The Truth About Baby Teething

There is a lot of conflicting facts and myths about what happens when the babies are teething.

Let’s discuss a few common issues and solutions for the same.

Myth: My baby’s teeth do not require much attention because they are going to fall off anyway.

Fact: This is a wrong assumption, your baby’s teeth need attention right from the day they appear. Children need strong and healthy teeth to chew,speak,sing and smile with confidence. So the basics start right from the time you see those little pearls sprout out from their gums.

Myth: Babies don’t get cavities.

Fact: The fact is that if you have a tooth it can get a cavity. A cavity in a baby’s tooth may cause the teeth to become infected or abscesses in several cases without any symptoms or signs. As a matter of fact, the permanent teeth are formed right at the ends of the root of the baby’s milk teeth, so any infection in the baby’s teeth can damage the permanent teeth erupt. To reduce your baby’s likelihood of developing such cavities, make sure you avoid putting them to bed with a bottle of formula or juice, or breastfeeding them on and off throughout the night. Once they start teething, try to reduce the number of feeds overnight and gradually pull them off from this habit.

Myth: Teething causes fever, loose stools and stomach infections.

Fact: Many experts deny the fact and says teething does not cause fever, loose stools or stomach problems. They say it is very common that the babies try to soothe their tickling gums or the uneasiness on their gums by biting or chewing on the objects that they find around them which paves way for the bacteria present around them to enter their systems. As a result, babies suffer from loose stools or stomach infections. Also, a few of the doctors say that a low grade fever is possible. But anything above 101 degree Fahrenheit should not be neglected thinking that it could be a symptom of teething. Make sure you consult your child’s pediatrician on the same.

Few quick symptoms of teething

• Drooling
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Chewing, sucking or trying to bite everything around them.
• Food rejections
• Pulling of ears and rubbing the cheeks and chin.
• Few babies have diaper rashes during the teething process.
• Low grade fever below 101 degree Fahrenheit.

So, don’t wait to see a Dentist, if you find anything doubtful. And make sure you have regular checkups to avoid dental problems and give them the confidence to have a perfect smile.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also read – Dental Care In Children

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