Tackling The Appearance of Milk Teeth

The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called, are twenty in number; they commonly emerge in pairs, and those of the lower jaw usually precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk-teeth is normally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at different periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months.

Therefore the entire phase taken by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The course varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its full duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance.

Their developement is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a tender and demanding one, by errors in the management of the routine and wellbeing of the infant during the process itself.

Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a stage of great pain to the infant. It thus becomes a very important issue to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the difficulties of teething can in any extent be diminished, or, if viable, altogether prevented.

Symptoms: The symptoms of natural dentition are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The baby frequently thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it needs milk more frequently, although, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than normal.

It is irritable and fidgety; and abrupt fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a small tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms regularly precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and show that what is called “breeding the teeth” is going on. In such cases, the symptoms recede in a few days, to return again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.

Treatment: The infant ought to be in a well ventilated area, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body dabbed dry with a soft cloth.

Milk should be given regularly, but not for long at a time; the thirst will therefore be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded. The breastfeeding mother must also tenderly focus, at this time, to her own wellbeing and diet, and shun all stimulant food or drinks.

From the instant dentition begins, strain on the gums will be relieved, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain. For this reason coral is typically employed, or a piece of orris-root, or scraped liquorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and better, for there is no risk of its being thrust into the eyes or nose.

Gentle friction of the gums, by the finger of the caregiver, is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some result in reducing irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In some countries, it is very common to dip the liquorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; or use a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, for the infant to suck. Overuse, however, may be stressful to the stomach, and thus its use should be moderate.

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