Longitudinal study of symptoms associated with teething: Prevalence and mothers’ practices

Abstract

BackgroundThe results of the study support the view that teething is not associated with severe general symptoms. They present factors influencing their perception by mothers and methods to solve teething problems. AimThe aim was to identify the teething symptoms and factors influencing their prevalence and the mothers’ perception of teething and ways of solving them. MethodsA study was conducted among children aged 5–36 months and their mothers in Warsaw. It included questionnaire data (socio-demographic data, those related to nursing care, the baby's general condition, teething symptoms) and childrens’ clinical examination. ResultsOf 630 children included in the study (the mean age: 21.84±8.28 months) teething problems were reported in 79.7% of the patients: excessive salivation, swollen and reddened gum, an increased temperature and nervousness, anorexia, diarrhoea, cold-like symptoms, insertion of fingers/objects into the mouth. Teething problems were mildly associated with socio-demographic factors, birth weight and season of birth. Mothers used teething rings (66.8%), topical gels (63.3%), gingival massage (45.7%), comforting bottles (2.7%). In 16.8% of patients tooth brushing was started since the eruption of the first tooth. The choice of methods was influenced by the type of observed symptoms, education and maternal smoking habits. Pediatricians were the main source of knowledge. ConclusionThe general teething symptoms are associated with gingival swelling. The results demonstrate an overuse local remedies and negative impact of maternal smoking and lower level of education upon the solution problems. The hygienic neglect and feeding with a bottle indicates the significance of education.