Teething

Teething is the process where developing teeth move through the jaw and gum to project into the mouth. Babies begin to teeth at around the age of six months. However, some babies are born with one or two teeth already visible. The lower front teeth are usually the first to erupt. By the time the child is about three years old, all 20 deciduous teeth will have erupted. Deciduous teeth then begin to fall out when a child is about six years old and permanent teeth begin erupting.

Every parent knows when teething first begins to occur in their children, and they don’t let them forget it! Before a tooth erupts, the overlying gum may become red and swollen. It is usually accompanied by discomfort or chewing on fingers or objects, dribbling, fretfulness, waking up at night and an unwillingness to eat. These latter symptoms are in response to the pain and inflammation produced by the action of the tooth forcing itself out from the gum.

Teething is obviously not an illness. However, if the child is unwell or feverish then a doctor’s advice should be sought. Teething pain can mostly be treated at home. Simple methods such as rubbing the gums or biting on teething biscuits or teething rings are commonly used. Biting on cold objects, such as cold teething rings numb the gum and ease pain. Pain relieving gels are readily available and can be rubbed onto the gums. However, if these measures don’t provide sufficient relief, then a simple paediatric over-the-counter analgesic may help.

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