One of the many milestones in a child's development is the eruption of teeth. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to have an idea about the timings of teeth eruption in kids and how you can support your child during this time. In this blog post, we will discuss how the baby/milk teeth start coming out, common symptoms associated with teething, and tips for relieving discomfort.
Timing of teeth eruption:
Children have 20 milk/primary/baby teeth. In each jaw/arch, there are 10 teeth ( 4 front teeth (incisors), 2 canines on each side of the incisors, and 4 molars (2 on each side).
Tooth eruption typically begins around 6 months of age, but can vary from child to child. The process can take several years to complete, with the last molars usually appearing between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.
The first milk teeth to erupt are the 2 front teeth on the lower gums (lower central incisors) at around 6-8 months of age. Following these, the upper front 2 teeth come out ( upper central incisors) and then the upper lateral incisors ( teeth adjacent to the central incisors. So, by the first birthday of the child, usually these 6 teeth are erupted in the mouth. However, in few children the first teeth come out at 1 year or even later.. It is advised that the first visit of your child to Pediatric Dentist happens by the first birthday or when the first tooth erupts in the mouth- whichever is earlier. This allows for early screening and timely dental care for babies.
After the first year of life, the 2 lower lateral incisors come out.. followed by the first molars. This is usually seen by the time child is 18 months of age. After that, the canines erupt between 18 months- 2 years age. Finally, the second molars come out between 2-3 years of age.
The permanent teeth eruption begins at around 6 years of age. Between 6-12 years, the milk teeth get replaced with permanent teeth. Healthy primary teeth lead way to healthy permanent teeth later on.
During eruption of milk teeth, infants sometimes have teething - related issues. This can be a stressful time for infant and parents/caregiver.
Common symptoms associated with teething include:
Irritability and fussiness: Due to discomfort and pain, children may become more fussy and irritable than usual.
Teething and breastfeeding - Teething troubles can make the child not breastfeed properly.
Teething and drooling: Increased drooling of saliva is common during teething, which can lead to skin irritation around the mouth. This can cause teething rash on the face.
Teething and sleep: Teething can disrupt a child's sleep patterns, leading to more frequent waking during the night.
Chewing and biting: Babies and young children may chew on their fingers, toys, or other objects in an attempt to relieve the discomfort of teething.
Red, swollen gums: As the teeth move upward, they can cause the gums to become red, swollen, and tender.
Changes in appetite: Some children may experience a decrease in appetite during teething due to discomfort and pain.
Teething and fever- are not directly related. There may be slight elevation in body temperature but high fever would have some other cause and the child's Pediatrician should be consulted for that.
Tips for Relieving Discomfort
While teething can be uncomfortable for children, there are several ways parents and caregivers can help relieve their child's discomfort. Here are some tips:
Massage the gums: Gently rubbing the child's gums with a clean finger or a damp cloth can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
Offer a teething toy: Chew toys made of rubber or silicone can provide relief for sore gums. Make sure the toy is large enough that the child cannot swallow it or choke on it.
Use a cold compress: A cold washcloth, spoon, or teething ring can help to soothe sore gums. Make sure the object is not too cold and that it is clean before giving it to the child.
Consider pain relief medication: If the child is experiencing severe pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief medication such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) may be appropriate. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional.
Provide extra comfort: Extra love and attention can go a long way in providing comfort and reassurance during these stressful times.
To conclude, tooth eruption is a natural part of a child's development that can be uncomfortable and stressful at times. With this background knowledge and timely visit to kids' dentist (Pediatric Dentist) , tooth eruption process can be smooth and comfortable for You and Your child.
Comments