Teething is one of the milestones which require time and patience to reach. The teething process is usually visible during the 4th or 5th month, although the preparation for teething starts way back when the baby was in the womb. The development of baby teeth [or milk teeth] is usually a little painful, though the baby may at times go through some major discomfort.
Tracking the developmental milestone:
The foundation- As mentioned above, the foundation of teething begins when the baby is in the womb. While in the womb, the baby develops teeth buds which are regarded as the foundation for milk teeth. Babies are born with 20 milk teeth; just that they are buried in the gum’s and hence not visible.
The early sprout- when the baby is around 4 months old, one can see the first white cap developing in its mouth. At this time one can feel bumps under the child’s gum’s. Usually it is the bottom middle teeth which sprouts out first. If the child is an early bloomer, this teeth may appear at as early as 6 months.
Gradual teething- at around 7 months , the child’s teeth starts coming out. The first to develop are the middle teeth and the last to appear are the molars which are found at the very back of the child’s mouth, both on the top and bottom gum’s. By the time the baby is 2 years old the molars make an appearance and around the 3 rd year the whole set of 20 milk teeth are formed.
Symptoms of teething- teething is a painful experience for the child. Especially when the first teeth makes an appearance; it is painful as the teeth appears after breaking the gum tissue. But usually it is the appearance of the last molar tooth that is the most painful. The most obvious symptoms of teething are that the baby will become grumpy or fussy because of the pain. Apart from that dribbling is also a sign of teething. The child may experience some tenderness or swelling in the gum’s; the baby may show biting tendencies or may refuse food. There can also have disturbed sleep. All these symptoms are normal.
Parent’s role:
This is one milestone where parents can’t do much to make it happen as teething is a process that takes its own time and occurs naturally. But, considering the discomforts of the child during teething, parents can play a role in comforting their baby. Parents can give the baby something to chew on like a teething ring or give something cold to chew on. Massaging the gums will also ease the discomfort.
Parents should make an effort of keeping their child’s newly developed teeth clean by regularly wiping them with wet gauze. A regular check up is also necessary for healthy development of the teeth.In case the child does not show any sign of teething even after the end of the first year, it is necessary to consult the doctor.
