Teething is a routine part of child development which can be uncomfortable for both
your baby and you. Here are a few pointers to help guide you through the process:
What to Expect
Most infants sprout their first tooth at six to eight months, with the the last of the
molars appearing between 20 to 30 months. Due to the discomfort and swelling, your infant
may experience increased drooling, sleep disturbance, and crankiness. Teething is often
blamed for an onslaught of other problems -- coughing, diarrhea, rashes, fever -- but a
recent study found those maladies are unrelated much of the time. "Teething symptoms
should only happen during the few days surrounding the eruption of each tooth," says
New York City pediatrician Paula Ebirt, M.D. So if they don't pass that quickly, your
child may be sick with something else.
Pain Relief
To help soothe pain, try teething rings. Stiff plastic or silver ones may exacerbate the
pain if clamped down on too aggressively. Some soft plastic or liquid-filled rings may be
frozen for extra comfort, but avoid the kind with small objects floating inside. Even
gnawing on a wet washcloth provides relief. You may also consider a child-specific
teething gel, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
Tooth Care
Once your child's teeth break through the surface, wipe the gums off after feeding with a
warm, wet washcloth -- particularly if your child is eating solid food. A swallow of water
after a meal also helps prevent dental disease.
Possible Problems
If your baby hasn't cut a tooth on the usual timetable, don't be alarmed. Like other
milestones such as walking and talking, every child has his own pace. It may be as late as
14 months before a tooth will poke through. A family history of cleft palate or ectodermal
dysplasia, a hair and nail growth disorder, may prevent the growth of some or all of the
primary teeth. In rare cases, delayed eruption may be the result of rickets, a vitamin D
deficiency that has been linked to exclusive breastfeeding. If your child hasn't begun
teething by 18 months, see your pediatrician to rule out these possibilities.
Cathy Garrard is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and reporter who specializes in
health and travel articles. Her work has been published in Parenting, American Baby,
Glamour, and Self.
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