Knowing the five stages of teething is very important if you are a dentist, especially a pediatric dentist in Vienna, VA. As long as all dentists and parents know what’s around the corner, this difficult process can be that much easier for everyone.
It’s also important to know the symptoms as a dentist, so you can give a proper recommendation to the parents of your little patient. When the parents see the symptoms, they will know their baby is getting teeth.
rnThe Symptoms of Teething
Teething is no doubt a difficult time for all. Have your patients prepare for the worst is the best way to ensure parents know what’s about to come. Teething brings up the following signs and symptoms listed below;
DroolingrnBitingrnSucking on objects, toys, fingers, etcrnIrritabilityrnRubbing of the gums, the cheeks or the earsrnFacial rashes from excessive droolingrnWakefulnessrnA decrease in appetiternMild temperature increase
When the salivary glands have been stimulated due to chewing, the baby will need to be as comfortable as possible. Tell the parents that if their baby’s shirt is always covered in drool, then they should use Vaseline around the mouth and chin area, and keep a bib on at all times. This method helps to keep the baby dry, comfortable and will avoid rashes around the oral area. This method has also come
highly recommended by a dentists in Vienna, VA.
Stage 1: 0 to 6 Months
Babies come from the womb with a set of 20 teeth in their gums, milk teeth, that are preparing to erupt. During this time you will not see a lot of action, but there may be some discomfort present.
Stage 2 : 6 Months
This is the stage where the first teeth begin to erupt, specifically the lower and upper front teeth, which are called the incisors. This stage is also where you will typically start to see some discomfort, if it has not already started in stage one. Let the parents know that they will begin to see bumpy edges, which are the teeth, in the gums. This is also where the chewing on everything in sight will begin, so make a recommendation to the parents, such as a teething ring.
Let the parents know that this is where the drooling will start, and that it’s time for bibs. This will help to keep the baby’s clothes dry and will also prevent a rash when used with Vaseline around the oral area.
Stage 3 : 10 to 14 Months
This stage involves the growth of the primary molars, which are in the back of the mouth in the lower and upper jaw. This is where parents will start to see further urges to chew, a lot more drool and extra crankiness. Let the parents know that there may be a chance for a slight fever, diarrhea and a loss of an appetite for a spell. You should let the parents know that this is the stage where they are not going to get much sleep.
During this stage, it’s best to introduce some sort of pain relief if all possible. Let the parents know that aspirin is never okay to give the baby, but children’s Tylenol, for example, is. However, let them know that they must speak with their doctor or pediatrician before giving their teething baby anything.
Stage 4 : 16 to 22 Months
This is the stage where the canine teeth come in. Show the parents where they are, which is in between the bottom and top molars and the incisors.
Stage 5 : 25 to 33 Months
This stage is the last, but the most painful, stage of teething. This stage is where the molars begin to come in, so warn the parents that their previous methods for relief may not work this time. Encourage them to try different methods for comfort until they find one that sticks.
Teething Isn’t Fun
As a dentist, it’s important to encourage parents through this difficult time and give them all of the advice that you can. Teething sucks for babies, but it’s also a tough ride for the parents as well.