Teething in children: symptoms, remedies, and tips

1- What is teething?

Teething refers to the emergence of baby teeth through the gums. This process occurs in stages and generally continues until the child is 2 to 3 years old, when they have their full set of 20 baby teeth. The lower central incisors are often the first to appear, followed by the upper central incisors.

2- Symptoms of teething

Teething symptoms vary in intensity from child to child. Here are the most common signs:

• Gum pain and sensitivity: The gums may become red, swollen, and sore due to the pressure of the teeth emerging.

• Increased drooling: Excessive saliva production can cause your child to drool more than usual.

• Irritability and sleep disturbances: Pain and discomfort may make the child more irritable and disrupt their sleep.

• Chewing or biting tendency: Your child may try to bite objects or their fingers to ease the pain.

• Loss of appetite: Gum pain can reduce the child's appetite, especially for solid foods.

• Mild fever: Teething may be accompanied by a slight fever, though it is not always present.

3- How to relieve teething pain?

Several methods can help ease your child’s discomfort during teething:

• Gum massage: Gently massaging your child’s gums with a clean finger or a damp sterile cloth can help relieve the pain.

• Teething toys: Refrigerated teething rings can be very soothing, as the coolness reduces inflammation and pain.

• Gingival gel: Special gels are available to ease teething pain. Consult your pediatrician before using these products.

• Mild pain relief: If the pain is severe, you can give age-appropriate medication like paracetamol, but always seek medical advice before administering any drug.

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Clean your child’s gums with a damp gauze even before teeth appear to promote good oral health.

4- Common teething myths

Several myths surround teething. Here are the most frequent ones and the facts behind them:

• High fever: While teething may cause a mild fever, a high temperature is not related to teething. If your child develops a high fever, consult a doctor to rule out an infection.

• Diarrhea: Although some parents report softer stools during teething, there is no scientific evidence linking teething to diarrhea.

5- Stages of teething

Here is a general timeline for the appearance of baby teeth:

• 6 to 10 months: Lower central incisors

• 8 to 12 months: Upper central incisors

• 9 to 13 months: Upper lateral incisors

• 10 to 16 months: Lower lateral incisors

• 13 to 19 months: First molars

• 16 to 23 months: Canines

• 23 to 33 months: Second molars

6- When to see a doctor?

Consult a pediatrician if:

• The pain becomes very intense or lasts longer than expected.

• The child shows unusual symptoms such as high fever or a rash.

• You are concerned about the progress of your child’s teething.

The Centre Pédiatrique de Bonapriso is available to provide personalized advice and ensure your child’s well-being during this developmental phase.

Conclusion

Teething, though uncomfortable, is a natural and essential stage in your child's growth. By using appropriate methods to relieve symptoms and staying attentive to your child’s needs, you can help them through this phase smoothly. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Centre Pédiatrique de Bonapriso at 695502537.

Accompany your child with care and make this developmental milestone as comfortable as possible!