$Unique_ID{BRK00698}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Difficulties Babies Experience When Teething}
$Subject{teething babies child care drooling restlessness loss appetite thumb
sucking gum rubbing fever diarrhea rashes bronchitis seizures}
$Volume{S-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Difficulties Babies Experience When Teething


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QUESTION:  I suppose you must receive many questions about the difficulties
babies experience when teething, but I am in a quandary trying to figure out
what is normal reactions from those that might be signs of more serious
situations.  Could you please help an anxious mother?

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ANSWER:  I don't know of any subject that has more points of views,
perceptions, and strongly held opinions than the question you pose.  Even the
medical literature is filled with an amazing variety of opposing opinions,
observations, some clinical, some less scientific, and almost any physician
that deals with the development of infants has a whole folder full of
experiences.  Even Hippocrates wrote about the problem, and probably was as
confused as most other physicians.  Teething refers to the eruption of the
primary (deciduous) teeth that occurs in infancy, rather than to the emergence
of the permanent teeth, which occur usually between 6 and 8 years of age.
During the period of cutting the first tooth, usually a lower front tooth
(between 5 and 7 months) to the arrival of the second molars (between 20 and
30 months of age), the infant is progressing through many other development
stages, learning new activities, experiencing new adventures.  Any of these
factors can cause changes in behavior, mood and temperament.  Should a tooth
be coming in at the same time, it is quite understandable that the mother may
blame the new tooth for the changes in baby's activity.  However, after
reviewing a mass of confused and confusing articles, I am prepared to offer
the following opinion.  The frequently mentioned fever, diarrhea, skin rashes,
bronchitis and seizures, do not appear to be the direct result of teething,
although they may occur during periods of teething.  However, drooling,
restlessness, loss of appetite, thumb sucking and gum rubbing, are indications
of the infant's discomfort from teething.  When a child becomes ill during the
process, looks and acts truly sick, it's time for a careful evaluation and a
search for other causes.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.