A baby’s first tooth can erupt before the baby is even born (natal tooth), during the first 30 days after birth (neonatal tooth), or at any time after that.

Teething before six months typically is not a cause for concern. However, when a baby’s teeth come in significantly earlier than six months, the teeth and/or roots can sometimes be underdeveloped. In some cases, teeth that erupt very early have enamel defects, making them especially susceptible to cavities. (To learn more about other potential complications that can arise when teeth erupt very early, see our article on natal and neonatal teeth.)

If your baby starts teething very early, or if you have any concerns about your baby’s teeth when they begin erupting, it’s a good idea to speak with a pediatric dentist. Your child’s dentist can teach you how to properly care for the teeth and help you determine whether your baby could benefit from fluoride treatments to help strengthen any defective dental enamel.

Given the wide variability in when babies start getting teeth, how can parents tell if their babies are teething? The truth is that it can sometimes be difficult to know for sure.

Classic signs of teething include the following:

• increased drooling,
• increased desire to chew or bite on objects,
• irritability/fussiness,
• difficulty sleeping,
• refusing to eat,
• sore or tender gums, and
• rubbing the cheeks and/or gums.

Note that some of these teething symptoms are easily confused with normal parts of early childhood development that are unrelated to teething. For example, “mouthing” – that is, babies sticking objects inside their mouths – is a natural way for babies to explore and learn about the objects around them, but can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from a desire to chew on objects to relieve teething pain.

Others of these teething symptoms, such as irritability and refusal to eat, could be signs of potentially serious medical issues wholly unrelated to teething. If your child experiences persistent discomfort and none of the techniques described below provides relief, or if you otherwise feel concerned, it is a good idea to check in with your child’s pediatrician.

Is Fever A Sign of Teething?

Although fevers have sometimes been anecdotally reported as a sign of teething, the American Dental Association does not consider them to be a normal teething symptom. The same goes for diarrhea. If your child is experiencing diarrhea or a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should contact your child’s pediatrician.

How Can I Relieve My Baby’s Teething Pain?

Counterpressure is one of the best ways to relieve the soreness caused by the soon-to-emerge teeth pressing against your child’s gums. If your child experiences discomfort when he or she starts cutting teeth, try applying counterpressure by

• gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger, or
• allowing your child to chew on a dry washcloth or teething toy (preferably one made from solid rubber or food-grade silicone).

If you decide to use a washcloth or teether, you can try chilling it before giving it to your baby, as cold temperatures are another good way to provide relief for sore gums.

If applying counterpressure does not appear to help make your baby more comfortable, it is a good idea to speak with a pediatric dentist or your child’s pediatrician to make sure teething is the true cause of the discomfort.

What Teething Pain Remedies Should I Avoid?

We strongly discourage the following teething pain remedies:

• Homeopathic teething tablets. The FDA has warned consumers that homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna, such as those marketed by CVS and Hyldand’s Inc., pose an unnecessary risk to infants and children. Belladonna, also known as Deadly Nightshade, is a toxic plant. It can cause symptoms such as fast heart rate, seizures, difficulty breathing, agitation, disorientation, and hallucinations.
• Teething gels and creams containing benzocaine or lidocaine. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic used in teething creams and gels such as Orajel. The FDA has urged parents not to use topical teething medications containing Benzocaine because of the risk of methemoglobinemia, a serious – and potentially fatal – condition that affects the blood cells. Lidocaine viscous is a prescription local anesthetic used to numb the mouth and throat. The accidental ingestion of too much lidocaine by infants or young children can result in seizures, severe brain injury, heart problems and death. As a result, the FDA has warned that viscous lidocaine should not be used to treat infants or children with teething pain.
• Liquid-filled teething rings. These teething rings may break open and release liquid into your child’s mouth. Exactly how harmful this is depends on a number of factors, including what type of liquid the manufacturer used to fill the ring and whether the liquid is contaminated with any bacteria. We recommend avoiding the risk altogether by sticking to teething rings made of solid rubber or food-grade silicone.
• Teething necklaces and bracelets. The FDA has warned that teething jewelry poses serious risks, including choking, strangulation, mouth injuries and infection.
• Teething biscuits. Teething biscuits typically contain sugar or other fermentable carbohydrates (sugary or starchy foods that break down into sugars inside the mouth), which can lead to cavities.

What Should I Do When My Baby Starts Teething?

As soon as babies start getting teeth, they can start getting cavities, so make sure to begin brushing your baby’s teeth daily as soon as they emerge. (See our post on brushing babies’ teeth for tips on how to do so.)

It’s also time to start thinking about scheduling your baby’s first dental checkup. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to see a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth emerges or by your child’s first birthday (whichever comes first). Surprised? See our article on when to make your child’s first dental appointment to learn more.

Why Should I Choose Hurst Pediatric Dentistry?

Dr. Lin is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has significant experience working with babies and helping to make their dental checkups fun. When your baby starts getting teeth, Dr. Lin can clean and examine your baby’s teeth and teach you how to care for them properly. He can also discuss strategies for alleviating teething pain and discomfort. Contact us today at (817) 510-6400 to schedule your baby’s first dental checkup.

Hurst Pediatric Dentistry is located in Hurst, TX, and provides teething advice and dental checkups for babies in the DFW area.

This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with regard to any questions you may have relating to a medical condition or treatment.

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Teething in children, what you need to know

All parents know that teething is a difficult period in the life of every child, because he does not sleep well, is naughty and tries to gnaw everything he can reach. But the most dangerous thing is that at this time the baby is vulnerable to many infections. We will talk about how teeth should be cut normally, why the baby’s body cannot cope with the infection, and what symptoms indicate that it is time to go to the doctor.

Teething

Teething is a complex process, because at this time tissues are formed, teeth roots grow, gums are rebuilt. Moreover, the teeth begin to form even during pregnancy, starting from the 6th week. Around the same time, calcium begins to be deposited in the tissues of future teeth.

Next comes the most interesting part – teething. It is considered normal if the teeth begin to cut from 4 to 7 months. But each body is unique, so everyone’s teeth are cut differently. It depends on many things, for example:

– From genetics. Often the age at which a child’s teeth began to cut depends on when his relatives – mom, dad, grandparents – started teething.

– Power supply. If the baby lacks vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C or calcium, teeth will start to erupt later.

– From the course of pregnancy. If there was fetal toxicosis during pregnancy, this will also slow down the appearance of teeth.

Also, teeth are normally cut in pairs, that is, first the lower central incisors appear, then the upper central incisors, the upper lateral incisors – the lower lateral incisors, the upper first molars – the lower first molars, etc. But even if the order is violated, this does not always mean any disease or serious violation.

When to sound the alarm

In places where teeth erupt, many biologically active substances are released, such as histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, etc. They just cause the symptoms that every parent is familiar with:

– Fever. Normally, when teething, the temperature should be subfebrile, that is, no more than 38 degrees;

– Swelling, pain and redness of the gums.

There is a normal reaction of the child to teething. As a rule, the baby refuses to eat, but at the same time pulls toys into his mouth to gnaw on them. Due to the fact that the child is constantly chewing on something, the nerves of the gums are irritated and a lot of saliva is released, and since the child does not yet know how to control saliva, it flows out of the mouth. Also, the child becomes more excitable than usual – sleeps less, is constantly naughty, becomes irritable.

Life hack: to help your child and relieve toothache, buy a special teether toy. Such a toy can be filled with water and put in the refrigerator. When the baby chews on it, the toy will cool the inflamed gums and thereby partially relieve the pain.

But there are symptoms that parents often confuse with a normal reaction to the appearance of teeth:

– Digestive disorders – diarrhea, vomiting, loose stools;

– Temperature above 38-39degrees, which does not subside for several days;

– Cough, rash, swelling.

These symptoms indicate that there is an infection in the child’s body that needs to be treated.

Why a child is so vulnerable to diseases

When a child chews on something, microtraumas and cracks appear on the gums. The mucous membrane, like other tissues of the gums, is not yet formed, so infections easily enter the body through these injuries. And since at the age of the appearance of the first teeth – from 4 to 7 months, the passive immunity received from the mother is gradually lost, and its own immunity is just beginning to be developed, the body cannot cope with the infection.

What should I do if my baby has unusual symptoms?

The only sure option is to see a pediatrician. The doctor will examine the baby and prescribe tests to prescribe the right treatment. And the doctor will also assess whether the teeth are erupting correctly and give useful advice for your child.

Make an appointment with a pediatrician in the city of Sochi by phone number 8 (862) 555-27-03, or leave a request on this site.

Useful related links:

Video on this topic with our pediatrician – Gryzunova Svetlana Valentinovna.

Red flags for SARS

Great reminder on children’s cough

Teething in a child: timing, care, ways to relieve pain

Children will definitely appreciate the parental contribution to maintaining healthy teeth when they grow up. In order to help the baby from the very beginning, it is necessary to know the structural features, the stages of formation and the correct order of teething.

Teeth development before eruption

Your baby’s teeth should be taken care of long before they erupt. It is useful for expectant mothers to know that the rudiments of milk teeth are formed already at the 7-8th week of intrauterine development, and permanent ones at the end of 4 months. Not only the timing of teething, but even the level of mineralization of enamel of both milk and molars depends on how the pregnancy proceeds. Therefore, it is so critical that a woman receives all the vitamins, microelements and is as healthy as possible.

But not only food is important. The results of the research showed that in the presence of industrial harmful substances in the environment of the expectant mother during pregnancy and numerous stressful situations, the formation of all dental tissues is disrupted in the child and the timing of the appearance of milk teeth is shifted. Among children born to women with high blood pressure, late eruption of temporary teeth was noted in 56.7%. Approximately one third of the examined children born to mothers with heart defects revealed late eruption of temporary teeth, as well as deviations in the pairing and sequence of their eruption. The duration of pregnancy also plays a role. There is a pronounced dependence of the timing of the eruption of the first teeth on the degree of prematurity: the earlier the baby was born, the later the first teeth erupt ^{[1, 2]} .

Why baby teeth are needed

Nature has conceived the correct order and timing of teething in children. Evolutionarily, this is due to the need to form the bite and jaw bones for chewing and speech. Over the years, the bones grow, and the milk teeth, which at the beginning of their appearance fit snugly against each other, diverge by the age of 6-7, forming wide, natural interdental spaces for this period – tremas and diastemas.

There are only 20 teeth in the milk bite. This is due to the fact that they must be correctly placed in the small children’s jaw of the first years of a baby’s life, and eliminates the crowding of teeth that provokes dental diseases. The last of the milk teeth are replaced at the age of 10-12 years. However, they are very important for the physiological formation of the jawbones and permanent occlusion.

Proper growth and health of milk teeth help:

• rebuild the body from lactophoric to a mixed type of nutrition;

• reserve space for the normal positioning of future molars;

• to form a mixed bite.

There is an erroneous opinion that milk teeth in case of infection with caries can not be treated, but immediately removed. But modern dentists are against such tactics. Early removal is fraught with displacement of neighboring milk teeth and the appearance of problems already with an adult bite. Therefore, it is so important to maintain the presence and health of all milk teeth until the moment when permanent teeth erupt on their own ^[3] .

The structure of milk teeth

Temporary teeth have thinner enamel, and their internal pulp cavity is larger compared to permanent ones. All this makes the tooth lighter, which helps with the eruption of permanent teeth, but at the same time accelerates the development of caries and pulpitis. However, there are bonuses: by the time the molars begin to erupt, which will remain with the child until the end of life, the roots of milk teeth even dissolve to ensure their rapid and relatively painless loss.

Terms of eruption of milk teeth

Teething is a genetically programmed event that occurs at a certain period. Physiological teething is characterized by three main features: certain timing, pairing and sequence of teething. Galaktionova M. Yu.

Children’s milk teething rates differ depending on their ethnicity. But as studies show, in general, the world is experiencing a reduction in the time from birth to the moment when the first tooth appears. This is due, according to most researchers, to the global acceleration of human development ^[1] . How and when milk teeth erupt is one of the indicators of a child’s physical development.

Causes of violation of the order and timing of teething in children can be:

• heredity;

• climatic conditions;

• nature of feeding;

• certain diseases, such as rickets.

The eruption rates for milk teeth according to the American Dental Association are presented in the table.

The specified periods are average indicators, varying depending on individual and family characteristics ^[4,5] . But the sequence of appearance of teeth is essential, and it is better to track and record it. From a physiological point of view, the correct order of eruption of milk teeth in children is important for bite formation .

Teething aid

The appearance of milk teeth is not an easy process not only for the children themselves, but also for their parents. The most common teething symptoms:

• swelling and redness of the gums;

• increased salivation;

• itching and urge to keep hands, toys in mouth;

• capriciousness of a child;

• sleep disorder;

• refusal to breast, bottle or complementary foods;

• fever;

• stool disorders;

• runny nose.

The following will help you get through this period as comfortably as possible:

• special teething rings that relieve itching, especially with a cooling effect;

• local anesthetic dental gels;

• antipyretic and analgesic preparations;

Gentle silicone fingertip massage to soothe and relieve your baby ^[6]

Baby Teeth Care

Once the first tooth has erupted, don’t put off going to the dentist. Schedule a visit (at least once every 3-4 months). And after the first birthday, it is also desirable to be observed by an orthodontist. If there are no problems, visits to him should be repeated once a year ^[7,8]

Proper care at home is important.

• The milk teeth are suitable for an ultra-soft toothbrush with a small head.

• Children’s mouth rinses are used from about 4 years of age or from the time the child can spit.

• Parents should supervise the brushing of preschool children’s teeth and, if necessary, help and clean missed areas.

• Adults should teach their children to rinse their mouths after meals from a very young age.

• Until the child has learned to spit on his own, toothpaste should not contain fluorides.

• A bathroom timer or a favorite song helps you stick to the 2-minute brushing time.

• Solid food should be included in the diet daily in sufficient quantities to properly form the bite and stimulate the gums.

These simple tips will help keep baby teeth healthy from the very beginning until they are naturally replaced by permanent teeth.

List of sources

1. Izmest’eva OV, Galaktionova M. Yu., Manashev GG Characteristics of exogenous and endogenous factors affecting the eruption of temporary teeth in children. 2012 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/harakteristika-ekzogennyh-i-endogennyh-faktorov-vliyayuschih-na-prorezyvanie-vremennyh-zubov-u-detey (date of access: 21.02.2020)

2. Galaktionova M. Yu., Izmest’eva OV Timing of eruption of temporary teeth and the nature of feeding children in the first year of life. 2012 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sroki-prorezyvaniya-vremennyh-zubov-i-harakter-vskarmlivaniya-detey-pervogo-goda-zhizni (date of access: 21.02.2020)

3. Iordanishvili AK, Korovin NV, Serikov AA Anatomical and topometric characteristics of the jaws during eruption and retention of wisdom teeth. 2017 //https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/anatomo-topometricheskie-harakteristiki-chelyustey-pri-prorezyvanii-i-retentsii-zubov-mudrosti (Accessed: 02/21/2020)

4. Bimbas E. S., Saipeeva M. M., Shishmareva A. S. Terms of eruption of permanent teeth in children of primary school age. 2016 //https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sroki-prorezyvaniya-postoyannyh-zubov-u-detey-mladshego-shkolnogo-vozrasta (date of access: 02/21/2020)

5. Shilova N., Berzina S., Brinkmane A., Dulevska I., Umbraszko S., Briede I. Timing and sequence of eruption of primary teeth and factors influencing them. 2017 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sroki-i-posledovatelnost-prorezyvaniya-molochnyh-zubov-i-vliyayuschie-na-nih-faktory (date of access: 02/21/2020)

6. Bogdanova NA, Zueva TE How to help a child with teething? A new look at an old problem. 2019 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kak-pomoch-rebenku-pri-prorezyvanii-zubov-novyy-vzglyad-na-staruyu-problemu (date of access: 02/21/2020)

7. Ayupova FS Tactics of treatment of children with anomalies in the eruption of permanent posterior teeth.