Overview
Teething is a normal physiological process that describes when deciduous teeth (‘milk teeth’ or ‘baby teeth’) emerge through the gums causing mild and localised symptoms.
Epidemiology
- Most children start teething at around 6 months old
- By 6 years of age, deciduous teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth
Presentation
Overview
Features may include:
- Pain
- Red and swollen gums
- Drooling
- Rubbing gums or the ear on the affected side
- Irritability
- Wakefulness
- Facial redness
- Mild pyrexia (<38°C)
Management
Overview
Most infants require no treatment. Self-care measures such as gently rubbing the gum with a clean finger, cuddling or reassuring the child, wiping away excess saliva, and allowing the infant to bite on a clean and cool object can help.
Over-the-counter paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can be considered in infants 3 months of age or older if self-care has not helped.
