Wisdom with Age: Wisdom Teeth Pain

Just when we think our little children are developing well and responding to external stimuli, they start developing teeth. This is a nasty surprise, indeed – the teething phase is a worrisome one for both the child and the parent. Suddenly, your adorable child becomes a biting aggressor that wants to chomp on everything in sight! Your baby can’t help it – the growth of their first teeth is making their gums scratchy, so they tend to bite more. Do understand that your child is miserable about feeling this way, too.

The teething process

Adults generally have up to 32 teeth. The first of the teeth in the child’s mouth are the ones at the front of the jaw, and they generally make their appearance when the baby is about a year old. The rest of the teeth appear in stages in the following years of the child’s life. The last to appear are the wisdom teeth, which emerge when the child is above 17 years of age. Wisdom teeth grow slowly and in stages, unlike the other teeth. The tooth structure in children

Most children will have a full set of teeth by the time they are five, though of course, they will not have wisdom teeth yet. However, most of your child’s front teeth will also fall off by this time, to be replaced by other teeth. The earlier teeth are known as ‘milk teeth’ and are shed naturally as the child grows up. However, some of your child’s teeth may not fall off on their own and may need a dentist’s intervention, especially if the tooth is infected. It is always better to encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush to keep cavities and caries away.

If your child complains of tooth pain, it could be a sign of a cavity. Only a dentist can help by removing the cavity and capping the tooth.

Some teeth problems your child may face

Not rinsing the mouth after eating sugary snacks, or brushing the teeth before going to bed, can cause caries and cavities. These must be treated before they deepen and infect the gums.

In some children, the earlier tooth does not fall off as required, thus not leaving enough space for the emerging tooth to grow. Thus, the new tooth can become crooked and the earlier tooth may need to be removed by the dentist.

It is natural human tendency to worry an emerging tooth with the tongue. Explain to your child that this habit can result in the new tooth coming out angled and crooked.

If your child complains of pain or inflammation at the site of a new tooth, seek the doctor’s opinion immediately.

While waiting for the teeth to be treated, you can give your child a painkiller like Nurofen for Children. Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Nurofen for Children, helps reduce the pains and aches associated with the swelling in the jaw, as well as reduces inflammation.

Do consult with the doctor about giving your child Nurofen to alleviate the symptoms of pain.