Early teething in babies
Baby teeth are the first to appear in childhood and play an important role in a child’s ability to chew food, speak, and develop jaw structure. Usually, the first teeth erupt between 6 and 9 months of age; but in some cases, babies may erupt earlier or even later than this period. For this reason, parents are always looking for answers to the question “Is early teething a serious problem?”
Teething Process in Babies
Teething, or the eruption of baby teeth, is a gradual process that begins with the formation of tooth buds in the jaw during pregnancy. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors (central teeth), which appear at around 6 months of age. This is followed by the upper central incisors, followed by the lateral incisors and molars, respectively, at different ages (around 8 to 12 months for the upper teeth and 10 to 12 months for the lateral teeth). The completion of the set of 20 baby teeth usually occurs by the end of the 2 to 3 year period.
This process, although it occurs relatively uniformly in most babies, may vary from one child to another due to genetic and nutritional differences. Some babies may show the first signs of teething as early as a few months, while in some cases this process is delayed until close to one year of age.
Causes of early teething in babies
The causes of early teething in babies are usually related to genetic and nutritional factors. Some of the most important factors are:
Genetic factors
The pattern of teething in the family plays a significant role. If parents or close relatives have experienced early teething, the baby is likely to follow the same trend. Research shows that the timing of teething is largely dependent on genetics; therefore, parents’ concerns about early teething are often unjustified.
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the mother’s nutrition can affect the fetal development of teeth. Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients leads to better and healthier formation of the baby’s teeth. On the other hand, a deficiency of these substances can cause delays or even some changes in the process of teething.
Environmental and health factors
Some parents may seek to use traditional methods to accelerate the teething process. For example, using gum guards or massaging the mouth with traditional methods that have been discussed on some Persian sites such as Karen Market and Nee Nee Plus. However, it is important to know that the effectiveness of these methods is limited and is considered more as a pain-relieving solution than a way to change the timing of teething.
Medical factors
In rare cases, hormonal problems such as congenital hypothyroidism or disorders related to vitamin D deficiency can cause early or late teething. Also, babies who are born early (premature babies) may have a different timing of teething than their peers.
Signs of teething in babies
Diagnosing teething is not based solely on physical observation of the teeth, but parents can learn about the teething process by observing the following signs:
- Increased salivation: Many babies experience increased saliva production during the teething period. This increase in saliva may be so much that it becomes difficult for the baby to control it, and saliva flows out of the mouth.
- Irritability and restlessness: Teething is often accompanied by discomfort and pain; therefore, the baby may become very irritable and restless. Some parents report that babies cry more during this period and their mood generally changes.
- Bite on objects: As a way to relieve gum pain, babies often put various objects in their mouths and stick them in. This natural behavior helps reduce pressure on the gums.
- Swollen and red gums: Before the tooth comes out of the gums, the gums may appear red and swollen. This swelling of the gums in children is caused by the pressure of the growing teeth and will subside once the teeth appear.
- Changes in sleep and appetite patterns: Some babies may have trouble sleeping or a decrease in appetite due to the pain and discomfort of teething. These changes are usually temporary and return to normal after the teeth come in.
Care and strategies to reduce teething pain
Given that teething can be painful and uncomfortable, parents can use the following strategies to reduce this pain:
- Using cold teethers: Teethers cooled in the refrigerator can help relieve pain and reduce gum inflammation. These devices provide local relief by creating a cool sensation and gentle pressure on the gums. The important thing is that the teether should not be frozen or too hard so as not to damage the baby’s gums.
- Massage the gums: Using a clean finger or appropriate tools such as small, soft toothbrushes to massage the baby’s gums can help reduce pain and stimulate the gums. This massage helps improve discomfort by increasing blood flow and reducing swelling.
- Proper nutrition: During the teething period, the baby may have a decrease in appetite due to pain. Offering cool, soft foods such as fruit purees or yogurt can help soothe inflamed gums. Also, maintaining hydration (proper hydration) is of particular importance.
- Use Oral Painkillers with Caution: In cases where the baby’s pain is too much to bear, appropriate painkillers such as acetaminophen can be used after consulting a doctor. However, it is important to be careful that the dosage is exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Avoid inappropriate medications and products: The use of topical gels containing benzocaine or homemade toothache gels is not recommended, as these products may cause serious complications such as methemoglobinemia. Also, avoid liquid teethers, which have the potential to burst and pose a choking hazard.
Myths and Facts About Teething
Despite a wealth of scientific information, there are myths and misconceptions surrounding teething in babies. Some of these myths include:
- The connection between teething time and a child’s intelligence: Many believe that babies who teethe earlier have a higher IQ; while research shows that the timing of teething is not directly related to intelligence. Both early and late teething can occur in healthy babies.
- The impact of teething time on future dental health: Another myth is that babies who teethe earlier will have more vulnerable teeth. The health of baby teeth depends more on how they are cared for and their oral hygiene than on the exact time they erupt.
- The connection between teething and symptoms of illness: Some parents believe that teething can cause fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms of illness. But studies show that teething is usually accompanied by a mild fever (less than 38 degrees), and high fever or diarrhea is more likely to be due to viral or bacterial infections than the teething process itself.
