health concerns
The Debut of Teeth
When your baby is between 3 and 6 months old, you may notice that she is doing a fair amount of drooling. This does not necessarily mean that the appearance of her first teeth is imminent. The ongoing flow of saliva serves partly to protect the mouth from being traumatized by the various objects, including her feet, that your baby will stick in her mouth. Antibodies in saliva may also help prevent bacteria and viruses on those objects from gaining a foothold in her throat or intestinal tract.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of six months, the first two lower front teeth, called the central incisors, will poke through the gums. (However, don't worry if you don't see any teeth for the first year. After that, if none have appeared, check with your baby's doctor.) The central incisors will be followed sometime later by the four upper incisors and then by two more lower incisors. Your baby may ease through this or display a lot of fussiness. She may drool somewhat more than usual and may also try to gum the nearest firm object. Contrary to popular belief, teething does not generate a temperature over 100.4F taken rectally. If your baby has a fever, something else is wrong.
Rubbing your finger against the gum through which the tooth is erupting may help the pain, or she may prefer a teething ring — which should not come from the freezer because it will be too hard.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) can help, but topical preparations that are supposed to numb the gums don't usually provide impressive relief because they can't remain in place for long.
Background Information
Health Problems, Hypochondria or Cries for Help?
When your adolescent repeatedly complains of not feeling well in the morning, how do you know whether to offer TLC and bed rest or escort him to the bus stop?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
This advice won't eliminate all cases of SIDS, but it could save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives every year.
Understanding Vaccines
Do you know the purpose of each of your child's vaccinations?
What Causes Vomiting and Diarrhea in Infants?
If your infant vomits or has diarrhea, be aware of these possible causes.
Questions and Answers
I'm trying to potty train my 3-year-old son who has Down syndrome. Does he have the capacity to understand at this age, considering his challenges?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Chronic Kids, Healthy Spirits
Two sisters write about parenting their children with chronic illnesses
Dear Friend
In the face of bad news, it helps to hear from someone who's already passed through the valley.
Too Young To Die
Living with a seriously ill child can seem too much to bear.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Bearing the Burden of a Child's Illness
In the midst of a devastating diagnosis, sometimes all you can do is to trust God.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
