teething /tē′thing/ [AS, toth] , the physiological process of the eruption of the primary teeth through the gums. It normally begins around the sixth month of life and occurs periodically until the complete set of 20 teeth has appeared at about 30 to 36 months. Discomfort and inflammation result from the pressure exerted against the periodontal tissue as the crown of the tooth breaks through the membranes. General signs of teething include excessive drooling, biting on hard objects, irritability, difficulty in sleeping, and refusal of food. Low-grade fever or diarrhea often occurs during teething but may be indicative of illness rather than of teething. The pain and inflammation usually may be soothed by cold, such as with a frozen teething ring, cold metal spoon, or ice wrapped in a washcloth. Use of teething powders and procedures such as rubbing or cutting the gums are discouraged because of the possibility of infection or complications from ingestion of the medication. −teethe, v.
