Teething

What is teething syndrome?

Teething syndrome, or simply “teething,” is a natural process during which infants experience the eruption of their teeth through the gums. This typically begins between 6 to 12 months of age, and by the age of 3, most children have their first set of 20 primary teeth. Having teeth enables children to eat a wider variety of foods, but the teething process can be challenging for both infants and parents. There are several ways to help ease your child’s discomfort during this period, as well as signs that indicate when it may be necessary to consult a paediatrician.

Why and how do babies teethe?

Babies are born with a complete set of teeth beneath their gums. These teeth begin to erupt or cut through the gums during the first year of life. Teething occurs in stages. The lower central incisors, often called “bottom teeth” or “peg teeth,” emerge first, followed by the upper central incisors. Subsequently, the remaining teeth continue to emerge over a span of about three years. Some children may not have their complete set of teeth until after the age of 2.

What are some symptoms associated with teething?

Each infant experiences teething uniquely. The most commonly reported symptoms include mild irritability and a reduced appetite. While many babies may have minimal or no symptoms during teething, some may exhibit one or more of the following signs:

• Increased drooling
• Gnawing or chewing on solid objects
• Mild fussiness or crankiness
• Irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Sore and tender gums
• Swollen and reddened gums

Relieving your baby’s teething pain

While teething is a natural process, there are effective methods to help alleviate your baby’s discomfort. You can gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth. As your baby grows, gradually introduce harder foods such as chilled fruits and vegetables into their diet. This milestone not only diversifies their diet but also helps ease teething discomfort.

Always supervise your baby during feeding to ensure safe chewing and prevent choking hazards. Babies may experience constant drooling during teething, which can irritate their skin. Use a bib to keep your baby’s chin as dry as possible and minimise skin irritation.

Relief with medications

If your infant is experiencing significant discomfort, consider giving them infant paracetamol to alleviate pain. You can also apply a teething gel; however, avoid products containing choline salicylate and benzocaine, as these are unsafe for infants and can reduce blood oxygen levels. It’s important to note that teething gels typically provide only temporary relief, if any.

Certain remedies should be avoided as they can harm your baby:

• Never give aspirin to a baby or rub it on their gums.
• Avoid using alcohol on the baby’s gums.
• Do not place completely frozen objects directly on the gums.
• Ensure your child does not chew on hard plastic toys, as this poses both oral health and choking hazards.

Some parents believe that high fever and diarrhoea are teething symptoms, but this is typically not the case. If your baby develops a fever or diarrhoea or continues to experience discomfort, it’s advisable to seek medical advice promptly.

How to care for baby’s new teeth

Good oral health is crucial for older children, teens, and adults as well as infants. Start caring for your baby’s oral health as soon as their first tooth emerges. To keep their tiny and delicate teeth healthy, follow these steps:

• Use a soft and gentle infant toothbrush.
• Brush their teeth twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

Using fluoride toothpaste is safe, but only a tiny amount. A grain-size amount (like a grain of rice) is sufficient for children under three years old. After they turn three, the amount should be increased to a pea-sized amount. Regular brushing helps prevent tooth decay, resulting from sugar in milk, juice, or formula remaining on the teeth and causing enamel damage. Teething is a natural part of infant growth and development. However, parents often feel concerned about the pain and discomfort associated with this process.