Teething in children: what a young mother should know

The period when a baby's baby teeth erupt is both exciting and difficult for both the child and his parents. Children are often capricious during this period, sleep poorly, cry, and all because the appearance of their first teeth is accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Since the child himself cannot tell his parents about his problem and always reacts the same way to any type of discomfort, it is difficult for mom and dad to differentiate the signs of teething under the child’s behavior.

In this article, especially for young parents, we have collected as much useful information as possible about the eruption of baby and permanent teeth in children, so that you understand what is happening and how to act in this situation to help the baby.

How teeth are formed

The appearance of the first tooth is a milestone in a child's development. Now he's almost an adult! After all, his teeth will help him chew solid food and develop speech.

Baby teeth begin to form in the fetus as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. Between the 3rd and 6th months, enamel has already formed on the teeth. All this will be hidden under the gums for the time being. At the same time, deep in the jaw bone there are already the rudiments of molar teeth.

For most children, their first tooth appears between 4 and 7 months, but for some it happens later. With early development, it can erupt at 3 months or earlier. If the child grows normally and has no problems with skin and hair, then it’s okay. But if your baby is already 1.5 years old, and teeth have not appeared, you may need the help of a dentist.

The lower teeth usually appear about a month earlier than the upper teeth.

Approximate order of appearance of baby teeth:

• Lower central incisors (at 6 – 7 months).
• Upper central incisors (at 8 – 9 months).
• Upper lateral incisors (at 9–11 months).
• Lower lateral incisors (at 11 – 13 months).
• Upper small molars (molars) (at 12 – 15 months).
• Lower small molars (molars) (at 12 – 15 months).
• Upper canines (at 16 – 18 months).
• Lower canines (at 18 – 20 months).
• Lower large molars (molars) (at 24 – 30 months).
• Upper large (root) (at 23 – 30 months).

By age 3, your baby should have all 20 teeth, which will last until he is about 6 years old, when his first baby tooth falls out.

Don't be discouraged if your teeth grow crooked at first. Over time they will all fall into place.

Formation of milk bite

The process of building a human bite has 5 stages, and all of them occur in childhood.

Each of the five stages is important for the final formation of the entire dental system and dental occlusion:

The first stage is from birth to 6 months (before the appearance of the first teeth).

The second stage is the period of eruption of all baby teeth in a child (6 months - 3 years).

The third stage is the period of jaw growth, preparation for the natural change of milk teeth to permanent ones (3-6 years).

The fourth stage is the time of active growth of the jaws and the eruption of permanent teeth (6-12 years).

The fifth stage is 12-15 years old, when the child’s baby teeth have already changed and all teeth are permanent.

Correct formation of the primary dentition is one of the main conditions for the development of a correct permanent dentition in a child.

How to understand that your baby is teething (symptoms)

Many people believe that the process of teething must necessarily be accompanied by general anxiety of the baby, fever and diarrhea. However, not all experts share this point of view. Some consider this a mere coincidence. There is an opinion that children, when they start teething, are more likely to put dirty objects in their mouths to scratch their gums, and cause an infection.

Some lucky people go through this period painlessly.

But most children still experience some discomfort:

• Anxiety;
• Increased salivation, which can lead to facial irritation;
• The gums swell and become more sensitive;
• Refusal to eat;
• Bad dream.

If your baby has a fever or diarrhea, consult a doctor.

Formation of the dentition

The article tells how to understand that a child is teething, and about ways to help him with pain and inflammation of the gums. But first, a few words about the process of dentition formation.

The formation of absolutely all teeth occurs in the fifth month of intrauterine development. They remain in a “frozen” state and begin to grow immediately before eruption. Therefore, if a child has no teeth by 9-12 months, radiography is prescribed - a study that allows one to evaluate their formation and location.

How to help your baby when teething

• Give your baby something to chew on, such as a teether, which can be pre-chilled in the refrigerator.
• Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger. You can first wrap your finger in clean gauze. This will relieve the pain for a while.
• If your baby is already eating solids, give him cool foods (applesauce or yogurt).
• You can give your child something hard to chew on, such as a cracker. Just make sure your baby doesn't choke.
• If all of the above does not help, you can give your child a baby pain reliever or a special teething gel - strictly after consulting a doctor.

Vomiting, runny nose and diarrhea are not always symptoms of teething. If your baby appears unwell, call the doctor.

Formation of permanent bite

The development of permanent teeth is a long and complex process. The formation of permanent teeth begins at approximately 3 years of age, when the child’s primary bite is already fully formed.

Preparations for their eruption are ongoing, but changes occur gradually, so most often we don’t even notice them. Meanwhile, the child:

• jaws grow and expand;
• the distance between baby teeth increases (this is important, since permanent teeth are larger and by the time they erupt there should be enough space for them in the dentition).

Timing of eruption of permanent teeth in children

The order of growth of permanent teeth in children is mainly hereditary. In approximately 50% of cases, the molars (sixes) grow first. Second molars appear at 7-8 years of age. Around the same time, the incisors are replaced.

The first permanent tooth appears in children at 6 years of age, and the complete formation of the permanent dentition of the lower and upper jaw is completed at 12-13 years of age. After this, the roots of permanent teeth continue to form and this process ends by the age of 15.

Teething symptoms

Unlike baby teeth, permanent teeth in children erupt almost always painlessly and with virtually no symptoms.

In rare cases, during the teething period the child’s well-being may deteriorate:

• the child gets tired quickly;
• drowsiness appears;
• gums become inflamed;
• salivation increases, a runny nose appears;
• The gums itch where the tooth grows, and when chewing, painful sensations appear.

Problematic eruption of permanent teeth in children

Problems that may arise during the eruption of permanent (molar) teeth:

• 1

  Growth retardation – after a baby tooth falls out, the permanent one is in no hurry to appear for 6 months or longer.

• 2

  Bite pathology. It may be associated with premature eruption of permanent teeth (if the baby teeth have not yet fallen out), or lack of space on the jaw for normal tooth growth.

• 3

  Hyperdentia - permanent teeth grow second row behind the milk teeth. The reason is the strong fixation of the temporary tooth in the socket, as a result of which the permanent tooth “chooses” a more convenient direction for growth.

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• 4

  Caries and its complications.

Choosing a toothpaste and brush

Has your baby cut his first tooth? Congratulations!

• Until one year of age, parents need to brush their baby’s teeth without toothpaste using a special silicone brush placed on their finger at least once a day.
• At one year old, the baby needs to pick up his first children's toothbrush - without toothpaste for now. It is better if the child chooses it himself. She should interest him, but not scare him away.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a children's toothbrush?

• Decor - kids love bright colors and funny characters.
• The handle should be comfortable, preferably made of non-slip material with a protective ring to avoid injury. Its length should correspond to the age of the child.
• It is important that the brush head is not too large and awkward. The optimal size is 2–3 teeth of a child. To avoid damaging your gums, it is better to choose a brush with a rounded head.
• Soft brushes with a bristle height of no more than 11 mm are suitable for children. It should be even so that the pressure on the surface of the teeth is uniform.
• From 2 to 2.5 years old, it’s time to start using toothpaste and teach your child to brush his teeth on his own. You need to choose a special baby toothpaste without fluoride, because the baby may want to eat it. You can switch to fluoride toothpaste when he learns not to swallow it.

What affects the timing of teething?

Processes in the body are individual, including timing. The age at which the first teeth appear is determined by a number of factors:

• Heredity.
• The intrauterine period and negative factors affecting the fetus (for example, a pregnant woman taking certain medications).
• Nutrition for the expectant mother during the period of waiting for the baby and breastfeeding.

Introduction of complementary foods, etc.

How to brush your teeth correctly

• Your baby's teeth need to be brushed 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening before bed.
• Use a small amount of toothpaste at first, about the size of a grain of rice, then work up to a pea-sized amount.
• If you use such a small amount of toothpaste, there is no need to rinse your mouth.
• Brush your teeth gently from the outside and inside.
• The tongue also needs to be cleaned, because bacteria accumulate on it, causing bad breath.
• Remember to change your toothbrush every 3 months.

At this stage, it is too early to floss because the teeth are usually far apart.

What are the complications, and when to see a doctor?

Creating a good habit

The habit of brushing your teeth should be established in childhood. If you don’t force your child, but figure out how to turn this activity into an interesting game, your baby will brush his teeth with pleasure. Here are some tips:

• Children love to copy adults, so lead by example by brushing your teeth with your child.
• If you brush your teeth with your baby, at the end open your mouth and show each other how you handled this “task.” If necessary, clean your child's teeth yourself.
• Don't scold him, no matter how badly he cleaned it. Children at this age have not yet developed fine motor skills, so do not expect precise movements from them.
• Let your child associate brushing his teeth with something joyful. Play his favorite children's music, tell him stories about teeth, and draw on a dental theme.
• Keep a piece of paper with a schedule for brushing your teeth. Divide the day into morning and evening (you can draw the sun and moon there) and check the box when you brush your teeth.
• Finally, talk to your child like an adult. Explain to him why brushing his teeth is good. Draw scary microbes on a piece of paper and together figure out how you can fight them.

If your little one refuses to brush his teeth, try buying him a new toothbrush with his favorite cartoon character on it. Get him interested. Get several toothbrushes and let him choose a new one each time.

What can be done to help a child with severe itching and pain?

1. Carry your baby in your arms more often, play with him and distract him.
2. Give chilled water in a bottle, cool fruit puree or kefir. The main thing is that the liquid is not too cold, otherwise the baby will catch a cold.

1. Massage the gums with a special silicone brush (see picture above) or you can gently use your clean finger.
2. Buy your baby a teether and let's chew.

Such devices are made from plastic, rubber, silicone, wood, or a combination of different materials. The surface of the toys should be elastic and uneven to make it easier for the child to scratch the gums. A cooled teether relieves itching better, so it can be placed in the refrigerator to cool for 10-15 minutes. But don't chill it in the freezer!

1. Do not use gum gels with lidocaine and benzocaine.

The child has a lot of saliva in the mouth, so gels are not effective during this period. The child swallows most of the gel.

What microelements are needed for teeth growth?

Fluorine

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria. Thus, it helps prevent the development of caries.

Fluorine is found in:

• Toothpaste - however, remember that toothpaste with a small fluoride content can only be used by children over 4 years old;
• Fluoride-enriched water;
• Chewable tablets or drops;
• Some fruit juices.

Remember that too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which is when white spots appear on the teeth. Therefore, it is important not to use too much toothpaste, especially if the child has not yet learned to spit it out.

Calcium

Calcium takes an active part in the mineralization of teeth. A 3-year-old child should receive 800–1100 mg of calcium per day.

Products containing calcium:

• Milk, yogurt;
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables;
• Broccoli;
• Fish.

In order for calcium to be better absorbed, it needs helpers. One is vitamin D and the other is vitamin K2.

Vitamin K

Calcium is collected and transported into bone tissue using the protein osteocalcin, which normally “dormants” peacefully in the blood. In order to activate it, you need natural vitamin K. It is found in dairy products (milk, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese - for example, Agusha K2 cottage cheese).

When to sound the alarm

Attentive attitude to the child during the development of masticatory organs will help not to miss pathologies. Private pediatric dentistry can identify diseases in the early stages and, if necessary, provide assistance. You should start visiting a pediatric dentist at 5-6 months, when the first teeth appear. A pathological process may be indicated by:

• Failures in the formation of primary and mammary units, their irregular shape, unnatural color and size;
• Eruption of incisors, canines and molars outside the dentition;
• Absence of most units after 3 years.

Consulting a doctor and diagnostic tests will reveal the problem. It is important to monitor not only the location of each unit, but also record their color. If the incisor has a black edge, there is an inflammatory process in the body. With a greenish-yellowish color, disturbances in the metabolic processes of bilirubin or the death of red blood cells are diagnosed. The brown color appears after long-term use of antibiotics. A reddish tint indicates congenital disorders in the metabolism of pigment such as porphyria.

Thin and soft enamel requires special care. Dentists recommend using a specific fingertip. It does not have a smooth surface, but with pimples. It is not advisable to use toothpaste at this age. Regular visits to the dentist and preventive measures will ensure that the units erupt without complications.

When should I take my child to the dentist?

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation recommends showing a child to the dentist once a year starting from 12 months.

The purpose of the first trip to the dentist is prevention. The doctor checks whether teeth are growing correctly and gives recommendations on oral hygiene. It is better to do this no later than your first birthday, so that the specialist does not miss caries and possible problems with your bite.

The first trip to the dentist should not frighten your child.

Here are some tips to make it painless:

• Do not pay too much attention to this event, do not prepare your child on purpose;
• Don’t worry yourself so that your baby doesn’t get nervous along with you;
• If possible, arrive early to your appointment to give your baby time to look around.

How to keep children's primary and permanent teeth healthy?

Both baby and molar teeth of a child require careful care. The health of future permanent teeth depends on how healthy the child's baby teeth were. The main concern of parents is quality care, timely treatment and preservation of baby teeth until the time comes for their natural replacement with permanent ones.

What should you do for this?

• Carefully monitor the condition of your baby’s teeth and regularly take him for examinations to the dentist in order to diagnose caries in time.

Prevention of caries is one of the main conditions for the health of a child’s future permanent teeth. You can protect your teeth by ensuring regular high-quality oral hygiene. One of the most effective measures to prevent caries in children is the dental procedure of sealing the fissures of baby teeth.

• Treat caries in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, temporary teeth have very thin enamel and not a very dense structure, so when affected by a carious infection, they are quickly destroyed. With timely diagnosis, caries is treated quickly and without complications - in dentistry, baby teeth are filled with safe materials. Thanks to modern materials and technologies in dentistry, it is even possible to restore baby teeth with severe destruction. In some cases, if the baby tooth could not be saved, and there is still a lot of time left before the permanent teeth erupt, prosthetics of temporary teeth is used.

• Take care of proper nutrition.

Food is an important source of useful vitamins and microelements, so it is important that the child’s diet is varied and balanced.

Both baby and molar teeth of a child require careful care. The habit of brushing teeth and observing the rules of oral hygiene is formed in children from the appearance of their first teeth. Maintaining the health of children's teeth requires very little time and effort, but all this effort will help your child keep his teeth healthy for a long time!

Folk remedies

Medicines are effective for teething, but what should you give a child when teeth are cutting and you don’t want to use synthetic drugs? Home methods are auxiliary because they cannot always completely eliminate pain. However, for some children, these options are the most preferable and really help cope with pain. Doctors sometimes advise using:

• Compresses with chamomile. It is necessary to moisten a bandage or cotton pad in chamomile infusion and then apply it to the painful cheek. To relieve inflammation and swelling, dentists recommend giving several teaspoons of herbal tea.
• Honey. If the baby is not prone to allergic reactions, you can lubricate the inflamed mucous membranes with a honey substance. You should rub the substance in carefully, otherwise the baby will simply swallow it, and all manipulations will be useless.
• Soda solution. It is recommended to dissolve 1 tsp. soda in a glass of clean warm boiled water, dip a gauze cloth and wipe the gums. This product helps not only relieve pain, but also disinfect the surface.

Before using traditional methods, you must always consult a doctor, even if the herbal substances used are considered completely safe. Sign up for a consultation at the dental office, our specialists will recommend effective formulations that will not harm the little patient.