When do teething symptoms start in babies?
When it is winter; Parents are becoming more sensitive about protecting babies from the cold. So, what should be the correct room temperature, how should you dress while sleeping, what should you pay attention to when you go out? Thermal protection is one of the important issues in the care of newborn babies. Newborn babies are not able to maintain body temperature for a long time because the subcutaneous fat tissue is not yet thick enough. Body temperature can easily drop when left naked or in cold environments. On the other hand, since the sweat glands are not mature, when overheated, the inability to sweat and the body temperature rises uncontrollably.
Teething Symptoms in Babies
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. stated that the first teeth to emerge in babies are usually the lower front incisors. Ayşe Sokullu said, “After the first tooth, 4 incisors emerge, respectively, on the lower and upper sides, within 6 months. Generally, incisors emerge as symmetrical pairs. In the following 12-18 months, the 4 first primary molars begin to appear. In the next 6 months, that is, between 18 and 24, 4 canine teeth appear. Last 6 month period i.e. 24-30. Between months, 4 second milk molars emerge.
Thus, it may take up to 2.5-3 years for babies to complete their milk teeth. “In addition, 6-month deviations can be considered normal,” he said. Dr. said that there are also cases where the mentioned order of teeth emergence is disrupted. Sokullu said, “It can also be seen in children where the upper teeth emerge first and the canines and molars emerge simultaneously. “Babies who have not had any teething in the first 12-15 months should be evaluated for a systemic problem,” he explained.
Swelling, tenderness and bruising may occur in the gums
Dr. says that during the teething phase, there may be swelling, tension and palpable hardness at the edge of the palate. Ayşe Sokullu: “A purplish swelling may also develop. This is called ‘eruption cyst’, it is a raised structure formed by capillary openings during the movement of the tooth within the gum. “For this reason, it may be soothing to massage that area or keep the teethers in the refrigerator and give them to the child cold but not frozen,” he said.
Dr. stated that the first teeth in babies can appear in a crooked arrangement, and that this situation is natural until the teeth are formed and lined up side by side. Sokullu said, “However, if the tooth does not come out in the following months despite symptoms such as swelling, tenderness and bruising in the gums, it is necessary to consult a dentist. Swelling during teething processes is usually limited to 1-2 weeks. In cases such as gradually increasing swelling, bleeding gums, and recurrent aphthous ulcers, a pediatrician should be consulted. “Gum diseases and recurrent aphthae can sometimes be the first signs of diseases that progress with immune disorders,” he warned.
During the teething period in babies, if the fever lasts more than 3 days, a doctor should be consulted.
Underlining that a mild fever may be observed during the teething period, but it does not last longer than 1-2 days, Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Ayşe Sokullu said, “The fever does not rise above 38.5 degrees. “If fever of 38.5 degrees and above persists for more than 3 days, and if there are additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and rash, a pediatrician should be consulted because of the possibility of an infection coinciding with the teething period.”
Increased salivation does not indicate immediate teething.
Emphasizing that, starting from the age of 3-4 months, babies experience a period of increased secretion in the salivary glands and simultaneous intense movements such as bringing their hands to the mouth and sucking their fists. Ayşe Sokullu: “Increased salivation does not indicate immediate teething. Even babies who get their first tooth at 15 months go through this period when they are 3-4 months old. “It manifests itself by increasing during teething,” he said. Dr. says that the normal poop consistency in teething babies may also be a little runny. Sokullu said, “However, diarrhea that causes serious dehydration cannot be attributed to tooth eruption. Vomiting can be easily induced during the emergence and changing periods of the upper front teeth. “It is necessary to evaluate for viral infections,” he said.
Attention should be paid to dental hygiene
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. emphasizes that dental cleaning should be given importance starting from the emergence of the first teeth. Ayşe Sokullu said, “Even though they will change, decay in milk teeth will harm the general health, oral flora and the health of permanent teeth. Cleaning wipes can be used for cleaning in the first months, and small toothbrushes can be used for cleaning after the back teeth emerge.
When should toothpaste be used for babies?
Toothpaste is not needed in the first 3 years of age and may be dangerous due to swallowing/aspiration. After the age of 3, a lentil-sized amount of toothpaste can be used. A fluoride toothpaste is preferred. The main thing in cleaning teeth is not the paste but the correct brushing; “Children should be taught to brush at a level that will not damage their gums but for a period of time that will provide adequate cleaning,” he said.
Research shows that children should go for regular dentist check-ups starting from the age of one at the latest and brush their teeth at least twice a day. Therefore, take action to maintain children’s oral and dental health. The first oral and dental examination should be between 6 months and 1 year after the child’s first tooth emerges.
When should children’s first oral and dental health examination be performed?
The most important reason for starting the first dentist visit so early is to show parents how teeth should be cleaned during infancy and to protect babies from bottle tooth decay, which can occur at a very young age due to wrong eating habits.
When should babies’ teeth be brushed?
Babies’ teeth need to be brushed regularly from the moment their first tooth emerges. The cleaning process can be done with toothbrushes specially produced for babies after each feeding. Although it is not recommended to use fluoride-containing toothpaste between the ages of 0 and 3, brushing teeth using only water is sufficient for cleaning between these ages. Additionally, fluoride-free toothpastes produced specifically for children can also be used. The child’s teeth can be brushed with children’s toothpaste containing low levels of fluoride from the age of 3 to 3.5 until the child reaches the age of 12.
Why are cavities in baby teeth important?
The primary function of primary teeth is to provide nutrition. Decay in milk teeth causes pain during feeding, and as a result, the child refuses to feed. This negatively affects the child’s growth and development. Bacteria grow more quickly in carious lesions than on healthy tooth surfaces. The increase in the number of bacteria in the mouth poses a threat to children’s oral and dental health as well as their general health.
What kind of problems does premature loss of milk teeth cause in babies?
Milk teeth serve as guides for the teeth that come after them. Accordingly, in the early loss of milk teeth, crowding in the tooth row and disorders in jaw development may occur. As a result of the loss of many early milk teeth, the child may also experience psychological problems due to visual and speech disorders.
- For cavity-free teeth in children:
- Take your child to the dentist regularly, starting from the age of one at the latest.
- Brush their teeth at least twice a day.
- Have protective applications (fissure sealant and superficial fluoride applications) done from the age of three.
- Instead of sweet foods, give your children fibrous foods such as cheese, fruits or nuts during snacks.
- Have him brush his teeth or at least rinse his mouth after snacks. Xylitol-containing gums are also beneficial for dental health, as they increase the flow rate of saliva and clean the deposits on the tooth surface.
