Some babies get their first tooth as early as three months, while others may not get their first tooth until after their birthday. Some babies drool and are cranky, while others won't sleep and have symptoms similar to that of a cold. There are so many variances from what one baby experiences when it comes to teething compared to another, and the experience from one child to another is not identical. All of these different experiences are usually normal. This can make it challenging to determine what is normal when it comes to teething and what is abnormal. Here are a few signs that something may be wrong when your baby is teething:
Your Child Hasn't gotten a Tooth By the Age of One
Most babies have gotten their first tooth by the age of one. If your baby has not, it is recommended that you take them for an appointment with a dentist or pediatric dentist. While typically, this just means that your child is a late bloomer in the teeth department, it can be a symptom of more serious problems, such as teeth not being in place under the gums or medical problems.
The Gums Look Abnormal
When your child has a tooth that is preparing to erupt, the gums may look swollen and red. The tooth coming in may also make it appear that there is a small lump on the gums. All of this is normal. But what is not normal are lumps on the gums that are purple or blue in color, lumps that look like they contain blood, open sores, pimple-like sores, or gums that have a yellowish tint to them or are oozing puss. If you see any of these signs, you need to take your child to the dentist.
Your Child is Screaming in Pain
If your child is teething, they may be in pain, especially when the molars come in. They may cry and be uncomfortable. But the pain should lessen with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, teething gels, and teething toys. If you have done all of this and it seems the pain is intensifying and your child's screams sound abnormal to you, something may not be right. On this one, you have to go with your gut between what is a cry stemming from discomfort and what is a large amount of pain.
It can be extremely hard to tell when your child is experiencing normal teething pain or symptoms or whether something is amiss. And this is further complicated by the fact that your child cannot talk to you. If your child is displaying any of these signs, or you simply feel like something isn't right, it is better to be safe and take your child to see a dentist or a pediatric dentist like James V Bachman DMD. If nothing else, they can help to ease your fears and worries. And in the worst case scenario, they can help to treat your child and ensure their incoming teeth are healthy.
Share21 November 2017
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!