teething

what is teething?

• occurs when the 'baby teeth' (or milk teeth) come through the gums.

• normal part of development.

• milk teeth develop when the baby is growing in the womb

• but the teeth only start to grow throughout the gums when the baby is 6-9 months old (although it can be before or after these ages).

what happens when the teeth grows

• When the teeth grow, special chemicals are released which causes part of the gums to separate so the teeth can grow through.

• The growth occurs in stages.

• Usually the lower front teeth come through first, followed by the top middle teeth.

• Other teeth follow over the following months.

• Child is usually aged around 2½ or 3 when they have their full set of first teeth.

what are the symptoms of teething?

• Red and swollen gums.

• Red flushed cheek or face.

• Rubbing their ears on the same side as the tooth which is coming through.

• Dribbling more than usual.

• Waking more at night and generally being more unsettled. Inconsistent feeding.

• Rubbing their gums, biting, chewing or sucking more.

• There is little evidence that fever (temperature) and mild diarrhoea are caused by teething - should not cause your child to become unwell.

• If your baby or child has a high temperature (fever), diarrhoea or other symptoms and is unwell then you should see your doctor to check for another cause of their symptoms. (For example, an ear infection, chest infection or urinary infection.)

how long do symptoms last?

• usually in most it is mild symptoms that just last a few days.

• However, for others, teething is painful and can last much longer.

• Symptoms of teething often occur a few days (or even weeks) before the tooth comes through the gum.

general advice to give

• most will have minimal or no symptoms when they are teething so will therefore not need any treatment.

  advise:

• Gently rubbing over the affected gum with your clean finger may ease the pain.

• Many children find that biting on a clean and cool object is soothing (for example, a chilled teething ring).

• Chewing on chilled fruit or vegetables may help.

• However, teething biscuits (or rusks) should be avoided as they contain sugar.

drug treatment

• for pain; then giving paracetamol or ibuprofen may help. give normal recommended doses for their age.

• There is no evidence that complementary treatments are of any benefit for teething. - e.g herbal teething powder.

• Teething gels - contain a local anaesthetic or mild antiseptic (for example, Bonjela®).

• thought to be safe to use in children and may provide some relief.

• apply with a clean finger and the instructions in the pack should be followed.

• no evidence that gels containing choline salicylate are of any benefit for teething.

• ALSO A RISK of the salicylate leading to a liver condition, called Reye's syndrome, in children (aged under 16 years). So, gels which contain choline salicylate should be avoided.