Teething Can Really Bite
Teething is the process
during which an infant’s teeth start to sequentially grow in. Teething can start
as early as three months or as late, in some cases, as twelve months. It can
take up to several years for all 20 deciduous (more commonly referred to as
‘baby’ or ‘milk’) teeth to emerge. Since the teeth literally cut through or
erupt through the soft, fleshy gums of the infant, it’s sometimes referred to as
"cutting teeth".
Signs of teething may include
irritability, loss of appetite, chewing and gnawing on objects, swollen or
bruised gums, excessive salivation, a raised temperature, and sometimes even
earaches and diaper rash. Teething symptoms will usually start to rear
their ugly head approximately six months into your baby's development.
During this process, you’ll
discover your baby loves to chew – on just about anything and everything they
can get their little hands on! This can be dangerous if the baby is allowed to
chew on objects which are small enough to be swallowed or which could break
while being chewed, creating a choking risk. Teething rings and other toys are
often designed with textures that massage a baby’s tender gums.
In cases where the infant is in obvious pain, some doctors
recommend the use of anti-inflammatory or child-safe pain-relief treatments
containing benzocaine, such as Baby Orajel. Some infants gain relief from
chewing on cold objects such as a cool washcloth or a specially-designed
teething ring that can be frozen. You might also want to massage baby’s gums
with a clean finger. Your baby might find it uncomfortable initially, but will
probably find it comforting after a few gentle rubs.
Pediatric dentists suggest brushing baby’s teeth as soon as they begin to
appear, and not to wait for all teeth to come in before introducing an oral
hygiene routine. However, the use of toothpaste during this process is
generally discouraged.
