Teeth are examined in two groups: milk and permanent teeth. The first milk teeth usually start to erupt (emerge) from the 6th month. This period ends in the 36th month. When this process is completed, there are 20 milk teeth in the mouth, 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. The first permanent tooth is the first molar, known as the 6-year-old tooth. These teeth emerge just behind the last milk tooth in both jaws. The eruption of permanent teeth is completed around the age of 12, except for the third molars (wisdom teeth).
The eruption time of milk teeth varies according to racial, ethnic and hereditary characteristics. Teething in babies may begin at the age of 3 months, and this process may continue between the ages of 14-16. It may extend up to a month. There is no reason to worry about milk teeth being removed early or late, as they are prone to decay or cause other problems. Just as babies' walking and talking times vary during their development, it is also normal for teething times to vary.
What are the symptoms of teething in babies?
What happens during teething? Although symptoms and discomfort vary from baby to baby, they may also differ from tooth to tooth in the same baby. The symptoms and discomfort experienced during teething begin 1 week before the tooth erupts and end when the tooth penetrates the gum and reveals itself in the mouth.
The gum in the area where the tooth will emerge is red and swollen. As teething puts pressure on the gum, local pain may occur, along with restlessness, crying, scratching and pulling at the ear, disruptions in eating and sleeping patterns, reluctance to feed, and weight loss. A baby who is teething due to itching in his or her gums will want to put whatever he or she can get into his or her mouth and bite. Increased salivation is the most important symptom of teething. Irritation (redness) may occur, especially around the chin and mouth, due to increased salivation. During this period, the baby's face should be wiped with a clean and soft cloth, and the skin should be moistened with a suitable moisturizing cream. Increased salivation may increase bowel movements and cause mild diarrhea. Diarrhea seen during the teething period does not last longer than three days. . Again, a cough may occur from time to time as increased saliva accumulates in the throat.
Although fever is one of the symptoms of teething, it can sometimes be a sign of different diseases that coincide with the same time. Babies are more prone to diseases during teething periods and their recovery may be more problematic. Keeping this in mind, close fever monitoring should be done. Fever between 37-38.5 degrees may be a sign of teething, but symptoms such as high fever, diarrhea, restlessness and loss of appetite that exceed 38.5 degrees or last for a long time should not be ignored and a pediatrician should be consulted.
How can babies be comforted during the teething process?
There are a few simple methods that can be done to comfort babies while teething. One of the easiest solutions is cold application. Since the gums are very sensitive during this period, you should avoid giving hot foods as much as possible. During this period, focus on warm or even cold foods. You can give your baby hard foods such as cucumbers and carrots that have been kept in the refrigerator. While your baby consumes these foods, he will also apply cold massage to the painful area.
Another cold application method is for the mother. Freezing milk or fruit puree in ice molds and allowing the baby to eat it. In this way, the pain and burning sensation in that area will decrease. Celery stalks are also a good alternative. Celery has a relaxing effect. Cut the celery stalks, wash them, cool them for 10 minutes, keep them in the freezer and give them to your baby to scratch their teeth.
Teethers filled with water, not made of plastic and not painted, can be given to babies to bite. Keeping it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes before giving it will increase its effectiveness and create a feeling of relief in the teething area. When using hard foods or teethers given to babies to gnaw, it is an important precaution to take the baby in a sitting position and under parental supervision against possible accidents.
If your baby uses a pacifier, dip the pacifier into a glass of drinking water, squeeze the tip of the pacifier and release it. fill it with water. Then put it in the freezer. Give it to your baby after it freezes. Rinse your teeth a little before meals Meals can be more productive if you soothe yourself properly
Concentrate on slightly cold fruit juices squeezed at home. Thus, while ensuring fluid intake, you also provide support in terms of vitamins and minerals that are reduced in meals.
Should medication be used for teething babies?
For babies to relax while teething. If the practices listed above are not sufficient, medication can be used under the supervision of a doctor. Pain relieving and relaxing gel can be applied locally to the area where pain is felt during the teething process. These provide temporary relief. If your baby is very restless or has a fever, medications containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given after consulting a doctor.
Oral and Dental Care in Babies and Children:
Oral and dental cleaning in babies begins with the emergence of the first teeth. After feeding the baby, the mother cleans and moistens the teeth and mouth. It should be cleaned with gauze. After each feeding, the baby is given some water to clean the mouth. When the number of teeth increases, you can start using a toothbrush around the age of 1.5-2. The use of toothpaste is not recommended until the child is old enough to not swallow toothpaste (approximately 3 years old). When starting to use toothpaste, any of the fluoride toothpastes can be preferred. The first dental examination in babies should be performed within 6 months after the first tooth emerges. The main purpose of performing the first dental examination so early is to inform families about the baby's diet and how their teeth should be cleaned. Early childhood caries are frequently encountered as a result of wrong eating habits and lack of attention to dental hygiene.
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