Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to come through their gum line. Another word for it is odontiasis.
Most babies begin to teethe between 4 and 7 months old, but some start much later. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s teeth come in on another timetable — it can be different for every baby.
Teething usually starts around four to eight months with the lower front teeth and continues until 30-36 months of age when the last set of molars appear. During the teething period some symptoms include irritability, disrupted sleep, swelling or inflammation of the gums, drooling, loss of appetite, rash around the mouth, mild temperature, diarrhea, increased biting, and gum-rubbing, and even ear-rubbing. These symptoms were reported by 70-80 percent of parents according to an article from the British Dental Journal. So, why don’t all infants experience teething symptoms? Keep reading to find out.
The symptoms aren’t the same for every baby, but they may include:
Teething can be painful, but it doesn’t usually make babies sick. Call your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a higher fever, or cough and congestion. These aren’t normal signs of teething.
You also should call the pediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or you see any pus or swelling of their face.
Research has pointed out that teething begins around six months of age. This is the same time when an infant’s immunities they received from their mother, via the placenta, are diminishing. This means that the infant’s immune system is becoming established. During this time, infants become vulnerable to minor infections. Because these two changes are taking place, the symptoms of teething can be confused with a minor illness or cold and vice versa. This explains why only 70-80 percent of parents reported teething symptoms of their infant; it’s very likely that parents of the remaining 20-30 percent associated the symptoms with a minor illness or cold.
When and how teeth come in can be different for every baby and may be based on family history. But most of the time, the lower front two teeth come in first, followed by the opposite top two teeth and the two on either side of those. Next, come the two on either side of the bottom front teeth, then the first molars appear. The teeth in front of the first molars are next, and the back molars are the last ones to come in.
In all, 20 “baby teeth” will eventually be in place, usually by age 3.
What works to soothe a friend’s baby might not work for you. You may need to try different things to help your little one feel better:
Never put anything in your baby’s mouth that isn’t specifically approved to help soothe teething. Even some products described as teethers or teething aids aren’t safe choices, including ones:
Another reason to be aware of the material used to make the teethers: Some can be made from harmful substances, like lead. Look for ones made of rubber.
Child health experts don’t recommend teething necklaces. They’re dangerous: They can strangle the baby. They also can choke if the necklace breaks and they swallow the beads.
If you do choose to use one, make sure to:
You may have heard that amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever when heated. That’s not proven, and doctors say using one is not a good idea.
Medicine that you rub on your baby’s gums to stop the pain of teething may not help. It quickly washes away in the mouth and may numb the back of their throat and make it hard for them to swallow.
Stay away from over-the-counter teething gels and liquids that have the ingredient benzocaine. The FDA says this ingredient shouldn’t be given to children under 2. It can cause rare but serious side effects.
A small dose of a children’s pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help your baby. Don’t use ibuprofen for an infant under 6 months old, and ask your doctor before giving your baby any medication. Use it exactly as the doctor says.
Teething can be rough for you and your baby at first. But it’ll get easier as you both learn how to soothe each new tooth that pops out.
Good oral hygiene is important, even before your baby has teeth:
The pediatrician will monitor your baby’s teeth for decay and will decide if a referral to a dentist is needed before age 1. For most kids, the pediatrician can continue to screen teeth until age 3.
Resources:
webmd.com
chla.org
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. Growing Smiles is a pediatric dentist in Anna, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Murphy we have Pediatric Services in Texas: Early Childhood Care, Preventive Care, General Treatments, Sedation Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Emergency Service and Orthodontic (Braces & Invisalign) For more information call us to answer all of your questions.
What are dental sealants?
Dental Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth from tooth decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Why are dental sealants placed on teeth?
The chewing surfaces of the molar and premolar teeth have grooves — “fissures” — that make them vulnerable to decay. These fissures can be deep, are difficult to clean, and can be narrower than even a single bristle of a toothbrush. Plaque accumulates in these areas, and the acid from bacteria in the plaque attacks the enamel and cavities can develop. Fluoride helps prevent decay and helps protect all the surfaces of the teeth, dental sealants provide extra protection for the grooved and pitted areas by providing a smooth surface covering over the fissured area.
When are dental sealants placed?
The first dental sealant to be placed is usually on the fissure of the first permanent molar tooth, once the chewing surface of the tooth has erupted completely beyond the gum. This tooth grows in behind the baby teeth. If the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of these teeth are sealed, the dental sealant will help protect the tooth. Except for the wisdom teeth, which come through much later, the molars and premolars continue to erupt until eleven-thirteen years of age and the chewing surfaces of these teeth can be sealed after they have erupted beyond the gum.
Sealants are only applied to the back teeth – the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have ‘pits’ (small hollows) and ‘fissures’ (grooves) on their biting surfaces. Your dental team will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them, and checked whether the fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally have deep grooves that will need to be sealed; others have shallow ones which will not need sealing.
Are dental sealants only placed on the chewing surface of molar and premolar permanent teeth?
Dental sealants are usually placed on the chewing surfaces of these teeth because these are the areas and teeth that typically have deep fissures. Dental sealants are sometimes also used on other permanent teeth if they have grooves or pits, to help protect these surfaces. In some children, the molars in the primary dentition (baby teeth) also have grooves that could benefit from dental sealants and in this situation, your dentist or hygienist may recommend dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of these primary teeth.
Can dental sealants be placed on the teeth of adults?
Yes — while less common, dental sealants are sometimes placed in adults at risk for caries, on deep grooves and fissures that do not already have fillings or dental sealants.
What do dental sealants look like?
Dental sealants can be clear, white, or have a slight tint depending upon the dental sealant used.
How are dental sealants placed?
Firstly the tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned with a paste and rotating brush by your dentist or hygienist. Next, the tooth is washed with water and dried. Then an acidic solution is placed on the fissured area of the tooth’s chewing surface for several seconds before being rinsed off. This creates small microscopic areas and a fine rougher surface than the surrounding tooth enamel, which can be seen with a microscope. The rough surface and microscopic areas enable the dental sealant to attach to the tooth. After the tooth is dried again, the liquid dental sealant is placed on the tooth and hardened. Dental sealants are hardened by using a light that hardens the dental sealant, or sometimes by using a two-component dental sealant that sets without using a light. Once the dental sealant has hardened it becomes a hard plastic varnish coating, and you can chew on the tooth again.
The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes for each tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard – usually by shining a bright light onto it.
No, it is pain-free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterward.
How long does a dental sealant last?
Dental sealants have been used and have been proven to be effective since the 1970s. Many studies have shown that they are effective in helping to prevent decay on chewing (occlusal) surfaces. Dental sealants can last for many years. If necessary, it is also possible to place a new dental sealant on the tooth.
Do I still need to use fluoride if I have dental sealants?
Yes. Dental sealants only protect the surface area that they are placed on. Fluoride helps protect all the surfaces of the tooth from decay and cavities.
Yes. It is still very important to do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean and healthy with normal brushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste, the last thing at night, and at least one other time during the day, will help to protect your teeth. Pit and fissure sealing reduces tooth decay and the number of fillings you might need.
Resources:
colgate.com
dentalhealth.org
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. Growing Smiles is a pediatric dentist in Anna, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Murphy we have Pediatric Services in Texas: Early Childhood Care, Preventive Care, General Treatments, Sedation Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Emergency Service and Orthodontic (Braces & Invisalign) For more information call us to answer all of your questions.
Teething is a normal part of a child’s development, but it can be hard on everyone when your baby is in pain or is uncomfortable. Your baby may be extra fussy when they’re teething, and eating may be more painful—causing them to reject foods they once enjoyed. While this can be frustrating at times, being prepared can help you overcome the challenges of teething while keeping your little one nourished at the same time.
While it’s exciting to see your baby’s first teeth coming in—and to take adorable pictures of her new smile—your baby’s mood may not be picture perfect. Her gums can become sensitive and swollen, making certain foods downright painful to eat. The good news is that there are a variety of comforting and nutritious foods that are easy for your baby to eat while teething.
Not only can teething cause your little one to eat less, but it may also cause her to want sugary and salty foods that are easy to eat. While puffs, biscuits, and bite-size cookies and crackers may be easier for your toddler to handle, they are loaded with added sugars and salts she doesn’t need. Before she reaches for a biscuit, try these foods instead:
While it’s exciting to see your baby’s first teeth coming in—and to take adorable pictures of her new smile—your baby’s mood may not be picture perfect. Her gums can become sensitive and swollen, making certain foods downright painful to eat. The good news is that there are a variety of comforting and nutritious foods that are easy for your baby to eat while teething.
Ice is a natural pain reliever so I always had ice on hand along with some chilled teethers. Great for little gums and give immediate relief to your little one. For the ice-pops I always try to get as much goodness into them as usual, my little guy had gone totally off food. These are my favorite ideas:
Perfect for babies under 6 months. I could always get my baby to eat one of these. Just pump some breastmilk and freeze into an ice-pop mold. If you’re not breastfeeding, you can also use formula.
Nelsons Teeth Teething Granules.
I have been using this product since my daughter Jade (who is now 15) was a baby and I have since used it on my two boys as well. I loved it because it is made using only natural ingredients including chamomile which really helped to calm them down and it can be given to babies from 3 months+ so great if your little one has started cutting teeth early.
I found it especially great before mealtimes, especially for Oscar. I just poured the granules into his mouth and within 10/15 minutes he was calmer and more inclined to eat his food.
It was also great during the night when his gums seemed to hurt him more than usual. It must have been sore to latch on and I knew he wanted milk so I gave him Teeth and walked around with him for a few minutes until it took effect. Then he seemed to feed much better and would go back to sleep. Some relief for Mommas too!
Nelsons Teeth Teething Gel.
Like the granules, the Teeth Teething Gel is made using natural ingredients with the main one being chamomile.
It relieved the symptoms of sore gums, flushed cheeks, and dribbling so quickly. I stored it in the fridge so it was cold, then using a clean finger applied about a pea-sized amount onto Oscar gums and massaged it in. Massaging their gums with the gel was so effective. I found this method great before breastfeeding as it was like an instant relief for him.
Resources:
strong4life.com
babyledfeeding.com
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. Growing Smiles is a pediatric dentist in Anna, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Murphy we have Pediatric Services in Texas: Early Childhood Care, Preventive Care, General Treatments, Sedation Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Emergency Service and Orthodontic (Braces & Invisalign) For more information call us to answer all of your questions.
Thumb-sucking can be a hot button issue in many homes that have young children. Some parents feel stressed, wondering how they can help their child break this habit as soon as possible, while others feel the action is a soothing one that shouldn’t be banished right away.
So, who’s right? While the issue often depends on your child’s specific circumstances, one new study reveals that science may be on the side of those who favor their thumbs. In a recent study, kids who bit their nails or sucked their thumbs were less likely to have allergies to common culprits like pollen, cats, and dust mites. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, followed 1,000 individuals from birth to age 38. By the age of 13, those kids who bit their nails or sucked their thumbs were 33 percent less likely to react to common allergens and by age 32, it was even higher at 39 percent. The reason: Scientists say these kids were building immunity to various bacteria at a young age—by literally putting them in their mouths. The early years are critical for kid’s immune systems and by exposing them to a variety of dirt, germs, and the like, it helped them later in life.
Normal Behavior
Thumb-sucking or finger sucking, along with pacifier use, is perfectly acceptable for infants. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this is a natural reflex for an infant that can often be seen in the womb during development. This reflex gives your baby comfort and, as he grows, it may help him feel secure and happy. It can also be soothing, and many babies and toddlers use it as a coping mechanism when anxious or separated from their parents. The habit helps to induce sleep, and children may suck their thumbs in the evening before bedtime.
How Long Is Acceptable?
We have all seen thumb-sucking in an older child and recognized how inappropriate it is. But when is the best time to stop or discourage it? According to the ADA, the best time to discourage thumb-sucking is by age four. By this time, prolonged sucking could begin to affect your child’s mouth and developing jaw and teeth, possibly causing permanent teeth to be misaligned. If your child passively sucks his thumb, the habit may be easier to discourage, but vigorous sucking can lead to changes in the palate that affect the permanent bite and are usually more difficult to end without intervention.
Steps for Discouraging
This habit will normally cease without any concern or effort. Often, the best strategy is simply to ignore the behavior. Children will figure out on their own when this behavior is not acceptable from social situations and peer pressure. If the habit persists beyond kindergarten, however, it may be time to intervene.
Some children may experience difficulty stopping their thumb-sucking. In these instances, it may be necessary to purchase products that can be placed on the thumb or fingers to discourage the habit. Oftentimes, just placing a bandage on the finger or a sock or glove on the preferred hand is sufficient. Whatever method you choose to employ to discourage the behavior, remember to always use positive reinforcement to encourage your child. Criticism or nagging may cause more anxiety and perpetuate the problem.
Oral Effects
If the habit continues beyond the age of five or six, the pressure and sucking motion will begin to make changes to the mouth and teeth. As detailed by the ADA, the front teeth may jut out, and the child’s bite will be open, not allowing the upper and lower front teeth to touch. The skeletal changes will begin to affect the alignment of the permanent or secondary teeth. Your child’s dentist at Growing Smiles in Richardson and Anna, Texas can evaluate the changes and provide a referral to an orthodontist or pediatric dentist for a consultation. According to NYU’s Langone Medical Center, in very rare instances a dental appliance, or crib, may need to be placed in the roof of the mouth to achieve a change in behavior. The sooner the habit is stopped, the better the chance that the bite will correct itself.
In all my years as a practicing dental professional, I have only had one patient that continued thumb-sucking well into the teen years and required intervention. The habit is healthy in infants, toddlers, and even preschoolers, and serves as a coping and comfort mechanism that is part of normal development.
Resources:
rileychildrens.org
colgate.com
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. Growing Smiles is a pediatric dentist in Anna, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Murphy we have Pediatric Services in Texas: Early Childhood Care, Preventive Care, General Treatments, Sedation Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Emergency Service and Orthodontic (Braces & Invisalign) For more information call us to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.