TEETHING – WHAT IS IT AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Teething, the process of the eruption of teeth, is a normal occurrence and in many cases is preceded by an increase in salivation (drooling) and an increase in the child placing his/her hands and fingers into the mouth. The child may experience some discomfort as the tooth nears eruption due to the crown of the tooth pressing on the gum tissues. More serious problems, such as fever and diarrhea are generally not associated with teething. Experiencing a fever while teething is most likely a coincidence and not related to the actual process of teething.

The primary teeth start forming even before your child is born. The timing of the eruption of the primary teeth varies but one can usually expect the first primary tooth to erupt between 6-9 months of age with the last primary tooth erupting around 28-32 months. There are a total of 20 primary teeth, 10 upper and 10 lower. The first permanent tooth that erupts is often the six year molar (first molar) and that tooth erupts in back of the last baby tooth, often around 6 years of age. There are usually 28-32 permanent teeth, the lesser number being seen when the 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) have failed to form. Generally, girls get and lose their teeth at an earlier age than boys. It is not unusual to see a young girl gain or lose her teeth 6-9 months before her brother would.

WHAT IS ANKYLOSIS?

Teeth are held in the mouth by fibers that form the periodontal ligament. Sometimes the fibers are replaced with bone and the tooth becomes fused to the bone preventing the tooth from erupting. The exact cause of this condition is still uncertain although theories include genetics and trauma. As the areas adjacent to the ankylosed tooth continue to develop, the ankylosed tooth appears “submerged” compared to the erupting teeth. Ankylosis can happen in both primary (“baby”) teeth and permanent teeth and is more common in the primary lower molars. An exam and x-ray are the main diagnostic methods for determining ankylosis. Tapping on an ankylosed tooth will reveal a solid sound as compared to a non-ankylosed tooth. Management of an ankylosed tooth starts with early recognition and diagnosis. Many ankylosed teeth will be lost normally and require no treatment other than periodic evaluation. Some ankylosed teeth interfere with the eruption of the permanent teeth and require extraction.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD HAS A TOOTHACHE?

Have your child rinse the irritated area with warm salt water (8oz. of warm water with 1 tsp. of salt). Place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. If you can see a “pimple” on the gum near the tooth, place a warm compress on the pimple. Give the child acetaminophen or ibuprophen for any pain. Do not place aspirin directly on the teeth or gums; it will burn the gum tissue. Call the office to schedule a time for your child to be seen.

 

 

 

 

 

Sew a Lost Tooth Pillow

 

 

Print and Color "First Lost Tooth" Certificate

 

 

Print and Color
"Another Lost Tooth" Certificate