The primary cause of pain during teething is the local inflammation around the erupting tooth.
Understanding Teething Discomfort
Teething is a natural developmental stage for infants when their first teeth begin to emerge through the gums. While exciting, this process can often be uncomfortable for babies. The discomfort, specifically the pain, is linked directly to changes happening within the gum tissue as the tooth pushes its way through.
The Role of Inflammation
According to the provided information, the pain experienced during teething is specifically caused by:
- The local inflammation around the erupting tooth: As a tooth moves towards the surface, it puts pressure on the surrounding gum tissue. This pressure and the process of eruption trigger an inflammatory response in the local area.
- Stimulation of pain receptors: This local inflammation irritates the nerve endings or pain receptors within the gums, sending pain signals.
Essentially, the body's reaction to the tooth breaking through the gum tissue involves inflammation, and it is this inflammation that leads to the sensation of pain.
Factors That May Increase Pain
While inflammation is the core cause of pain, certain actions can exacerbate the discomfort:
- Rubbing the inflamed gums
- Biting on hard surfaces with the inflamed gums
These actions can put additional pressure or stress on the already sensitive and inflamed tissue, potentially intensifying the pain.
Common Teething Symptoms Beyond Pain
Besides pain caused by inflammation, teething babies may also experience other symptoms, though these vary greatly:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Increased drooling
- Irritability or fussiness
- Trouble sleeping
- A mild increase in temperature (not a fever)
- Chewing or biting on objects
It's important to remember that while teething can cause discomfort, severe symptoms like high fever or diarrhea are generally not directly linked to teething itself and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Understanding that local inflammation is the root cause of teething pain helps in addressing the symptom effectively, often through methods aimed at soothing the inflamed gums.
