Coping With Infant's Teething Problem

Teething is a normal process by which an infant beginspotentially serious illness to teething, doctors and
to cut the first teeth (primary dentition). The relationshipparents must rule out other possible causes. Severe
between the eruption of the deciduous teeth and thesystemic upsets are unrelated to teething and, if
general health of infants has been documented forpresent, the infant should be promptly referred to a
over 5,000 years. Various physical disturbancesphysician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate
(anything from minor upsets to potentially fataltreatment. In addition, most healthcare professionals
illnesses) have historically been applied to teething. It isbelieve that teething predisposes to infections, most
now accepted that the localized symptoms of teethingcommonly colds and ear infections.
vary between individuals.All of these symptoms result in a distressed child and
On average, infants begin teething at six months andanxious parents. Professionals in all groups believed
by the age of three years all the first teeth havethat parents experience as much (or more) distress as
erupted. A variety of symptoms reported in medicalthe infants themselves. However, "teething" continues
literatures. They include:to be a confusing illness that is often misdiagnosed by
- Decreased appetite for solid foods;both healthcare professionals and lay people.
- Biting, drooling, ear-rubbing, ear-pulling, and gum-rubbing;The treatment modalities used in teething have been
- Irritability (crying);diverse throughout the ages, frequently depending on
- Coughingthe beliefs of the medical profession and laypeople.
- Rash on face;The modern principles for managing teething involve
- Sucking;pain relief and supportive measures.
- Inflamed gums and red cheeks;Some teething symptoms can be eased effectively at
- Feeding problems;home with teething aids such as cold teething rings.
- Abnormal temperature (defined as being greater thanOver-the-counter treatments are available. Pain relief is
a child's own mean temperature plus 1 standardprovided mainly in the form of analgesic (Tylenol) and
deviation or fevers greater than 102°F);anaesthetic gels (for examples: oragel, Paracetamol,
- Wakefulness (sleep disturbance);and teething gels). Some of these topical gels also
- Smelly urinehave antiseptic properties. Moreover, gels such as
- Congestion;those containing choline salicylate can be applied direct
- Convulsions; andto the gums specifically to relieve pain and
- Stool loosenessinflammation. Some medical professionals also
There is no evidence that teething was associatedrecommend antibiotics or naturopathic medications.
with any severe, health-threatening conditions. Thus,The "alternative" therapies, although they are not well
before charging any signs or symptoms of adocumented in the medical literature, are also helpful.