Teething

Dr. Parang Mehta, MD.

Teething can be a difficult part of childhood. It is the time when a baby starts erupting the first teeth. As the teeth start cutting through the gums, babies often become irritable, cranky, and hard to manage. Babies also have more saliva, may drool a lot, and like to chew on things. The gums may be swollen and red also.

Does Teething Produce Illness?

No, it doesn't. Teething produces teeth. It does not produce loose motions, fever, colds, cough, or other illness. If a child has any of these symptoms, it is dangerous to ascribe them to teething.

At any other time, children with these symptoms are taken to a doctor. However, at teething time, these symptoms are often not taken seriously, being ascribed to teething. This can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.

Timing of Milk Teeth Eruption

Lower central incisors	5-7 months
Upper central incisors	6-8 months
Lower outer incisors	7-10 months
Upper outer incisors	8-11 months
Lower first molars	10-16 months
Upper first molars	10-16 months
Lower cuspids	16-20 months
Upper cuspids	16-20 months
Lower second molars	20-30 months
Upper second molars	20-30 months

Treatment?

Teething is a natural process and doesn't really need any treatment. However, it can be a period of great discomfort for some babies, and a little care can make it more bearable.

The gums are tender and swollen, and may be painful. Acetaminophen/ Paracetamol can help, and this drug also brings down the low fever that babies sometimes have while teething.
Something to chew on is enjoyed by babies at this time. A clean piece of cloth, or a rubber teething ring, or anything that will not break and be swallowed. Cooling it in the refrigerator first is a good idea.
Massaging the gums with a finger -- some babies love it, some hate it. Try it, but gently.

Last revision: September 16, 2011

Teeth at Birth

Some children have teeth at birth. It's pretty rare -- occurs in one baby in two thousand. Teeth present at birth are known as natal teeth.

These teeth make breast feeding difficult. More importantly, they are loosely attached, and can fall off easily. There is a very real danger of a natal tooth getting into the windpipe and choking the baby.

Natal teeth should be examined by a dentist, and if appropriate, removed. This makes breastfeeding easier, and eliminates the risk of choking.

Contact Information

Dr. Parang Mehta,
Mehta Childcare,
Opposite Putli, Sagrampura,
Surat. Tel: +91 98241 53923.
Email:

Caring for Childhood