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Maternal and Child Health Bureau logoA Health Professionals Guide to Pediatric Oral Health Management
HomeModuleModule 1: An Introduction to Infants' and Young Children's Oral HealthModule 2: Managing Infants' and Young Children's Oral HealthModule 3: Oral Conditions and AbnormalitiesModule 4: Prevention of Oral DiseaseModule 5: Non-Nutritive Sucking HabitsModule 6: Oral InjuryModule 7: Infants and Young Children with Special Health Care NeedsContentsGlossaryEvaluationHelp
Module 2: Managing Infants' and Young Children's Oral Health
Module Contents
Overview
2.1 Oral Development
Tooth Eruption and Loss
Teething (current page)
Malocclusion
2.2 Interview and
Risk Assessment
During & After Pregnancy
During Infancy
During Early Childhood
2.3 Oral Screening
2.4 Behavior Management
2.5 Oral Examination
2.6 Anticipatory Guidance
For Pregnant Women,
New Mothers, or Other Intimate Caregivers
For Parents of Infants

For Parents of
Young Children
2.7 The Dental Home
Key Points
Post-Test
References
Additional Resources


2.1 Oral Development, continued

Teething

It is common for infants and young children to exhibit symptoms during tooth eruption. The following symptoms are typical:

  • photo of toddler girl cryingIrritability
  • Drooling
  • Mouthing objects
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Biting
  • Ear rubbing
  • Rash
  • Gum rubbing
  • Decreased appetite

Symptoms usually cease once teeth have erupted. To ease discomfort, parents may try giving the infant or child a clean teething ring (some infants like a chilled ring), cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth to chew on. Rubbing the infant’s or child’s gums may also help.[1]

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