Teething is a natural part of growth. It is one of the many milestones that your bundle of joy will go through in the years to come. Most babies begin teething between six to eight months. It may start earlier than that or much later. While teething is a welcomed change, it often comes with discomfort and some pain for the little one. It can lead to a lot of crying and cause sleepless nights for everyone. Identifying complications is crucial in easing the pain. Here are possible teething complications to anticipate.
1. Delayed or Early Eruption
The pearly whites don’t always show up on time. Teething that begins too early can make nursing a painful experience. Hyperactive thyroid glands usually cause the condition. Similarly, a delayed eruption also has its health consequences. For one, it may impair speech development. Other effects include shrinking the jawbone, face sagging, and the possibility of having crooked permanent teeth. Delayed teething is caused by conditions that affect the endocrine glands such as Downs Syndrome.
2. Dentigerous Cysts
As a tooth grows, it pushes through the soft gum tissues forming eruption cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs that build on top of the emerging teeth. They are observed as raised blue oval shapes. Eruption cysts go away once the teeth have fully emerged. Unfortunately, sometimes a cyst may persist and cover the crown of the teeth; this is known as a dentigerous cyst. This condition may require surgical intervention.
3. Neonatal and Natal Teeth
Neonatal teeth erupt within the first month of birth, while natal teeth are usually present during childbirth. Natal teeth are extremely rare and only occur in one in six thousand cases. These teeth are often smaller and poorly developed. In addition to causing pain to the mother during suckling, they may also cause sublingual ulcerations to the baby. The absent roots mean that they can easily fall off and be swallowed. In most cases, it is recommended that natal and neonatal teeth be extracted to protect the baby.
4. Tenderness and Swelling
Although tooth bud is formed during the first six weeks of gestation, they remain in that state until the baby is born. After about three months, teething begins. The roots grow, forcing the top through the gums. It puts pressure on the gums, causing swelling and soreness. The pain can cause the baby to be cranky and sometimes refuse to eat. You can alleviate the strain by gently massaging the gums.
5. Teething Rashes
Excessive drooling is one of the symptoms of teething. A mixture of the saliva and food particles can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. This can quickly grow into a rash due to rubbing of the baby’s skin against clothing. It is usual for the teething rashes to come and go. You can take care of the rash by keeping your baby clean and dry. Applying creams can also help shield the baby’s skin.
See the Best Dentist in North Ogden
We hope this article better prepares you for teething complications. The symptoms associated can easily be confused for other illnesses. This is why you need to seek assistance from a qualified professional. At North View Dental, we are experts in preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, jaw treatment, and tooth extraction. Book an appointment today.
