Your baby is drooling. Is this just a cuteness overload or is your little bub teething? Maybe they have other symptoms as well. But how do you really know if your child is teething? Read on to find out more. If you need a dentist great with tiny tots, be sure to book in a consult with Dr Zena Chakty at Riverstone Family Dental on 8678 3538.
When do teeth start forming?
Teeth start developing when your baby is in your womb. This is why your health during pregnancy is so important. Fluctuations with your general health can interfere with the development of your baby’s teeth. Most people do not actually know this until their child grows teeth in infancy and they come through with enamel problems. Teething symptoms Some say that when a baby has diarrhea, runny nose and a fever, a tooth eruption is imminent. In fact, scroll through mums blogs and new mums magazines and you will find the majority swear to this. However, it is not scientifically proven. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a slight rise in your baby’s body temperature can occur when they are teething. If, however, your bub has a fever (rectal temperature greater than 38 degrees celcius) or diarrhea – they may have an infection. The source of this infection may be when your baby has placed something inside their mouth to help with teething discomfort. In doing so, they may have caught a virus or other germs, which can lead to diarrhea and fever.
When will my baby’s teeth appear?
There is a slight variation, however, this is a simple guide for your baby’s tooth eruption: • 4-12 months – middle teeth, top and bottom • 9-12 months – teeth beside the middle teeth • 16-22 months – canine teeth • 13-19 months – first molar teeth • 25-33 months – second molar teeth Teething takes about eight days. Usually it starts four days before the tooth comes through the gum and continues for three days after.
Teething signs and symptoms
Some kids get through teething without batting an eyelid. Others have two or more teeth coming through at the same time and can be in a fair amount of discomfort. Have a look at these common signs and symptoms of teething: • Drooling – teething babies are drooling babies. Chins are typically covered in drool. Remember to gently wipe their chin regularly and get them to wear a bib. • Swollen gums – as the tooth bud pushes through the gum, a blue-grey bubble may appear. This is normal and is known as an eruption cyst. It will go away on its own. If it is not going away, give us a call at Riverstone Family Dental on 8678 3538. • Irritability – your bub’s very first teeth will hurt the most. They may feel irritable, upset and be crying. Most babies settle down after a few days. If your child is unsettled for more than 3 days, you may want to see your dentist. • Constant chewing – this helps to soothe your baby’s teething pain. Ensure their hands are clean as they will place their hands in their mouth for the majority of the day. • Disturbed sleep – the mouth is highly sensitive, even a slight pain can cause a great deal of discomfort. Often, teething can cause sleepless nights. • Inconsistent feeding – your baby may struggle with sucking. If your bub is now on solids, you can give them something cold and keep persevering with the feeding. • Gag reflex – don’t panic! The constant stream of saliva may make your baby gag, it is not to be concerned about. • Ear pulling – gums, ears and cheeks share the same nerve channels, so an ache in the gum can be transferred to another place on the face.
What helps with teething?
• Massage – the number one most effective tool during teething. Soothe your baby’s gums by gently massaging them with clean fingers or a wet cloth. • Chilled teething rings – counterpressure from a cold object can relieve discomfort from teething. • unsweetened teething rusks or sugar-free teething biscuits – these are great for children over 6 months who have started to eat solids. • Paracetamol – this is an effective pain relief for children but always check with your family doctor first. Unlike ibuprofen, it causes less adverse reactions in kiddies. • Dry the drool – the skin around the mouth can become red and irritated. Gently wipe over this skin throughout the day to help prevent discomfort.
Avoid:
– placing anything frozen in your bub’s mouth – rings that use a plastic softener called ‘diisononyl phthalate’ – teething necklaces as they pose a choking and strangulation risk – gels containing benzocaine or choline salicylate. Salicylate is related to aspirin which is advised to be avoided in infants due to the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome – a rare but potentially dangerous condition that can result in liver and brain damage.
Do you need a caring family dentist?
Dr Zena Chakty can make your child’s first dental visit a breeze. It also helps to have a dentist that will stay with your family for life. You are able to establish a trusting relationship and they will come to know your oral health very well.
Call Riverstone Family Dental on 8678 3538 today.
