Rahul's First Tooth

Rahul is teething and cranky. Anita notices his first tiny tooth poking through his gum and calls the paediatrician for advice.

Meanings in Anita (mother), Rahul (baby), Paediatrician

Key words and phrases

teethingthe process of a baby's teeth growing inTeething can make babies cranky and drool a lot.

gumthe firm flesh around the teethYou can gently rub his gum to soothe him.

droolsaliva that dribbles from the mouthHe has been drooling a lot lately.

crankyeasily irritated or fussyHe gets cranky when a new tooth is coming in.

teething ringa toy babies chew on to ease teething painGive him the teething ring to chew on.

sootheto calm or comfortA cold teething ring can soothe sore gums.

poking throughstarting to appear or emergeHis first tooth is just poking through.

milk teetha baby's first set of teethMilk teeth usually start appearing around six months.

appetitea desire for foodHis appetite has reduced a bit during teething.

sorepainful or tenderHis gums look a little sore and red.

teething gela soothing gel applied to a baby's gums during teethingThe doctor recommended a mild teething gel.

chew toya soft toy babies bite on for teething reliefHe carries a chew toy with him everywhere now.

biba cloth tied under a baby's chin to catch drool or foodPut a bib on him to catch all that drool.

disturbed sleepsleep that is frequently interruptedHe's been having disturbed sleep since the tooth appeared.

molarone of the broad back teeth used for grinding foodHis first molar came in around fourteen months.

incisorone of the sharp front teeth used for bitingThe bottom incisors are usually the first teeth to appear.

dental hygienethe practice of keeping teeth and gums clean and healthyGood dental hygiene should start from the first tooth.

drool rashirritated skin around the mouth or chin caused by excess droolingWipe his chin often to prevent a drool rash.

low-grade fevera slightly raised body temperature, sometimes linked with teethingA low-grade fever can sometimes accompany teething.

distractto draw someone's attention away from discomfortSinging to him helps distract him from the pain.

Useful sentences

Ask Why is he drooling so much these days?
Answer It's normal, he is teething right now.
Ask What can I give him to chew on?
Answer Give him a clean, cold teething ring.
Ask Is it normal for him to be so cranky?
Answer Yes, teething often makes babies fussy.
Ask Should I rub his gums gently?
Answer Yes, a clean finger massage can help soothe him.
Ask When do milk teeth usually appear?
Answer They usually start appearing around six months.
Ask Should I put a bib on him during the day?
Answer Yes, it will help prevent a drool rash.
Ask Is a low-grade fever normal during teething?
Answer Yes, a mild fever can accompany teething sometimes.
Ask Can I use a teething gel on his gums?
Answer Yes, but only a mild, baby-safe one.
Ask How can I help him with his disturbed sleep?
Answer Try to distract him gently before bedtime with a chew toy.
Ask When should I start his dental hygiene routine?
Answer Right from his first tooth, with a soft, wet cloth.

Dialogue

AnitaDoctor, Rahul has been very cranky and drooling a lot.

PaediatricianLet me check. Yes, his first tooth is just poking through.

AnitaIs there anything I can do to help him?

PaediatricianGive him a cold teething ring and gently massage his gums.

AnitaShould I be worried about his reduced appetite?

PaediatricianNo, that's common during teething and will improve soon.

AnitaHe's also had a bit of a low-grade fever. Is that normal too?

PaediatricianA mild fever can happen with teething, but keep an eye on it.

AnitaShould I put a bib on him to prevent a drool rash?

PaediatricianYes, and a soft chew toy will help distract him from the discomfort.

Common mistakes

Saying "his tooth is coming out" instead of "his tooth is coming in" — coming out means falling, coming in means growing.
Saying "he is teeth-ing painful" instead of "teething is painful for him."
Saying "much drool" instead of "a lot of drool" or "so much drool."
Saying "back tooth" instead of the correct term "molar" when talking to a doctor.
Saying "teething cream" instead of the more standard term "teething gel."
Saying "he has fever because of teeth" instead of the more natural "a low-grade fever can accompany teething."

Quick quiz

1. What does "teething" mean?

2. What can help soothe a teething baby's gums?

3. Complete: "His gums look a little ___ and red."

4. What is a "molar"?

5. A cloth tied under a baby's chin to catch drool is called a ___.

6. Complete: "A ___ can sometimes accompany teething."

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