Teething- Health notes

What is teething?

Teething is the period during which your baby cuts his first set of teeth. Babies are born with their primary or milk teeth in place, but you won't see the first tooth until he is six to nine months old. The bottom front teeth (incisors, with sharp edges for biting) are the first to come through, followed by the top front teeth. This is generally painless. Next to come are the first molars (large back teeth for grinding food), at around 12 to 15 months, which are more painful. These are followed by the canines (pointed teeth which tear at food), at around 16- 18 months. The second molars appear at 20-24 months. All 20 milk teeth are usually through by the age of three.

How can I tell that my child is teething?

Before a tooth emerges you may notice that:

* He puts everything in his mouth

* His gums look more red

* His cheeks may look inflamed

* He is very irritable

* He has a sore bottom

* He may run a slight fever

* He develops mild diarrhoea

* It is also possible that there's no noticeable change in his behaviour or symptoms

How to ease the pain of teething

* Give him something to chew. Teething rings and big pieces of chilled apple or carrot will help to soothe his gums.

* Run some teething gel on his gums. Gels often contain an anesthetic to give temporary relief.

* Rubbing his gums with your finger can also help.

* Give him infant paracetamol, suitable from three months, to ease any pain or to lower a mild fever.

* Make sure he drinks plenty of fluids; offer him cool, boiled water. Excessive drooling could mean that he is thirsty.

Emergency checklist

There are a range of complaints that are not caused by teething and which need to be treated:

* High temperature - above 38°C/100.4°F. This could be due to an infection, especially if it continues for more than 24 hours

* Diarrhoea, if it continues for more than 24 hours

* Earache

* Chest infections