There are many misconceptions about children's temporary teeth, such as that they are not at risk for cavities or that their appearance generates fever and diarrhea.
There are many misconceptions about children's temporary teeth, such as that they are not at risk for cavities or that their appearance generates fever and diarrhea.
Although they are born during pregnancy and each tooth that appears in the child's gums is celebrated as a birthday during the first years of life, their end is inevitable: they all fall out. However, the wait for Ratoncito Pérez is long. Until the age of five or six, those first teeth will not fall out to make room for the final ones. So there are those who think that it does not matter how you take care of your baby teeth. Something that is not true. Dentists ensure that the hygiene and care of these teeth is decisive in ensuring that those that appear later are in good condition, as well as to prevent the appearance of cavities and infections.
When do baby teeth “grow”?
The appearance of baby teeth begins between 6 and 8 months of the baby's life, but its formation begins in the sixth week of pregnancy. For this reason, it is essential to feed the mother during pregnancy. Even permanent teeth begin their constitution before delivery. Pregnancy, therefore, does not reduce the calcium in the mother's teeth or make them more fragile. It is said that the baby 'takes' that nutrient from there to form his own teeth. Not so: all the calcium he needs he gets from the mother's diet.
What are the consequences of teething?
The teething process usually lasts up to 20 or even 30 months of life, that is, it can take two years or more. But this is highly variable and there are exceptions. It is not true that children whose teeth take a little longer to come out suffer from a calcium deficiency, although if their appearance is delayed considerably - once the child approaches the year of life without the teeth appearing - It is advisable to consult with the doctor, since it may be due to causes such as rickets or nutritional disorders.
What signs show that the baby is in its teething process?
It is especially noticeable in the gums: they become inflamed and more sensitive and irritable, and even some small bruises may appear. The child also drools more - which can cause irritation to the chin - and refuses food (although not because he loses his appetite).
Is the baby bothered by the appearance of teeth?
Yes. Each piece presses from within and goes through the tissue that is in the gums, called the periodontal membrane, and that generates discomfort and pain. The baby's sleep can be disturbed by this cause. To relieve it, the child tends to put any object or his fingers in his mouth. When this time comes, it is best to give him some cold and hard items that he can bite, such as 'cooling teethers' that are sold in baby goods stores. You can also gently massage your gums. If the discomfort is very intense, it is possible that the pediatric dentist prescribes an analgesic suitable for his age. This is what causes children to sometimes refuse food: it is not that they are not hungry, but that the discomfort they feel, the pain caused by sucking or rubbing the spoon, makes them eat worse.
Is it true that the appearance of teeth generates colds, diarrhea and other digestive problems or infections?
No. What happens is that as the child puts everything he finds in his mouth to alleviate his discomfort, more germs reach his digestive system. On the other hand, as the little one grows, new foods appear in his diet, and these changes can cause various reactions.
Can it generate fever?
No. Although there is still no unanimous position on this matter, most specialists agree that teething does not cause fever. They argue, however, that the cause may be due to any other problem in your body. What should be done, then, is to take him to the pediatrician so that he can find the cause and be treated in the most correct way.
What if a tooth does not appear?
It is rare, but sometimes a tooth is not formed for congenital reasons (this problem is called dental agenesis). The specialist will inform how to act in each case.
Do I need to brush my baby teeth?
Some of the most common wrong beliefs, and of worse consequences, are related to dental hygiene since it is said that baby teeth cannot have cavities, and that if they have cavities it does not matter why they will fall out. However, caries can originate even with the first tooth. For this reason, caring for them is essential for several reasons: this bacterial erosion can cause a lot of pain and affect chewing (and, therefore, feeding), sleep, the child's way of speaking and playing, his self-esteem ... Also, if an infection occurs, it can be transmitted to the final teeth below.
What do you think?
What is your experience with baby teeth? Let us know your opinion in the comment box.
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