✓ The teething of the newborn

Children of parents whose teeth have come out very late compared to the average usually lag behind, even if the rule is not absolute. In most cases, the first tooth appears between five and eight months of life, on average between six and seven, followed almost immediately by the twin tooth. Here is the other information that may be useful on the subject.

There is no need to worry whether the first tooth appears at three months nor if around the year not even one has emerged: both possibilities are acceptable. Usually the first to show up are the two lower central incisors. Then the four upper incisors arrive, the two remaining lower incisors, the four premolars, the four canines. This first phase of teething can be completed at two years, even in a different order. Just before the eruption of a tooth, the child can be nervous, irritable, can cry easily, be restless when falling asleep and his salivation can increase significantly, but it is not an absolute rule.
The first teeth that emerge are popularly referred to as milk, but their scientific name is "deciduous", as they are destined to fall, an eventuality that begins to show itself from six to seven years of life. However, their function is important both for correct chewing and because their presence ensures the regular growth of the permanent teeth that will emerge later. If a milk tooth falls out, the corresponding permanent tooth could grow crooked, even if this anomaly was not genetically predicted.
Baby teeth require some attention, first of all that of not offering the baby foods containing sugar, as this substance is the major cause of tooth decay. The first teeth can be cleaned with a sterile gauze wrapped around a finger, waiting for the child to cooperate with the use of the toothbrush (which can usually be started at two years of age). In general, it is important to remember that a clean tooth does not decay and that this message should be conveyed as soon as possible. As for the first check-up at the dentist, there is still a lot of time ahead: it should in fact be carried out around five years of life.

IF HIM GIVES HIM HARM

Usually to soothe the discomfort that involves the gums during teething it is sufficient to offer the baby the toys to bite, preferably cooled in the freezer. In fact, the cold produces a pain-relieving effect that often manages to reassure the child. You can also massage the gum with your finger wrapped in a sterile gauze previously moistened with warm water. If none of these remedies work and the child appears to be suffering, it may be appropriate to use a specific dental gel, with a mild anesthetic action. However, it is advisable to consult the pediatrician to obtain the prescription from him.

GOOD TO KNOW - Fever and teething

A relationship between the onset of fever and teething has never been highlighted, although the idea is still widespread today that when the temperature rises there is a tooth coming in. It is also true, however, that often the child begins to get sick (fever, cough, sore throat and so on) just when teething begins: the hypothesis is that it is a pure coincidence determined by the fact that the teeth begin to make their appearance just when maternal antibodies begin to diminish, which remain in the baby's body for a few months after birth and have a highly protective action against diseases. Added to this is that dentition requires the body to make a commitment that can temporarily make it weaker towards the microorganisms responsible for respiratory tract infections.

(consultancy by Leo Venturelli, family pediatrician, author of numerous publications on outpatient pediatrics and co-author of popular books for parents including A child is born, The great encyclopedia of the child, From 0 to 6 years, a guide for the family )