Patient's question:
One, in recent days, my gums have been severely inflamed, with the entire area turning red, accompanied by a bad odor in the mouth. It has been five days, and I visited the hospital, where I received some anti-inflammatory medication. However, the effect was not significant, and it is still very severe now. The color has only slightly changed from dark red to lighter, but it is not noticeable. Could you please explain the cause of this and how it should be treated?Two, my child currently has only eight teeth, and a checkup revealed no deficiencies in trace elements. They are in excellent spirits. Could you please explain the reason for this?
Three, in the past three months, my child's grandmother has often boiled burnt jujubes to make a decoction for the child, claiming it helps with calming the mind. However, the child's sleep has indeed become much more sound since drinking the jujube decoction. Is it good to drink it frequently?
I received anti-inflammatory medication and would appreciate some advice. Thank you.
Doctor's answer:
Children go through many challenges during their transformation process. The concerns of those seeking consultation can be categorized into the following three points:1. During teething (typically between 6 months and 2.5 years), some babies may experience symptoms such as irritability, fever, poor appetite, sleep disturbances, drooling, and swollen, painful gums.
2. The general pattern of teething usually begins around 6 months with the eruption of the first tooth, followed by two new teeth every four months, with all teeth typically fully developed by around 2.5 years of age.
3. Red dates can be a frequent food for babies, but it’s important to note that due to their high sugar content and difficulty in absorption, they are generally not recommended for nighttime consumption.
Based on the symptoms described, if teething follows the normal pattern, having 8 teeth by 19 months is within the expected range, and parents do not need to worry. However, gum swelling and sleep disturbances are primarily considered related to the teething process.
If the gums are swollen and show signs of inflammation, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. For babies experiencing sleep disturbances, offering yogurt in the evening can help alleviate discomfort during teething.