http://www.fpnotebook.com/

TeethingAka: Tooth Eruption

Physiology: Eruption of primary teeth
1. One tooth erupts monthly between 6 months to 2 years
2. Onset of teething symptoms: 3-4 days before eruption
3. End of teething symptoms: 2-3 days after tooth eruption
Symptoms
1. Irritability or restlessness
2. Discomfort
3. Increased night-time awakening
4. Appetite decreased
5. Chewing on toys or fingers
6. Increased Drooling
  1. May be associated with rash on chin and neck
7. Cough
8. Low grade temperature rise (e.g. 99.5 F) may occur
9. Teething does not cause:
  1. High fever
  2. Rhinorrhea
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Diffuse rash
Signs: Local gum inflammation at site of tooth eruption
1. Sore, tender, swollen gum tissue
2. Gum discoloration (blue or purple)
Management
1. Distract with comforting (rocking or cuddling)
2. Massage child's gums with a clean finger
3. Ice Rings
4. Clean frozen wash cloth
5. Consider systemic Analgesic
  1. Tylenol
  2. Motrin
6. Avoid fluid-filled teething rings after tooth eruption
7. Avoid teething on potential Choke Hazards
  1. Frozen bananas
  2. Frozen Popsicles
8. Avoid Orojel (topical anesthetic)
  1. Methemoglobinemia may occur with overdose

Navigation Tree

Please see the Terms and Conditions. Please also see the privacy statement regarding advertising on this page. Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers. Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 6/1/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.