K00.7
DESCRIPTION
Teething is the appearance of teeth through the gums in the mouth of infants and young children.
Symptoms often associated with teething include:
- fretfulness
- biting or chewing on hard objects
- drooling, which may often begin before teething starts
- gum swelling and tenderness
- refusing food
- sleeping problems
Teething is not a cause of severe or systemic symptoms, such as high fever or diarrhoea. Exclude conditions other than teething in infants who are systemically unwell or in distress.
Advise caregivers to seek medical advice if the infant becomes systemically unwell.
GENERAL MEASURES
Teething is a normal physiological process; simple self-care measures are recommended.
- Gentle massage to the gum or biting on objects (such as teething rings) may produce relief by producing counter-pressure against the gums (beware of choking risks).
- Cold objects may help to ease symptoms.
Do not use local oral anaesthetic preparations in infants, as these have been associated with severe adverse events.
REFERRAL
All children with systemic symptoms (e.g. high fever or diarrhoea) that cannot be managed at primary health care level.