Teething

Question 1

What are the causes of teething?

Answer 1

• Teething is the process in which
  deciduous teeth emerge through the gums causing usually mild and localized symptoms.
• Most infants start teething around 6 months of age.
• A full set of milk teeth has usually
  emerged through the gums when
  the child reaches 2–3 years of age.

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of teething?

Answer 2

• Pain, increased biting and
  chewing, drooling, gum-rubbing,
  sucking, irritability, wakefulness,
  ear-rubbing, facial rash,
  decreased appetite, disturbed
  sleep, and mild pyrexia.
• Signs of gum swelling, redness,
  and tenderness on palpation just before tooth eruption.

Question 3

What are the referral symptoms of teething?

Answer 3

• Exclude any alternative conditions which may cause
  similar symptoms, especially
  if the child is systemically unwell or severely distressed.
• Seeking urgent medical review if the infant or child becomes systemically unwell, is severely distressed, or has prolonged symptoms.

Question 4

What are the OTC treatments of teething?

Answer 4

• Teething rings (non pharmaceutical)
• Ibuprofen/paracetamol
• Lidocaine containing products
  NOT RECOMMENDED
• Oral salicylate gels
• Homeopathic gels/powders

Question 5

What is the general advice for teething?

Answer 5

• Baby’s teeth should be brushed from their first appearance using a baby toothbrush.
• Children should have their first dentist appointment at around 6 months old.
• Self-care measures to relieve teething symptoms.
• Considering the use of over-the-counter paracetamol and/or ibuprofen to provide symptom relief in infants three months of age or older, if self-care measures have not helped.

Question 6

What are the examples of lidocaine?

Answer 6

• Anbesol
• Calgel
• Detinox gel
• Bonjela

¬> Third line of treatment