Helping a teething baby -- the Monday Consult
A while ago, blog reader Michelle asked for help for a teething baby. I asked Dr. Daniel Levy, a pediatrician who chairs the oral health task force of the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for his tips. (In the past, he's advised us on jogging strollers and how to handle a 4-year-old who thinks Motrin is a treat.)
Here’s what he wrote back:
“Teething, or the eruption of the first (deciduous, or "milk," teeth) commonly occurs in infants in the period between 4 months and 18 months, with the average around 6-12 months. The bottom two teeth (lower incisors) tend to erupt first, followed by the middle or lateral upper incisors.
“This phenomenon may be accompanied by mild pain at the site of eruption. Typically, small pits form in the gums... followed by swelling , and then the appearance of teeth. Occasionally, an eruption cyst forms at the point of eruption, looking like a blood blister.
“Babies vary in the pain they experience, but most of the discomfort may be relieved with acetaminophen drops or ibuprofen drops. Anything cold helps as well. Teething rings, frozen and stale bagels, cold carrots, etc. make life more bearable for baby.
“We discourage topical teething remedies that can be purchased over-the-counter, because they may retard the gag reflex if used excessively. As an alternative, try mixing a teaspoon of Benadryl liquid with an ounce of Maalox, chill the concoction, and dab it on the gums for relief.
Levy also wrote that “the notion that fever is associated with teething is an old wives' tale!”
“Don't forget, as soon as teeth erupt, they should be brushed twice daily with an infant tooth brush and a tiny dab of children's toothpaste,” he wrote. “A first dental appointment should be arranged at 1 year of age.”
Comments
Hi. I read your article about providing relief for a teething baby and starting a lifetime of good dental care. The article had some good tips and suggestions, especially about not applying topical teething remedies.
However, there are two points that Dr. Levy mentioned that I must dispute. First, Dr. Levy stated that " the notion that fever is associated with teething is an old wive's tale!" Every pediatrician might argue that a fever, cold symptoms and a runny nose are not associated with teething, whereas every mother and daycare provider will argue otherwise. Everytime one of my children cut a new tooth when they were infants it was always accompanied by a fever and cold. Pediatricians can argue until they are blue in the face that there is no correlation between the two, but the evidence and facts speak for themselves.
The second point that I must mention to be untrue is that "A first dental appointment should be arranged at 1 year of age". Some childcare books and pediatricians might suggest this, however, when you call the dentist they advise that the first dental appointment, in most normal circumstances, should be at the age of 3 years.
I just wanted to provide the other side to the points by Dr. Levy in your article. Thank you
Posted by: christine v | January 12, 2009 8:11 PM
Well, baby is now almost 8 months and still no teeth. She fooled us a couple of times with more drool than we've ever seen, but we are still waiting.
Some good suggestions. Thanks!
You're not alone; both of ours were nearly 12 months before theirs came through.
Posted by: Michelle | January 15, 2009 7:51 PM