teething MRI what to expect

Overview

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use X-rays, so there is no radiation. If your baby or toddler is teething and their doctor has asked for an MRI, it is usually to look at the brain, spine, or other areas for medical reasons that are not related to teething. This article explains how to prepare your little one for an MRI and what the experience is like.

It is not common for teething to cause a need for an MRI. However, MRI scans are very routine in hospitals, and many infants and toddlers undergo MRI for conditions like developmental delays, hearing problems, or possible seizures.

Babies and young children who are in the teething age range (usually 6 to 24 months) and who also have a medical condition that requires an MRI. Parents and caregivers are the main support people during the process.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Excessive drooling
• Irritability and crying more than usual
• Swollen, tender gums
• Chewing on fingers, toys, or clothing
• Mild fussiness, especially at night

Symptoms in children

• Older toddlers may show the same teething signs but can also express fear of the MRI machine
• They may be anxious about the loud noises the scanner makes
• They might resist lying still or remove the scan headrest or coils

Symptoms in older adults

• Teething does not affect older adults, but MRI for dental or jaw issues may be used; in those cases, the scan is usually easier because the person can follow instructions.
• Older adults with dental metal implants or braces may need special preparation or a different type of scan – tell your doctor about any metal in your mouth.

Causes

Main causes

• Teething happens when baby teeth push through the gum line – this is normal and not a problem
• An MRI is recommended for a separate medical concern, such as checking the brain for possible seizures, hearing loss, or developmental delays
• Sometimes an MRI is ordered after a head injury or to look for birth defects

Risk factors

• Being in the teething age range (6–24 months) makes it more likely a fussy child may need an MRI for another reason
• Children who are premature or have known health issues may need MRI for monitoring
• Parents or caregivers who are anxious about the scan can accidentally upset the child – staying calm helps

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a fever over 104°F (40°C) – this is not normal teething; see a doctor the same day
• If your child is crying uncontrollably and cannot be comforted
• If your child refuses to drink and shows signs of dehydration
• If your child seems very weak, floppy, or hard to wake up

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have questions or concerns before the MRI, talk with your child’s doctor or the MRI team
• If your child has a history of allergies or reactions to sedatives, mention it before the scan
• If your child has a cold or stuffy nose, tell the radiology team – it may affect breathing during sedation

Diagnosis

An MRI is a diagnostic imaging test, not a condition. The process starts with a doctor’s referral. The radiology department will telephone you before the appointment to ask about your child’s health, weight, and any metal objects. On the day, a pediatric nurse and radiographer (specialist in scans) will prepare your child.

Tests that may be done

• Physical check of your child’s vital signs (temperature, heart rate, breathing)
• A safety questionnaire about metal implants, dental braces, or any devices (like a cochlear implant)
• If sedation is needed, a blood test or continuous monitoring may be used – but this is very safe

What to expect at your appointment

Your child will change into a hospital gown or loose clothing with no metal zips or snaps. You may be allowed to stay in the scan room. Your child lies on a padded table that slides into the MRI machine. The machine makes loud knocking, thumping, or buzzing sounds. Children often wear earplugs or headphones. If your child is sedated, they will fall asleep and not feel anything. The scan itself is painless, and you can hold your child’s hand once the table is in position.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on the underlying medical condition that led to the MRI. Teething discomfort can be managed separately. It is important to treat teething symptoms before the scan to help your child stay calm and be able to lie still.

Self-care at home

• Offer a cooled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth to chew on before the scan
• Gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger
• Use distraction – bring a favorite toy, book, or soft blanket
• Play a lullaby or calming music on a phone (if allowed) while waiting
• Keep your own voice soft and reassuring

Medical treatments

For teething pain, your doctor or pharmacist can advise on safe pain relievers that are appropriate for your baby’s age and weight. Never give any medicine without asking a healthcare professional. For the MRI, doctors may use a mild sedative to help very young children sleep through the scan – the nurse will explain exactly how this works and monitor your child closely. The team will give you specific instructions about feeding and drinking before sedation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for teething. However, if the MRI finds a condition that requires surgery, your child’s specialist will discuss that with you separately. For most routine brain or spine MRIs, no surgery is needed.

Living with this condition

After the MRI, your child may feel sleepy for a few hours if they had sedation. Plan to rest at home and give them extra cuddles. Teething continues for a year or two, but the worst discomfort usually happens each time a tooth breaks through.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a regular sleep and feeding routine as much as possible
• Clean your baby’s gums and new teeth with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush to keep their mouth healthy
• If your child is waiting for MRI results, try to keep daily life normal and calm – stress affects both you and your child

Diet and exercise

Teething babies often eat less because their gums hurt. Offer cool, soft foods like yogurt, mashed fruit, or lukewarm porridge. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could hurt tender gums. Continue normal play and tummy time, but avoid rough play immediately after sedation.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for an MRI result can be worrying. It is completely normal to feel anxious or scared. Talk to your child’s doctor about how results will be given and how long they may take. Seek support from family and friends – you don’t have to carry the worry alone. For your child, a one-time scan is unlikely to cause long-term distress, especially if you stay calm and comforting.

Prevention

Teething cannot be prevented – it is a natural part of growing. The need for an MRI cannot always be prevented either, because it is used to investigate possible health conditions. But you can prevent extra discomfort and stress by preparing your child and keeping them comfortable during the scan.

Vaccines

Vaccines are a safe and important way to keep your child healthy. They do not prevent teething, but they help prevent illnesses that might lead to other problems – ask your doctor for the recommended schedule.

Screening programmes

No screening test is needed for teething. If your child is having an MRI, the scan itself is a type of screening – it looks for hidden health issues. Always follow your doctor’s advice on when your child should have imaging.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a child needs an MRI but cannot be scanned safely because they move too much, the scan might need to be repeated or done under general anesthesia – this is safe but causes delays
• If teething pain is not managed, your baby may refuse eating and drinking, which could lead to dehydration
• If the underlying condition that prompted the MRI is not investigated, it may go undiagnosed and possibly worsen – which is why the scan is important

Long-term outlook

Most children go through teething without any serious problems, and an MRI is a safe, painless way to get important answers. If your doctor ordered an MRI, it means they are being thorough about your child’s health. Even though the experience can feel overwhelming, the vast majority of children come through it well, and the information from the scan helps guide the best next steps. Try to be patient and kind to yourself – you are doing a great job supporting your child.

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