Infants Teething Problems and Mothers' Beliefs in South East of Iran

Abstract

Background: Teething is a physiological process, which usually does not cause problems. A variety of symptoms are ascribed to infant teething, despite little evidence to support such belief. The wrong beliefs and misconceptions about the symptoms of teething may present serious risks to infants. Objectives: This study aims for determination of the mothers' attitude about the symptoms and signs of infants teething. Methods: Data collection was done using a questionnaire, containing demographic information of the respondents as well as a number of 20 questions about the signs and symptoms of teething. In this study, 220 questionnaires were completed by mothers having 6 - 30 months’ children, with at least one deciduous tooth. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 28.26 ± 5.10 years old. Mean of the first deciduous tooth eruption in them was 7.16 ± 1.60 month. All mother associated, at least, one symptom with teething. In this study, mothers' beliefs were as follows: gum rubbing (91%), biting objects (86%), restlessness and irritability (84%), fever (75%), drooling (70%), and diarrhea (62%). Conclusions: Regarding that symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and restlessness and irritability are attributed to teething, this can distract parents from serious illnesses, leading to diagnosis and treatment delay.