Teething is a process where primary teeth start erupting or breaking through baby’s gums. Typically it starts by 6 months and completes by 2 ½ years. But this period can range from 3 months to 3 years.
Lower teeth appear first followed by their upper counterparts. Central teeth (Incisors) appear first and the side teeth (Canines) and back teeth (Premolars and Molars) follow them later.
What are the problems of teething?
- Majority of babies go through teething process without any problem.
- Some babies show excessive fussiness and irritability, which may begin a few days before the breaking out of teeth. It usually subsides once the eruption process is over.
- Some of them start drooling; bringing out more saliva, which sometimes may irritate the nearby skin and cause rashes.
- The gums may appear reddish or swollen where tooth is erupting or about to erupt.
- The appetite or sleep may be disturbed for a short while.
Teething doesn’t cause fever, colds or loose motions! If such symptoms coincide with teething, then they are because of minor infections, which are common during early ages.
How do we manage teething problems?
- Simple painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen could be occasionally used to soothe teething pain in fussy babies.
- Rubbing the baby’s gum with a clean finger or with a small, cooled spoon or cooled clean washcloth may provide some relief.
- Giving the baby something to bite on, such as a teething ring, also may help in soothing.
Are teething gels, pills or necklaces any good?
- Teething gels contain local anesthetics to numb the gums. Even though they are widely used, their efficacy is questionable.
- Teething troubles have been typically overhyped by general public. Many needless and useless teething treatment measures vary from wearing black threads/talismans or teething necklaces to giving daily homeopathic/herbal medicines. As told earlier, most of the teething babies would do fine without any treatment!
Summary:
Teething is a normal, natural process that continues between the age of 6 months to 24 months.
Most babies go through teething without much problem.
Any regular treatment for teething is usually unnecessary!
