Teething Symptoms and Parental Perceptions in Infants
Summary
Teething—the eruption of primary teeth through the gums—is a universal developmental milestone that commonly presents with local signs such as gingival swelling, increased salivation, irritability and a propensity to bite or chew. Historically, parents and caregivers have also attributed systemic symptoms—fever, diarrhea, cough and disrupted sleep—to the eruptive process, leading to debates over whether these associations are causal or merely coincidental. Variations in parental perception reflect cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status and access to healthcare advice. In many settings, misattribution of serious illness to teething delays medical consultation and may prompt potentially harmful home remedies. Conversely, heightened awareness of teething itself can improve infant comfort through timely use of safe nonpharmacological measures, such as chilled teething rings or gentle gum massage. Contemporary research strives to disentangle physiological responses to tooth eruption from unrelated infantile illnesses, while exploring how parental knowledge, attitudes and education shape treatment decisions. A clearer understanding of this interplay holds global significance for paediatric guidance, public health messaging and the development of culturally sensitive educational resources aimed at supporting families during the teething period.
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Teething Symptoms and Parental Perceptions in Infants publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in teething symptoms and parental perceptions in infants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Tooth eruption: The process by which a developing tooth moves from its developmental position within the jawbone to its functional position in the oral cavity.
Primary dentition: The first set of 20 deciduous teeth, also known as milk teeth, which typically begin to emerge around six months of age.
Gingival irritation: Localised inflammation or discomfort of the gum tissue often associated with pressure from an erupting tooth.
Systemic symptoms: Generalised signs affecting the whole body—such as fever, diarrhoea or nasal congestion—that may occur concurrently with teething but are not necessarily caused by it.
References
- Comparison of the opinions and attitudes of medical doctors, dentists and mothers toward teething symptoms.. Dental and Medical Problems (2023).
- Knowledge and experiences of families regarding amber necklaces. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2023).
- Knowledge and management practices of infant teething symptoms among mothers in a tertiary facility in Ghana. Pan African Medical Journal (2024).
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