The first tooth usually ‘erupts’ between 6-10 months and most
children have a full set of 20 ‘baby’ (deciduous) teeth by 3
years. While teething is often uncomfortable, there is still
controversy about what effect it has. Teething is commonly
thought to cause: - Sucking or biting on objects - Irritability,
crying, loss of appetite - Pulling the ear However fever,
vomiting, diarrhoea and many other complaints are unlikely to be
due to teething and it is important to consider other causes
like infection. See your GP if your child has a fever or is very
upset. How to treat teething If your baby is unsettled, you can
try: - Rubbing gums with a clean finger - A clean, cold teething
ring or something firm like a sugar-free rusk - A teething gel
to numb the gums. These are widely used but it is unclear if
they work - Paracetamol. Measure the quantity carefully and do
not exceed the recommended dose Take care of your child’s teeth
A recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found
that half of all 6-yea