When do babies typically start teething. What are the common signs and symptoms of teething in infants. How long does the teething process usually last. Which teeth come in first during baby teething. How can parents soothe their teething baby effectively.

The Teething Timeline: When Do Babies Start Getting Teeth?

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often marked by the emergence of those adorable first teeth. But when exactly does this process begin? The teething timeline can vary significantly from one infant to another, making it a unique journey for each child.

Typically, most babies start teething between 6 and 12 months of age. However, it’s not uncommon for some infants to experience tooth eruption as early as 3 or 4 months, while others might not see their first pearly white until 14 months or later. In rare cases, some newborns may even be born with a tooth already visible!

Is there a cause for concern if teething starts later than expected? Generally, no. The teething process is not a race, and each baby’s developmental timeline is unique. Genetic factors can play a role in determining when teething begins. If you’re worried about your baby’s dental development, it’s always best to consult with a pediatrician or dentist for professional advice.

Identifying the Signs: How to Recognize Teething Symptoms

As teeth begin to emerge, babies may exhibit various signs and symptoms of teething. Recognizing these can help parents provide appropriate comfort and care. Here are some common teething symptoms to watch for:

• Increased irritability and fussiness
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Excessive drooling
• Tendency to chew on objects
• Sore or swollen gums
• Slight increase in body temperature

Can teething cause a high fever in babies? While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it’s unlikely to result in a fever above 101°F (38.3°C). If your baby develops a high fever or seems unusually uncomfortable, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.

The Teething Process: Duration and Tooth Eruption Order

How long does teething typically last? The entire teething process can span approximately two years, culminating in a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time a child reaches 2.5 to 3 years of age. It’s important to note that teething discomfort often comes and goes throughout this period, with symptoms typically peaking just before a new tooth emerges.

Which teeth tend to appear first? The order of tooth eruption generally follows a predictable pattern:

1. Bottom central incisors (6-10 months)
2. Top central incisors (8-12 months)
3. Top lateral incisors (9-13 months)
4. Bottom lateral incisors (10-16 months)
5. First molars (13-19 months)
6. Canines (16-23 months)
7. Second molars (23-33 months)

Are there variations in the teething timeline? Yes, it’s important to remember that this timeline is merely a general guide. Some babies may deviate from this pattern, and that’s perfectly normal.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Ways to Comfort a Teething Baby

Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for some babies, but there are several strategies parents can employ to provide relief. Here are some effective methods to soothe a teething baby:

• Offer a clean, cool teething ring or washcloth to chew on
• Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Provide cold foods (for babies already eating solids)
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a pediatrician
• Try teething biscuits or frozen fruit in a mesh feeder (for older babies)

How can parents determine which soothing method works best? Every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the most effective soothing technique. Pay attention to your baby’s responses and preferences, and always prioritize safety when introducing new teething remedies.

Teething Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are numerous myths surrounding the teething process. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: Teething causes severe illness

Reality: While teething can cause discomfort, it doesn’t typically lead to serious illness. High fevers, diarrhea, or excessive vomiting are not normal teething symptoms and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Myth: Teething always causes pain

Reality: Some babies sail through teething with minimal discomfort, while others may experience more noticeable symptoms. Each child’s experience is unique.

Myth: Amber teething necklaces are effective pain relievers

Reality: There’s no scientific evidence supporting the use of amber necklaces for teething pain relief. Moreover, these necklaces pose a choking hazard and are not recommended by pediatricians.

Why is it important to dispel these myths? Understanding the facts about teething helps parents make informed decisions about their baby’s care and avoid potentially harmful remedies or unnecessary worry.

Dental Care During Teething: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

The teething period is an excellent time to start establishing good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tips for caring for your baby’s emerging teeth:

• Begin cleaning gums before teeth appear using a soft, damp cloth
• Introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush when the first tooth emerges
• Use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3
• Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing

How often should parents brush their baby’s teeth? It’s recommended to brush an infant’s teeth twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed. This helps establish a routine and promotes good oral health from an early age.

When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing Unusual Teething Symptoms

While teething is generally a normal developmental process, there are instances when professional medical advice should be sought. Parents should contact their pediatrician if they observe:

• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Excessive diarrhea or vomiting
• Unusual rashes
• Prolonged irritability or distress
• Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period

How can parents differentiate between normal teething symptoms and signs of illness? While mild symptoms are common during teething, severe or prolonged discomfort, high fever, or other concerning symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue unrelated to teething. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

The Road Ahead: From Baby Teeth to Permanent Dentition

As your child grows, their dental journey continues beyond the initial teething phase. Around age 6 or 7, children begin to lose their primary teeth, making way for permanent teeth. This process, known as dental exfoliation, typically continues until the early teenage years.

What can parents expect during the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth? The process of losing baby teeth and gaining permanent ones is gradual. Most children will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth for several years. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices throughout this transition to ensure the health of both baby and permanent teeth.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Although primary teeth are eventually replaced, they play crucial roles in a child’s development:

• Assisting in proper speech development
• Allowing for adequate nutrition through chewing
• Maintaining space for permanent teeth
• Contributing to facial structure and appearance

Why is it essential to care for baby teeth even though they’ll fall out? Healthy baby teeth not only contribute to overall well-being but also guide the proper placement of permanent teeth. Neglecting primary teeth can lead to dental problems that may affect permanent teeth and overall oral health.

Navigating Teething Challenges: Tips for Parents

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Here are some strategies to help navigate this period:

• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to help with sleep disruptions
• Use bibs to manage excessive drooling and prevent skin irritation
• Offer extra cuddles and comfort during particularly fussy periods
• Be patient and remember that this phase is temporary
• Take care of your own well-being to better support your baby

How can parents maintain their sanity during challenging teething periods? It’s important to remember that teething is a normal part of development and that the discomfort is temporary. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends if you need a break, and remember to practice self-care.

Teething and Feeding

Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s eating habits. Some infants may eat less during teething episodes due to sore gums, while others might want to eat more frequently for comfort. Here are some tips for managing feeding during teething:

• Offer cold foods to soothe sore gums (for babies eating solids)
• Use teething feeders with frozen breast milk or formula
• Be patient and flexible with feeding schedules
• Consult with a pediatrician if feeding issues persist

Should parents be concerned about changes in appetite during teething? Minor changes in appetite during teething are generally normal. However, if your baby consistently refuses to eat or shows signs of dehydration, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Cultural Perspectives on Teething: Global Traditions and Remedies

Teething is a universal experience, but different cultures have developed unique traditions and remedies to address it. Here are some interesting cultural perspectives on teething:

• In some parts of India, it’s traditional to rub clove oil on a teething baby’s gums
• Swedish parents often give their teething babies a cold, peeled carrot to gnaw on
• In certain African cultures, necklaces made from special herbs are believed to ease teething pain
• Some Native American tribes historically used wooden teething sticks from specific trees

While these cultural remedies can be fascinating, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and consult with healthcare providers before trying any new teething treatments.

How do cultural beliefs impact teething practices around the world? Cultural beliefs and traditions often influence how parents approach teething. While some practices may have merit, others might be based more on folklore than scientific evidence. It’s always best to combine cultural wisdom with modern medical knowledge for the best outcomes.

The Future of Dental Health: Beyond Teething

As your child grows beyond the teething stage, maintaining good oral health remains crucial. Here are some key considerations for future dental health:

• Regular dental check-ups (typically every six months)
• Proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Balanced diet low in sugary foods and drinks
• Consideration of dental sealants and fluoride treatments
• Early orthodontic evaluations (around age 7)

How can parents instill good dental habits that last a lifetime? Leading by example is crucial. When children see their parents prioritizing oral health, they’re more likely to develop good habits themselves. Make dental care a positive, routine part of daily life from an early age.

Technological Advancements in Pediatric Dentistry

The field of pediatric dentistry continues to evolve, offering new ways to promote oral health in children. Some exciting developments include:

• Digital X-rays with lower radiation exposure
• Laser dentistry for more comfortable procedures
• Advanced materials for fillings and crowns
• Improved orthodontic options, including clear aligners for teens

How might future advancements in dentistry impact children’s oral health? As technology progresses, dental treatments are becoming less invasive and more comfortable. This can help reduce dental anxiety in children and promote better overall oral health throughout their lives.

When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs & Symptoms

Your baby’s first tooth and those adorable toothy grins are milestones you’ll look for and treasure. If you’re wondering when they will appear, it’s good to know that the timing of teething varies widely from baby to baby. Read on to discover when your baby may start teething, the signs and symptoms of teething, how long teething typically lasts, and much more.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Teething often starts when babies are between 6 and 12 months old, though in some cases those first teeth may appear earlier or even a little later. In some very rare cases newborns may be born with a tooth already erupted, or have a tooth come through in the first few weeks.

What if Teething Starts Later Than You Expect?

It’s helpful to remember that growing teeth is not a competitive sport, and that your baby’s teeth will arrive when they are ready. So, don’t be concerned if your friends’ children get teeth before your baby does.

The age range can be quite broad when it comes to teething. Though it’s likely that teething may begin between 6 and 12 months, the first tooth may appear as early as 3 or 4 months or as late as 14 months. Some babies might even be slightly outside of this range on either side. Genetics may play a role in the timing.

Of course, if you’re concerned about your baby’s teeth (or lack thereof) or have any questions about dental care, speak to her healthcare provider or dentist.

Which Teeth Come in First?

How Long Does Teething Last?

The duration of the teething process can vary. At some point between your child’s second and third birthdays, however, your little one will have a full set of 20 primary teeth. This means the total teething period lasts about two years.

If your little one has teething discomfort, know that this will probably come and go. Teething symptoms are typically experienced in the days before a tooth erupts; then the soreness subsides until a new tooth starts to come in.

How Many Baby Teeth Will Appear in Total?

Your little one’s first set of teeth are known as primary or baby teeth. By the time she’s 2 and a half to 3 years old she will have a full set of 20 baby teeth.

When your child is around 6 or 7 years old, the baby teeth will start falling out to make way for her permanent teeth, sometimes called secondary teeth. It takes many years for all 32 secondary teeth to come in, so for a while there your child will have a mix of primary and secondary teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

As the baby teeth grow and break through the gums, teething symptoms can include:

• Irritability. Your little one might seem a little fussier and may cry more than usual.

• Disturbed sleep. Teething pain or discomfort may cause your baby to wake up during the night.

• More drooling. It’s common for a teething baby to drool a lot when teething. Experts say the extra saliva can help soothe the tender gums.

• Chewing on things. When your baby is teething, she may gnaw on toys, a teething ring, or even her own fingers to help relieve the pressure she feels on her gums. Chewing on something firm helps massage the gums and helps ease any discomfort as the tooth tries to erupt.

• Sore, swollen gums. The spot where a tooth is coming through may be tender, red, and swollen.

• Low-grade temperature. During teething, your little one’s temperature may be slightly elevated, but teething is unlikely to cause a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby seems very uncomfortable or has a temperature of at least 101 degrees (or at least 100.4 degrees for a baby under 3 months) , contact your little one’s healthcare provider, who can determine what’s causing the fever.

Teething Timeline

Top Teeth

• Central incisors (the front teeth): 8 to 12 months

• Lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth): 9 to 13 months

• Canines, or cuspids (the sharp, pointy teeth on either side of the lateral incisors): 16 to 22 months

• First molars (the back teeth used to grind food): 13 to 19 months

• Second molars (the back teeth that fill in the last gaps): 25 to 33 months

Bottom Teeth

• Central incisors (the front teeth): 6 to 10 months

• Lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth): 10 to 16 months

• Canines, or cuspids (the sharp, pointy teeth on either side of the lateral incisors): 17 to 23 months

• First molars (the back teeth used to grind food): 14 to 18 months

• Second molars (the back teeth that fill in the last gaps): 23 to 31 months

How to Soothe Your Teething Baby

Teething can be uncomfortable for some babies, and as there’s no magic technique that works for every child, you may have to experiment to find something that helps your little one feel better. Among the many ways to soothe your teething baby are these two quick ideas:

• Give a teething ring. Chewing on one of these rings lets your teething baby massage her own gums. Some types can be cooled in the fridge to give extra relief, but don’t put a teething ring in the freezer—this can make it too hard and cold for your little one’s sensitive gums. To keep your little one safe, never tie a teething ring to a string that’s looped around your baby’s neck or clipped to her top.

• Massage your baby’s gums. Using a clean finger, gently massage your baby’s sore gums.

How to Care for Your Baby’s New Teeth

It’s important to start caring for your baby’s teeth (or tooth) as soon as the first one pokes through. Those baby teeth have to last several years before they’re replaced with adult teeth, and establishing good dental hygiene habits early on will help set your little one up for healthy teeth and gums throughout her life.

Taking steps to prevent cavities and tooth decay in the baby teeth is just as important as it is with adult teeth, because decay in these teeth can affect the permanent teeth that follow and cause other dental problems like pain and infections.

Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Regular brushing is an important part of dental care. The key thing at this stage is to gently clean baby teeth twice a day and to get your little one used to the brushing routine.

Here are some guidelines for brushing your baby’s teeth, as well as some tips on teaching your older child how to get the job done, with your help:

• Brush at least twice a day, always brushing after your child has had anything sugary as well as after the last meal or drink of the day

• Put a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for your baby’s age. Carefully brush each tooth, making sure to reach all the surfaces, including the sides and the inside surface. Once your child is about 2 years old you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. You’ll need to teach him how to rinse and spit, rather than swallowing the toothpaste.

• The direction of the brush stroke doesn’t really matter. The key is to clean each tooth from all angles, making sure you reach the back teeth as well

• For now you’ll need to brush your baby’s teeth. As he reaches the toddler and preschooler stage, help him begin brush his own teeth, under your close supervision. You’ll need to lend a hand until he’s 7 or 8 years old to ensure those teeth get a thorough clean. Here are some ideas for how to make brushing more fun for both of you.

Diet

Your little one’s diet is a big part of dental health. Avoid giving your child sugary drinks like fruit juice and sodas, or sticky sweet snacks like gum, toffee, and sticky caramel. Also, don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup of milk, formula, juice, or any other sweet drink, as this can cause the sugary liquid to pool in his mouth and lead to tooth decay.

For more on caring for your baby’s teeth, check out our article on dental care for children.

Dental Checkups

Getting professional care from a dentist is crucial for the healthy development of your child’s teeth, mouth, and gums. Usually, the first dentist visit should take place within about six months of the first tooth poking through or by the time your child is 12 months old, whichever comes first.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, you can make an appointment at any time. Your baby’s healthcare provider will also check your baby’s teeth and gums at his regular well-child checkups.

When to See Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

If your little one is showing symptoms like fever, irritability, or diarrhea, or any other signs of childhood illness, and you’re not sure whether it’s related to teething or something else, it’s safest to call your healthcare provider so an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be made.

You should also contact your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned about how much discomfort your baby is in as a result of teething. The provider may recommend some form of pain relief while also making sure that nothing else is wrong to cause the elevated levels of pain or discomfort. Do not use teething gels to numb the gums, as these are dangerous.

You’ll also want to consult your baby’s healthcare provider or dentist if your baby has a tooth problem or injury, such as a broken or chipped tooth.

Interesting Facts About Baby Teeth

Want to know more about teething and those white-as-can-be baby teeth? Here are some fun facts about your little one’s teeth:

• On average, about four teeth will poke through every six months during the teething process

• Girls’ teeth may erupt a little sooner than boys’ teeth

• The bottom teeth tend to erupt before the same type of tooth on the top

• Teeth usually erupt in symmetrical pairs; in other words, one tooth on the right side of the jaw and the same type of tooth on the left side of the jaw will poke through at roughly the same time

• Your child’s primary teeth are smaller and whiter than the permanent teeth that will replace them in a few years’ time

• From around the age of 4, your child’s face and jaw will begin to grow and change shape, and this will create gaps in his smile as the baby teeth won’t catch up in size. This is completely normal—it’s the mouth’s way of making space for the bigger adult teeth that will follow.

• Your baby’s secondary teeth will be coming in when he is about 7 or 8 years old. Because it will take a little while before your child has a full set of adult teeth, for several years your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth.

• Your baby has 20 primary teeth but will have many more secondary teeth. By the time your child is in his teens or early 20s, he’ll have between 28 and 32 adult teeth.

The Bottom Line

Teething can sometimes be a challenging time for your baby and you. Try to keep in mind how important those teeth are, helping your child chew and bite into the nutritious foods that are fueling his growth and development.

If you’re still waiting for that first tooth, know that it will be here soon enough, and more will be on the way. Each new tooth that emerges will make that smile even more adorable than it was before.

Take good care of your baby’s tiny teeth and before you know it the gaps in your little one’s smile will be filled in with some of the cutest, whitest teeth you’ve ever seen!

Baby teething symptoms – NHS

When it comes to teething, all babies are different. But your baby will probably get their first tooth some time during their first year.

Find out how to spot when your baby is teething and what order your baby’s teeth are likely to appear in.

When do babies start teething?

Some babies are born with their first teeth. Others start teething before they are 4 months old, and some after 12 months. But most babies start teething at around 6 months.

Teething symptoms

Baby teeth sometimes emerge with no pain or discomfort at all.

At other times, you may notice:

• their gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through
• they have a mild temperature of less than 38C
• they have 1 flushed cheek
• they have a rash on their face
• they’re rubbing their ear
• they’re dribbling more than usual
• they’re gnawing and chewing on things a lot
• they’re more fretful than usual
• they’re not sleeping very well

Read tips on how to help your teething baby.

Some people think that teething causes other symptoms, such as diarrhoea, but there’s no evidence to support this.

You know your baby best. Get medical advice if they have any symptoms that are causing you concern. You can call NHS 111 or contact a GP.

Read more about spotting the signs of serious illness in babies and toddlers.

What order do baby teeth appear in?

Here’s a rough guide to how babies’ teeth usually emerge:

• bottom incisors (bottom front teeth) – these are usually the first to come through, usually at around 5 to 7 months
• top incisors (top front teeth) – these tend to come through at about 6 to 8 months
• top lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth) – these come through at around 9 to 11 months
• bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth) – these come through at around 10 to 12 months
• first molars (back teeth) – these come through at around 12 to 16 months
• canines (between the lateral incisors and the first molars) – these come through at around 16 to 20 months
• second molars – these come through at around 20 to 30 months

Most children will have all of their milk teeth by the time they are between 2 and 3 years old.

Community content from HealthUnlocked

Page last reviewed: 9 August 2022

Next review due: 9 August 2025

Teething in children: symptoms and complications

Teething in children very often raises a lot of questions from parents. As a rule, during teething, babies experience discomfort, which significantly affects the nervous system of the child and makes parents pretty worried. In our article, we will look at the order, symptoms and complications of teething.

Teething in children

In what order do teeth erupt in children? As a rule, this is the following order of growth of milk teeth:

1. First two lower central incisors – 6-8 months
2. First two upper central incisors – approx. 8 months
3. First two upper lateral incisors – 8-12 months
4. First two lower lateral incisors – 10-12 months
5. First four posterior teeth – 14-20 months
6. First four canines – 18-24 months
7. Second four posterior teeth – 2-3 years

Teething symptoms

What are the symptoms of teething in a one year old baby? What are the symptoms of teething in children? Typically, symptoms of teething in children under one year of age include:

• Excessive salivation. It may cause coughing and hoarseness, as well as a rash around the mouth and chin
• Swelling, redness and tenderness of the gums
• Itchy gums. Toddlers often try to relieve it by chewing on just about anything they can get their hands on
• Decreased appetite or its complete absence, as well as refusal to eat
• Temperature increase
• Sleep disorder
• Hyperexcitability
• Changing chair
• Runny nose

It is important to understand that when teething in children, the symptoms can be different and it is not at all necessary that the child has everything from the list. Symptoms of teething in children after one year are very often similar to those present before the year. Even with the eruption of molars in children, the symptoms may be similar, but everything, of course, is purely individual.

Complications of teething

The symptoms of a child’s first teething are important to monitor in order to predict complications. Complications may include:

• Early teething. The norm is 6 months, but it may be that the child’s teeth begin to erupt even at 2 months
• Too late teething. It is possible that even at 8 months the child has not yet erupted teeth. The consequence of this situation may be adentia – this is the complete or partial absence of teeth in the oral cavity
• Wrong teething sequence
• Abnormal tooth formation or dental anomalies
• Anomalies of tooth growth
• Enamel hypoplasia. Represents a lesion of tooth enamel that occurs in children under 10 months of age
• Aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis. It is a process of appearance in the oral cavity of small purulent sores
• Gingival hematoma. May occur when a blood vessel is damaged

In INTAN implantation and dentistry centers you can provide a wide range of pediatric dentistry services. All services are carried out only by highly qualified dentists who have a special approach to children and knowledge of how to carry out the treatment so that the little patient likes it.

Symptoms of teething in children under one year old and ways to alleviate them

In the first year of life, the child develops rapidly. He learns to sit, crawl, walk. And he also has something that indicates the general physiological development, the maturation of the digestive system. He is preparing to move from eating exclusively milk or formula to a new stage – to the use of semi-solid and solid foods and the appearance of first milk teeth .

The eruption of the first milk teeth is influenced by genetic characteristics, health, nutrition and other factors. Even the dependence of teething in infants on the region of residence has been established. So, in the northern regions of Russia, there is a frequent deviation from the average terms towards a later eruption ^[1] .

On average, the first baby tooth appears at 6-7 months. Within three years, all 20 milk teeth will take their place in the dentition. In some babies, teething begins at 4-5 months, someone waits up to 10-12 months. All of this is within the normal range of ^[2] .

There are several theories explaining the process of teething ^[2] :

• Hunter’s theory – pushing a tooth out of the bone alveolus occurs due to the pressure of growing roots;

• Yasvoin’s theory – the appearance of a tooth above the gum provokes processes of differentiation in the tissue of the dental papilla;

• Katz’s theory – an increase in tissue pressure in the area of ​​the bottom of the alveoli directs the tooth to the surface.

But none of them can fully explain this complex mechanism.

By the time the tooth erupts, there is resorption of the bone covering the crown of the tooth. The same processes are noted in the gum. During the growth of the tooth root, the bone is also rebuilt and the dental alveoli gradually deepen. At the same time, morphological changes in the tissues surrounding the tooth occur: increased blood flow, changes in vascular permeability, increased production of the main substance of the pulp and periodontium

“Can the physiological process of teething in infants be pathological?” Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Chief Pediatrician of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation Zakharova I. N. ^[2]

It is not surprising that the appearance of teeth causes discomfort in children at any age, but this process is especially difficult for babies.

Symptoms of teething in a child

The appearance of milk teeth is a natural physiological process, however, a number of children develop a symptom complex, which, according to the International Classification of Diseases, is classified as teething syndrome (ICD code K00.7). Numerous surveys of young children say that the most common symptoms accompanying the appearance of teeth are:

• increased salivation — processes in the oral cavity are activated;

• irritability – the child experiences severe discomfort and cannot report it otherwise than by changing behavior;

• sleep disturbance – the pain is so severe that the baby cannot sleep or wakes up frequently during the night;

• itching of the gums – children try to compensate for it by trying to bite the breast or nipple, by trying to keep hands, toys, clothes in their mouths.

Such harbingers of the appearance of a tooth occur in 35-60% of children. But some infants may have non-specific symptoms ^[2] :

On average, symptoms appear 5-8 days before the appearance of a tooth. When teething several teeth at the same time, this, as a rule, increases the discomfort.

Even if the child’s symptoms are very similar to those of teething, a specialist consultation is necessary. Be sure to consult a doctor if diarrhea or fever persists for a long time.

Ways to alleviate discomfort

To ease teething in a baby, it is necessary: ​​

• provide additional attention and care from parents;

• if the child is breastfed, breastfeed more frequently as this has a slight sedative effect;

• purchase several silicone teethers that can be cooled and offered to the baby during the day;

• massage the gums with a finger wrapped in a clean gauze pad or with a special silicone nozzle;

• blot drool in time with a clean tissue to avoid irritation of the skin around the mouth;

• if necessary and in agreement with the doctor, use medicines.

Today, there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of therapy for the eruption of temporary teeth.

Topical preparations

Pediatricians prescribe gels and ointments as symptomatic relief for severe discomfort associated with teething.

Such teething gels and ointments with proven effectiveness are divided into 3 groups ^[1] :

• Anesthetic-based analgesics (lidocaine, choline, benzocaine). Sometimes lidocaine-based preparations include anti-inflammatory or antiseptic components, providing a combined effect of the gel.

• Medicines based on anti-inflammatory or antiseptic agents.

• Preparations based on extracts of medicinal plants. They use extracts of Roman chamomile, boswellia, aloe, marshmallow, Indian ivy, medicinal rhubarb, calendula and other components of plant origin.

Homeopathic teething products are also produced, but their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven ^[1] .

Systemic drugs

In severe pain syndrome, hyperthermia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which reduce body temperature and have a systemic analgesic effect. The pediatrician should select the dosage and the drug suitable for the child.

Distractions

These include: the gum massage described above and baby teethers that help your baby temporarily relieve itchy gums.

Inspection of erupted teeth

Swelling and redness of the gums gradually subside as the infant’s teeth erupt and grow, but should be monitored. Normally, the teeth should be evenly located in the dentition, not have whitish or colored spots, irregularities on the enamel.

Violation of the timing, pairing and sequence of eruption of milk teeth can serve as a marker of various diseases and disorders. For example, rickets or hypothyroidism ^[2] . It is important to record the date of appearance of each tooth and its location in the mouth. It is convenient to do this with photos saved in a separate folder on your smartphone.

Erupted Tooth Care Instructions

To clean baby’s teeth, use special silicone fingertips with soft bristles. Toothpaste should be labeled as suitable for young children and free of substances that are harmful if swallowed: high concentrations of fluoride, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate.

As soon as the first tooth shows above the gum line, it needs special care . Enamel has not yet fully formed, it is very thin, so children’s caries develops rapidly. Only 10% of children manage to avoid caries and adults practically fail ^[5] . Therefore, do not postpone the preventive fight against it.

To maintain the health of milk teeth, some of which will remain with the child until the age of 10-12, it is important to visit the dentist regularly once every 3-4 months. After a year, you need to visit an orthodontist to make sure that the bite develops correctly.

List of sources

1. Zaplatnikov A. L., Kasyanova A. N.