Teething

The normal process of new teeth working their way through the gums.

Teeth come in between 6 and 24 months of age.

Most often, teething does not cause any symptoms.

If your child is having some discomfort, it should pass in 2 or 3 days.

Below is a chart that shares when the teeth usually come in:

Increased saliva, drooling, face rash and desire to chew on things

Can cause mild gum pain.

Does not cause fever, diarrhea, diaper rash, ill appearance, or lowered resistance to infection.

Most symptoms blamed on teething are due to something else.

Blaming teething for fevers or crying can lead to a delayed diagnosis of other illnesses.

A pocket that looks like it has fluid in it on the gums.

• This is called a dental eruption cyst that is discussed below.

This cyst can develop right before a tooth is about to break through the gums.

It looks like a fluid filled pocket or lump on the gums.

It will look discolored, so it will look like a different color than the gums.

It can happen anywhere.  

It can be a normal process as some teeth come in.

It is not usually painful or dangerous.

They usually go away on their own without needing any treatment.

At this time, it is not clear what causes them.

• There is some thought that it might be related to some form of trauma

  or inflammation as the teeth erupt.

If your child has these symptoms, they should see a dentist:

• There is bleeding.

• It looks infected or has drainage.

• It hurts when touched or with chewing.

• It has not resolved after two weeks.

Below is an image of an eruption cyst:

Gum Massage

• Rub the irritated gum with your clean finger.

• Do this as often as needed.

• Putting pressure on the sore gum can decrease pain.

Babies rub their own sore gums by chewing on smooth, hard objects.

• You can offer a teething ring, pacifier or wet washcloth that has been chilled.

• Chill these items in the fridge. Do not use items frozen in the freezer.

If your child is over 1 year old:

• You can use a piece of ice wrapped in a wet cloth to rub the gum.

• You can offer a piece of chilled fruit. Do not use hard foods that could cause choking. Do not use ice or popsicles that could cause frostbite of the gums.

Pain Medicine: Pain medicines usually are not needed for the mild discomfort of teething. You can give acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen if your baby is over 6 months old.

Below are some examples of teething objects to help that are available here:

Teething necklaces

• They have caused choking and strangulation.

• They are not helpful and not approved by the FDA.

Teething gels and/or tablets

• Most of them contain benzocaine which can cause serious side effects including blue discoloration of the lips and skin, choking, allergic reactions.

• Even products that are labeled as “natural” can have ingredients that can be very dangerous for children.

• They are not approved by the FDA.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for all children to see a dentist by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth.

To find a dentist for your child, visit your dental insurance plan’s web site to see a list of dentists covered by your dental insurance.

To find Medi-Cal dental clinics near you:

• Call: 1-800-322-6384

• Visit: Denti-Cal Website here.

Click here to learn more about the AAP’s oral health recommendations.

Your child has a fever (temperature above 100.4F).

You child is inconsolable.

Your child is getting worse.

You have other questions or concerns.