Teething issues? They’re all in your head, says this dentist

If you've been up all night with a screaming baby you're likely to disagree with this one, but a leading consultant paediatric dental surgeon says that Irish parents' “imaginations have got the better of them”, when it comes to teething pain.  Kirsten Fitzgerald, a surgeon at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, warned that attributing symptoms such as nappy rash, red cheeks and a high temperature to teething could leave parents at risk of missing other, more serious illnesses such as meningitis.

“Teething is a simple, gentle and benign process but it has come to mean so much more. It’s a normal process, just like growing nails or hair,” said Dr Fitzgerald.

And she also takes issue with the phrase 'cutting teeth' -“Despite the phrase, there is no cutting or piercing.” she added, suggesting that parents worries are further heightened by the “massive industry” that has been built up around teething. But what about the coughing, the sore bum, runny nose, the flushed cheeks, the dribbling and drooling teething babies experience? Dr Fitzgerald believes that these symptoms are more likely the result of increased exposure to infection at the age when they begin to get teeth. What do you think, when it comes to teething pain, have parents made it all up? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie. If your poor poppet is experiencing some of the 'imaginary' symptoms of teething, check out Niamh O'Reilly's advice on how to deal with it here and some further tips and tricks here.