Milk teeth growth The first set of teeth, or baby teeth as they are called, are twenty in number, they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding upper. The first baby teeth is generally cut on the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the series at different periods of the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated using a year and a half to two years. The process varies according to individuals, both on its duration, and the periods and the order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is not necessary, however, add more on this point.
Their development is a natural process. It is still too often, however, made a painful and difficult, with errors in the management of diet and health of the child prior to the entry of teeth, and during the process himself.
Thus, mainly in consequence of injudicious management, it is the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe that the magnitude of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by all means so great as has been said, because it is rated sixth highest of all children who suffer. Yet no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It becomes a very important question to an anxious mother and tender, the dangers and difficulties of teething can in no way be reduced, or, if possible, prevented completely. Some advice on this matter, then, can be useful. I will consider, first, the management of the child if the teething is without difficulty, and, secondly, the management of the child when it is accompanied by difficulty.
Management of the child when teething is without difficulty
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In children with a healthy constitution, which was good, it, naturally, fed on mother's milk alone, these teething symptoms will be milder in nature, and management of child as simple and easy.
Symptoms: - The symptoms of natural dentition (which this can be fairly called) are to increase the flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or anything within reach in his mouth. Its thirst is increased, and he takes the breast more often, but on the condition of submission of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. He is restless and uneasy, and sudden fits of crying and sometimes from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even loosening of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms that often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that what is called "breeding the teeth" is underway. In such cases, symptoms disappear within a few days to breed again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.
Treatment: - Management of the child in this case is very simple, and rarely ask the doctor's interference. The child must be outdoors, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil, and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponge used daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time, the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach is overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, this time for his own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks.
From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be pleasant.
Posted on December 30, 2009.
