Booklet - Oral Health Care for your Children

Discomfort during Tooth Eruption Parents may feel anxious when their babies get irritated or have a bad appetite during the tooth eruption period. Below are some suggestions that can help relieve the discomfort that your child may experience. Drooling Wipe your child's mouth and change his/her bibs often to keep your child clean and dry. Gum irritation Gum irritation is common during tooth eruption. To relieve the discomfort, your child would like to chew on a cool surface. You can let your child bite on a plastic liquid-filled teething ring, which should be cleaned and chilled, to reduce the irritation. Swollen gum Swollen gum is normal during tooth eruption and the swollen part is usually firm. However, it is not normal if the swollen gum turns red or blue. In such case, parents must bring their children to see the dentist. Irritable Babies are easily irritated during tooth eruption. Parents should spend more time with their children. Playing games with them can distract your child from the irritation. Fever Tooth eruption will not cause fever. The baby may pick up anything to chew during that time that increases his/her chance of getting an infection. If your child has symptoms like fever, runny nose and diarrhea, you should take your child to see a doctor immediately.