Teething

Teething can occur around the age of 6 months to 3 years for baby teeth. Cutting teeth can cause discomfort for your child.

Some of the symptoms of teething are:

	Pain
	Excess drooling
	Low grade fever
	Need to gnaw on hard objects
	Sleeping problems
	Swollen gums in the are the tooth will erupt
	Chewing their fingers
	Being irritable and cry

Give your baby an approved chew toy to help with teething

The Teething Cycle

The front four (incisors) teeth are usually the first to appear. In some cases a bluish swelling is visible shortly before the the new tooth arrives. The chewing edge of these teeth may have three small bumps which normally wear off with use.
Full set of primary teeth (20) are usually in place by age three.

What can you do to help them during this time?

	Offer a teething ring, chilled ones work great. Don't freeze because it may cause frostbite to their lips and/or gums.
	Rub their gums with your finger, watch out you don't get bitten.
	Freeze a washcloth and let them "chew" on it, don't put an ice cube in the washcloth as they may choke of it.
	Offer a teething biscuit but clean their teeth after chewing on it
	See us at around the age of two
	Only use USA made teething rings, the imported one may be contaminated!
	Clean their new teeth with moist cloth or cotton gauze
	Try an over the counter non-aspirin medication as directed by your doctor
	Use a special "numbing" salve on their gums
	Call your doctor if their temperature raises above normal or if you observe any signs of infection such as pus, swelling, or very red and painful gums at the tooth eruption site.
	Also don't confuse diaper rash, diarrhea, inability to sleep through the night, very high fevers or vomiting with teething*. If your child has these symptoms contact your doctor.
	Brush these new teeth with a soft bristle brush as soon as they appear to prevent tooth decay
	Take your child to their dentist by the age of one to find growth and development problems while they are easier to correct.
	For more teething tips.

Treasured moments

If these new teeth are not cared for they can decay!

*British Dental Journal, 2001.