Infant Tooth Eruption
While it’s an exciting sign of growth, “erupting” teeth can lead to sleepless nights, fussy afternoons, and a lot of extra drool. Common myths about tooth eruption often revolve around the physical symptoms children experience or the necessity of caring for baby teeth that will eventually fall out.
Myth: High Fevers are Normal
- The Reality: Teething might cause a tiny rise in temperature, but a true fever (over 100.4°F) usually means a separate cold or viral infection is at play.
Myth: It Causes Severe Diarrhea
- The Reality: Actual diarrhea is usually caused by diet changes or the common “hand-to-mouth” germs babies pick up while looking for things to chew on.
Myth: Amber Necklaces are a Safe Fix
- The Reality: There is no scientific evidence that amber releases pain-relieving acid into the skin. Medical experts and the FDA warn against these due to choking and strangulation risks.
Myth: Baby Teeth Don’t Really Matter
- The Reality: These “temporary” teeth are crucial placeholders. They guide adult teeth into the right spots and are essential for speech development and proper nutrition.
Myth: Numbing Gels are the Best Solution
- The Reality: Many over-the-counter gels contain benzocaine, which can be dangerous for infants. Pediatricians now prefer cold (not frozen) rings, gum massage, or weight-based acetaminophen.
Tips for Soothing the Soreness- Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad.
- A chilled (not frozen) rubber teething ring or a cold, damp washcloth can provide instant numbing relief.
- Gently pat your baby’s face dry to prevent skin irritation and rashes.
Myth: You Can Wait Until Age 3 for the Dentist
- It is recommended to visit a dentist within 6 months of when their 1st tooth erupts or by 12 months of age. Early visits are primarily preventive rather than for active treatment. The main reasons for this early start include:
- Preventing Tooth Decay: Babies are at risk for cavities as soon as their first tooth erupts. This is often caused by “baby bottle tooth decay,” where sugary liquids like milk or juice sit on teeth for long periods.
- Building a “Dental Home”: Starting early helps your child become familiar with the dental office environment, which reduces anxiety and fear for future visits.
- Parental Education: Dentists provide guidance on daily care, including the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste (a “smear” the size of a grain of rice), teething relief, and how diet impacts oral health.
- Monitoring Development: The dentist can check if the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing correctly and identify habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use that might affect alignment later
Contact us to book an appointment today or to learn more about teething!