By Dr Tejinderpal singh: Teething is a process in which the milky teeth of a child start erupting from gum pads.The gums of children are usually know as gud pads.In this process the teeth start coming out of gum pads.Teething can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months.In most childrens it take place between 6 to 9 months.A child take few years in emergence of all 20 temporary teeths(milky teeth).Teething is also known as “cutting teeth”as the teeth do not cut through the gum,rather some chemicals are released in the body which causes some cells of in the gums to die and seperate,thus making way for the emergence of teeth.Teeth emerge early in case of females as compare to males.the shape.pattern and initial starting time s of teeth appear to be hereditary.
SEQUENCE OF TEETH APPEARANCE:-The teeth childrens appears in pairs.the general pattern is
1–lower central incisor
2–upper central incisior
3-upper lateral incisior
4–lower lateral incisor
5–first molars
6-caninis
7–2nd molars
77-2nd molars
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:-The child experiences pain during this stage.The level of handling pain differ in different childrens.Some childrens remain calm but most childrens go a lot fussier.The most common sign is swelling and soreness of gum pads,3 to 5 before the emergence of teeth.
Some children show symptoms of drooling,mood changes and feeling of irritability.Crying,restlessness,fever is also commonly seen.
Dteething stage,the child put his fingers r toys in his mouth.When the child bite on them,a pressure is built on gums and the child feel relief from pain.The childs appetite also get lessens.
Some child pull there ears because of pain.
Some child has rashes on there gums..
THINGS NOT RELATED WITH TEETHING:—Followings things are not related with teething–
1-fever(more then 101 degree)
2-vomiting
3–cough
4–rashes on body
TREATMENT–Parents should palpate the gums of child with there fingers and feel the coming teeth.
Parents should give toys on which the child can bite.It will help in many ways as firstly it will relieve pain of child and secondly it helps in easy emergence of teeth as chewing on toys make there gum soft.Care should be taken and children should not be given small toys as it can cause choking.The toys should be cleaned regularly.
The application of cold things is also helpful but they should not be applied for long time.
All the symptoms vanish with the emergence of teeth but if they remain present after emergence of teeth.parents should consult doctor.If
the symptoms persist after emergence of teeth,one should consult dentist.The doctor can prescribe broufen or some gel to relieve pain..But remember never to take medicine without consulting doctor.