TEETHING IN CHILDREN

For a long while now, I have been thinking of writing about TEETHING. I did not, because I thought it was not of public health importance. Well, I changed my mind. The reason being that the things I have heard and seen in the last few weeks on teething is enough to make one cringe.

Here in Nigeria, so many symptoms are associated with teething. It's so bad that even the so called "educated" people believe all the old wives' tales that our mothers told us. Many families have lost their babies due to such beliefs. Some of our health workers too do not help matters. They propagate the old wives' ideas and many people are quick to believe them.

Below are some typical examples.

Story 1

A six month old baby, who was already sitting without support and was trying to crawl suddenly started to vomit. The child could not keep anything down as he vomited immediately after eating. Not long after, the baby started to pass foul smelling watery stool. It was terrible. The mother was disturbed. What could she do. This child had never been ill. This child was exclusively breastfed for six months. Haha, she just weaned him a week ago. As if that was not enough, she noticed he had started running fever. If only she knew what to do. Just then an elderly neighbour passing by, saw how distraught she was and asked her what the matter was. She then narrated the history of the illness to the mama. Mama was furious, "How could you not know what to do. It's Teeth that is worrying this child o. You have to give him Agbo jedi. Infact I have one at home. As a mother, you need to have these things in your house." Mama rushed home and brought back the concoction which she administered to the child expertly.

I am sure my doctor friends already know where the above story would end because it is what they experience every now and then.

Story 2

Margaret's baby was cute. She had a wide smile. She was very pretty and all the lovely baby gowns fitted her perfectly. In fact, no be small thing. At a little over five months, her pearly whites came out. The two teeth made her smile more beautiful. You would want to identify yourself with her, no doubt. At age six months, she was weaned into the family diet. Thereafter, as a caring mom, Margaret noticed that her teeth were not as white as before. Not only that, her tongue was thickly coated. She didn't like it one bit. She decided to ask her friend Biola, who already had three children what she should do.

She dressed up the next day and visited her friend. After exchanging pleasantries, she "consulted" Biola on the main purpose of her visit. "Hehehe, Maggi, you need to be sharp o. There are many methods of cleaning babies' teeth. You may use Your own Maclean for the teeth and potash to scrub the tongue. Another option is to use salt for the teeth and alum for the tongue". #lobatan. Margaret chose the second option as alum was better than potash in cleaning things, or so she thought.

Biola then, being an experienced mother for that matter insisted she helped her to clean the mouth while Maggi watched.

Pictures from Google.

I will be back shortly to discuss the care of the Teeth in children. Ciao.