Teething problems
A problem experienced by all babies is the discomfort of their teeth erupting. This usually begins at about 6 months and happens at intervals during the first 3 years. Second teeth usually begin to appear at about 5 or 6 years old.
Teething is blamed for many things, but isn't always the cause. Common problems that may be due to teething include increased dribbling, irritability, reduced appetite, a tendency to pull at the ears and an urge to chew on everything babies can get their hands on.
Teething does not cause high temperatures, convulsions or bad diarrhoea.
The discomfort of teething can be reduced by giving the baby a teething ring to chew on, rubbing ice on the gums, letting baby chew on cold celery or carrot (don't leave baby on its own with these) and the use of paracetamol if they are very distressed.
Once the first teeth have appeared it is a good idea to teach babies to use a toothbrush. This can start as a plaything at bath time. As soon as baby can drink from a cup this should be used instead of a bottle. Give mainly water rather than sweet drinks to thirsty babies and don't use the bottle to pacify the child, or to take to bed.
It is natural to compare your baby with others, but remember there is a wide variation among babies in terms of when their teeth appear.
Last Reviewed: 08 May 2002
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