Any dentist out there that have an opinion on whether or not teething in babies hurts?

Question

I am just a little curious about what dentists think of the whole teething debate. Do you believe that teething in babies causes pain, diarrhoea, red bums, temperature etc etc yada yada? Interested to know what you think.

Answer 1

I think that it would be a source for some discomfort. Think about your wisdom teeth. Did they hurt? Yes most likely. A lot more if they had to come out.

Your babies face is probably red, they are drooling like a tap has been turned on, they a fussy, they are a little irritable. That sounds like it is uncomfortable to me.

To sooth you might use a teething gel. Most of them contain pain killers that are in suspension form and are absorbed through the skin. Or you might use a frozen teething ring.

I also think that some of the discomfort might come from being terrified. As a baby I might be thinking 'Gee my food hole is sore. It keeps aching and I can't get any sleep. Every time I eat it hurts. And that lumpy big person can't help me.' When my wisdom grew I could at least be told what was going on and got some comfort from that.