The Truth About Teething

For more than 5,000 years, teething has been blamed for a variety of illnesses, even death. According to G.T. McIntyre and G.M. McIntryer, writing in the March 9, 2002 issue of the British Dental Journal, "Around one half of all infant deaths in 18th century France were attributed to teething." When it comes to teething, many modern moms still hold on to a variety of myths as fact. Read on to learn which commonly held teething beliefs are fact and which are fictions.

MYTH:

You Don't Need to Brush Until Baby's First Tooth Appears.

TRUTH:

Even before the first tooth appears, its important to take care of babies gums. Put a clean cloth around your index finger and gently wipe baby's gums. That removes milk residue and also stimulates the gum for future eruption of teeth."

MYTH:

Teething Causes a Fever.

TRUTH:

Some mild gum swelling can elevate a child's temperature slightly, but not enough to be termed a fever. Anything higher than 100.5 is likely caused by another culprit - a viral or bacterial infection. His broken gums may be exposed to bacteria when he puts things in his mouth, so teething may be related to the problem, but it's not the cause. If your child has a fever, the best approach is to call your pediatrician.

TRUTH:

Most Babies Teeth Appear in the Same Order

IT'S TRUE!

Most babies do get their teeth is a similar order. "Eruption begins around six months for the lower central and lateral teeth. They are followed by the upper central and upper laterals."

MYTH:

Teething Gels are a Simple, Safe Pain Remedy.

TRUTH:

Teething gels containing local anesthetics aren't typically preferred by pediatric dentists. That's because it's easy to overdose on them, and that can lead to seizures. If you choose a teething gel, it's extremely important to follow the directions carefully. Most pediatricians instead recommend a dose of Infant's Tylenol or Motrin. Make sure to consult your physician for their personalized recommendation for your child.

MYTH:

Babies Produce More Saliva When They're Teething

TRUTH:

It's true that babies drool more when they're teething - but it's not because they are producing more saliva. It's because babies typically want to chew on their hands or hard objects more when teething, the mouth is open more, and therefore saliva is expressed as drool rather than swallowed. The end results, you'll still likely need a drooler bib.

TRUTH:

Teething Babies Don't Have An Appetite

IT'S TRUE!

Due to sore and tender gums, many teething babies temporarily reject food or sucking on a nipple. Others find feeding soothing to their tender gums.

TRUTH:

Teething Can Mask An Illness

IT'S TRUE!

Babies lose the antibodies they received from their moms by around six months, making many moms suspect teething as the culprit for fevers, extreme fussiness, diarrhea, rash and more.It's important to consult your child's physician if any of these symptoms occur - they are likely unrelated to teething.