All parents are looking forward to the first tooth of their child. The first tooth can typically be expected between the 6th and 8th months many babies develop teeth even earlier.
Eruption of teeth can be a simple and painless process for some children, while others find it difficult. Many children suffer from fever, diarrhea and upset stomachs. All children have increased secretion of saliva causing excessive drooling.
Sometimes a child will develop a gum infection during teething. When that occurs it is recommended that the gum is coated with chamomile tea, sage tea, or with a 3% hydrogen solution. There are also several types of oral gels which can be used to calm the inflamed gums and act as local anesthetics.
During tooth eruption it is recommended that items be provided to the child which they can chew on. These items must have a solid, yet slightly pliant texture. A wide assortment of baby teething rings can be purchased in most stores. Many recommend the use of cold carrots or deveined celery.
The first teeth to erupt will be the two lower middle teeth followed shortly by the two upper teeth. In the first year of life a child will usually sprout eight incisors.
The first permanent teeth will appear around the sixth year. Typically starting with the lower incisors. Around the 8th year the premolars will make their appearance. The second permanent molars and the canines are the last teeth and will arrive around the 11th and 12th years. The wisdom teeth can occur anytime after the 16th year. It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth to remain missing or get blocked in the jaw, when that occurs it is called impaction. Impaction will require dental intervention.
It is important that your child visit a dentist around the fourth year so that they can correctly assess the development of your child’s teeth and make any necessary corrections before the permanent teeth begin to form.
