Can a baby start teething at 2 months. Baby Teething at 2 Months: Early Signs, Symptoms, and Remedies

20.07.202310.06.2023 by alexxlab

When do babies typically start teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe their teething baby. Is it normal for a baby to start teething at 2 months.

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The Typical Teething Timeline: When Do Most Babies Start?

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth through the gums. While the timing can vary widely among infants, most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age. However, it’s essential to understand that there’s a broad range of what’s considered “normal” when it comes to teething.

The average age for the appearance of the first tooth is around 6 months. By the time a child reaches 3 years old, they typically have a full set of 20 primary teeth. It’s worth noting that the timing of teething can be influenced by genetic factors, so if you or your partner were early or late teethers, your baby might follow a similar pattern.

The Teething Process: What to Expect

As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, you may notice the following sequence:

Bottom two front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first
Four upper front teeth (central and lateral incisors) follow
Two teeth on either side of the bottom front teeth (lateral incisors) come next
First molars emerge
Canine teeth appear
Second molars complete the set

This pattern can vary, and some babies may have teeth emerge in pairs or in a different order.

Early Teething: Can Babies Really Start at 2 Months?

While it’s less common, some babies can indeed start teething as early as 2 or 3 months old. These early teethers are simply ahead of the curve in their dental development. If your infant shows signs of teething at this young age, it’s generally not a cause for concern.

In extremely rare cases, some babies are even born with one or two teeth, known as natal teeth. This occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 3,000 newborns. While visually striking, natal teeth may need to be monitored closely by a pediatric dentist as they can pose a potential choking risk.

Factors Influencing Early Teething

Several factors can contribute to early teething:

Genetics: If you or your partner were early teethers, your baby might follow suit
Nutritional factors: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support early tooth development
Hormonal influences: Certain hormones can accelerate tooth eruption
Individual variations: Every baby develops at their own pace

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in Infants

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Recognizing the signs of teething can help you provide appropriate comfort and care for your little one. Common symptoms of teething include:

Increased drooling
Swollen or tender gums
Irritability and fussiness
Chewing on objects
Slight increase in body temperature (up to 99째F or 37.2째C)
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Rubbing their cheek or pulling on their ear

It’s important to note that severe symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea are not typically associated with teething. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician.

Teething and Breastfeeding: What to Expect

For breastfeeding mothers, teething can bring about some unique challenges. You might notice:

Changes in your baby’s latch or feeding patterns
Increased desire to nurse for comfort
Occasional biting or gnawing on the breast
Temporary refusal to nurse due to gum discomfort

These changes are usually temporary and resolve as your baby adjusts to the teething process.

Soothing Strategies for Teething Babies

When your little one is experiencing teething discomfort, there are several strategies you can employ to help ease their pain:

Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp washcloth
Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or pacifier
Provide safe, chewable toys designed for teething
Use a clean, damp washcloth that’s been chilled in the refrigerator
For babies over 6 months, offer cold foods like yogurt or applesauce
Consider over-the-counter pain relief medications (consult your pediatrician first)

Always supervise your baby when they’re using teething toys or rings to prevent choking hazards.

Natural Remedies for Teething Discomfort

Some parents prefer natural remedies to soothe their teething babies. While scientific evidence for these methods may be limited, many parents find them helpful:

Chamomile tea: Freeze chamomile tea in a mesh feeder for a soothing, natural teether
Amber teething necklaces: Some believe these can provide pain relief, but always use with caution due to choking risks
Clove oil: Diluted clove oil can be gently applied to gums, but consult your pediatrician first
Coconut oil: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe sore gums

When to Consult a Pediatrician About Teething

While teething is a normal part of development, there are instances when you should seek professional advice:

If your baby hasn’t cut any teeth by 18 months of age
If teething seems to cause extreme discomfort or pain
If your baby develops a fever over 100.4째F (38째C) during teething
If you notice any signs of infection in the gums, such as excessive swelling or redness
If your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period

Your pediatrician can provide guidance and ensure that your baby’s dental development is progressing normally.

Dental Care for Teething Babies: Starting Good Habits Early

As soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to start thinking about dental care. Here are some tips to establish good oral hygiene habits:

Clean gums daily with a soft, damp cloth even before teeth appear
Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants once teeth emerge
Use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for babies under 3 years old
Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle to prevent tooth decay

Establishing these habits early can set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

The Importance of Fluoride in Dental Care

Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. While some parents may have concerns about fluoride use in infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth begin to appear. This helps strengthen the tooth enamel and protect against cavities.

Teething and Sleep: Helping Your Baby Rest Comfortably

Teething can disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns, leading to restless nights for both baby and parents. Here are some strategies to help your teething baby sleep more comfortably:

Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to provide comfort and predictability
Offer extra cuddles and comfort before bedtime
Use a cool, damp washcloth on your baby’s gums before sleep
Consider safe pain relief options if recommended by your pediatrician
Ensure the sleeping environment is comfortable and at an appropriate temperature
Use white noise or gentle lullabies to create a soothing atmosphere

Remember that this phase is temporary, and with patience and care, both you and your baby will get through it.

Nutrition and Teething: Supporting Your Baby’s Development

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in supporting your baby’s overall health and dental development during the teething phase. Here are some nutritional considerations:

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as recommended by your pediatrician
Introduce solid foods at the appropriate age, typically around 6 months
Offer a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support tooth and bone development
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for strong teeth and bones
Limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay
Avoid giving honey to babies under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism

A balanced diet not only supports dental health but also contributes to your baby’s overall growth and development.

Foods That May Help with Teething Discomfort

For babies who have started solid foods, certain foods can provide relief during teething:

Chilled cucumber slices (for babies over 6 months and under supervision)
Cold applesauce or yogurt
Frozen banana slices in a mesh feeder
Chilled carrots (for older babies who can safely manage them)
Cold watermelon chunks (seeds removed)

Always ensure that foods are age-appropriate and cut into safe sizes to prevent choking hazards.

Teething and Developmental Milestones: Understanding the Connection

Teething often coincides with other developmental milestones, which can make it challenging to distinguish between teething symptoms and other developmental changes. Here’s what you need to know:

Teething typically occurs around the same time babies start to explore objects with their mouths
Increased drooling may be due to teething or simply a part of normal development
Sleep disruptions during teething can coincide with other sleep regressions
Irritability might be caused by teething or other developmental frustrations

It’s important to consider the whole picture of your baby’s development when assessing teething symptoms.

Teething and Language Development

While teething itself doesn’t directly impact language development, the emergence of teeth does play a role in a child’s ability to form certain sounds. As teeth come in, babies may experiment with new sounds and babbles, contributing to their overall language development.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Teething

There are many myths surrounding teething that can cause unnecessary worry for parents. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:

Myth: Teething causes high fevers
Fact: Teething may cause a slight temperature increase, but high fevers are not a typical symptom

Myth: Teething causes severe diarrhea
Fact: While some loose stools may occur due to increased saliva, severe diarrhea is not a teething symptom

Myth: Teething always causes pain
Fact: Some babies may experience little to no discomfort during teething

Myth: Amber necklaces are a safe and effective teething remedy
Fact: There’s no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and they pose a choking hazard

Understanding these myths can help parents respond appropriately to their baby’s teething symptoms and avoid unnecessary treatments or worries.

The Role of Genetics in Teething Patterns

Genetic factors can play a significant role in determining when a baby starts teething and the order in which their teeth emerge. Here’s what research suggests:

The timing of tooth eruption can be hereditary
If parents were early or late teethers, their children may follow a similar pattern
Genetic factors can influence the size and shape of teeth
Some genetic conditions can affect tooth development and eruption

While genetics play a role, environmental factors and overall health also contribute to a baby’s teething timeline.

Twins and Teething: A Unique Perspective

Studying twins provides interesting insights into the genetic influence on teething:

Identical twins often have very similar teething patterns
Fraternal twins may show more variation in their teething timelines
Even in identical twins, slight differences in teething can occur due to environmental factors

This twin research further supports the idea that both genetics and environment play roles in teething patterns.

When Do Babies Start Teething? Symptoms, Remedies, and More

Teething is when a baby’s teeth start to come through their gums. Most babies will start teething around the age of 6 months, but some may start sooner or later.

You love watching your baby hit those sweet milestones — the first smile, first giggle, and rolling over for the first time. But one that’s sometimes not so sweet (for you or for them) is teething.

Although this is a typical part of growing for babies, it is one of those milestones that can bring discomfort, tears (from you and baby), and even sleepless nights (yep, more of those!).

As for when your baby will actually start the process, it depends.

A baby’s teeth can sometimes emerge with no pain or discomfort, so you might not realize they’re teething until you see the first sign of a tiny white tooth. For other babies, though, teething does cause discomfort.

Common symptoms of teething may include:

drooling
face rash from drooling
chewing on different objects
irritability and crankiness
crying
refusing to eat
swollen, sore, or tender gums
trouble sleeping
flushed cheeks
pulling on their ears
slightly elevated temperature to around 99°F (37. 2°C)

Note

On the other hand, a rectal temperature 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, vomiting, or diarrhea are not usually signs of teething. If your baby has these symptoms, contact their pediatrician.

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Symptoms of teething in breastfed babies

Teething symptoms can occur whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby. But if you breastfeed or chestfeed, you might notice other changes, too. For example, gum pain or soreness might cause your baby to latch on differently.

Before a tooth emerges (and even afterward), you might feel your baby gnaw or bite down on your breasts. And since breastfeeding is soothing for babies, they might feed more often while teething.

Keep in mind that teething symptoms occur before a tooth breaks through the gum, so don’t be alarmed if you notice these changes in your baby but don’t see any sign of a tooth.

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old.

But there’s a wide range of when it’s considered “typical” to start teething. So don’t panic if your little one hasn’t cut a tooth by 7 or 9 months old. If you’re concerned, you can always speak with their pediatrician at their next checkup.

To get even more specific, most infants begin teething at around 6 months old. Your little one will likely have a full set of their first teeth by age 3, and all the joys of the teeth-brushing routine will have been long established.

But “typical” doesn’t mean “best” or “all.” Exactly when your baby will start teething may even be hereditary.

And though it may seem impossible, some babies are born with one or two teeth! This occurs in about 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 800 cases — so it’s uncommon. It makes for some incredibly adorable pictures, but let’s be honest — toothless grins are pretty darn cute, too.

Infants born with teeth should have them closely monitored since they can present a choking risk.

Some infants are early teethers — and it usually isn’t anything to worry about! If your little one starts showing signs of teething around 2 or 3 months old, they’re simply ahead of the curve in the teething department. And if your baby is a late teether, try not to worry about this either (easier said than done, we know).

Every baby is different, so don’t be concerned if all your child’s little friends have started to cut teeth already — yours will too, in their own time. In fact, if you’re going to compare at all, it’s better to consider when their siblings (if they have them) got their first tooth.

The bottom two teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the four upper teeth. So keep an eye on that area and prepare for cuteness overload when they do.

Next, their teeth may come in two at a time, one on each side of the mouth. But this pattern can vary, and many factors can influence the timeline (like if your baby was born early or at a low birth weight, for example).

On average, babies have:

4 teeth by 11 months
8 teeth by 15 months
12 teeth by 19 months
16 teeth at 23 months

Those sometimes distressing (but always perfectly usual) teething symptoms may come and go during this time period. Or they may be more consistent as your little one cuts new teeth or starts to feel the first symptoms of a tooth emerging.

If your child doesn’t have any teeth by 18 months, see a pediatric dentist for evaluation. In rare cases, an underlying medical issue may cause a delay in teething. These may include:

malnutrition
vitamin deficiency
underactive thyroid

If you’re concerned that it’s been a while since your child cut their last one or two teeth, speak with their pediatrician.

When your little one is teething, you may feel more inclined to reach for that bottle of wine or chocolate bar because it’s tough to see your baby in pain. (No? Just us?)

Well, baby needs some soothing, too.

Home remedies

These are some tried and true — and most importantly, safe — home remedies you can try:

Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger, knuckle, or moistened gauze pad.
Hold a cold washcloth, spoon, or chilled teething ring on your baby’s gums.
Use plastic or rubber toys that are chilled — never frozen solid (ouch!).
Offer cold foods like a chilled little slice of cucumber if your baby is already eating solids — but always keep a watchful eye on them, because this could be a choking hazard.

Medical treatment

Currently, there aren’t any medical treatments to soothe teething pain in a baby. The good news, though, is that babies typically respond positively to home remedies.

If these remedies don’t relieve symptoms, feel free to ask your pediatrician about the occasional use of over-the-counter baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Your pediatrician can advise whether this is an OK treatment and provide guidance on proper dosing.

And an important note: No matter how attractive the item or the claims of its manufacturers, avoid teething necklaces or bracelets — worn by adults or babies — made of amber, wood, or silicone. These can quickly turn into choking hazards, and it’s just not worth it.

Also on the no-go list: homeopathic teething tablets and medicated topical gels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against using both of these products.

Medicated topical gels contain the ingredient benzocaine, which is an anesthetic. It’s found in products like Anbesol, Orajel, Baby Orajel, and Orabase.

Benzocaine is linked to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia.

Keep in mind that good oral health isn’t important for only older children, teens, and adults. Your baby’s oral health matters too. So start brushing those pearly whites as soon as the first tooth grows in.

How do you keep their tiny, delicate teeth healthy? There really isn’t much to do at this age, but the first step is to buy an infant toothbrush that is soft and gentle. You’ll brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

And yes, it’s OK to use a fluoride toothpaste, but not too much. You only need a small grain-size amount until they’re 3 years old; then, increase to a pea-sized amount.

Brushing helps prevent tooth decay, which can occur when sugar from milk, juice, or formula remains on their teeth and damages the enamel.

Have questions about teething? Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions.

What are the first signs of teething?

The teething experience can differ for each individual baby, but some of the first signs include:

drooling
gnawing
trouble sleeping
irritability or crying
a mild increase in body temperature

Some babies also develop flushness around their cheeks or a rash. And if you breastfeed or chestfeed, teething might change the way your baby latches, or they might feed more often to soothe themselves.

How early do babies show signs of teething?

Teething typically occurs around 6 months of age. However, some babies start teething as early as 2 or 3 months. Then again, some babies teeth later and don’t cut their first tooth until 8 or 9 months (or later).

How long does teething last for babies?

The teething timeframe differs for each baby. But regardless of whether a baby starts teething at 6 months or 9 months, they typically stop teething before age 3. Some babies stop teething around 24 months, while others don’t stop until 36 months.

Do babies get sick when teething?

Even though your baby may have physical discomfort, teething doesn’t make them sick. So if your baby has a runny nose, productive cough, diarrhea, vomiting, or a high fever, these symptoms aren’t associated with teething. This could be a sign of an infection, so speak with their pediatrician.

When your baby cuts their first tooth usually says nothing about their development — as with most things baby, there’s such a wide range of totally OK. Most infants end up with a full set of baby teeth by the time they’re 3 years old, regardless of when they cut that first tooth.

But if your baby hasn’t cut a tooth by the time they’re 18 months old, talk with your dentist. Ideally, you’ve already brought your baby to a pediatric dentist by age 1, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (and the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, too).

So if you haven’t seen a dentist yet, this would be a good time to have your sweet babe’s mouth and gums checked out.

While visiting the dentist for the first time may sound scary, remember these two things: Your baby hasn’t yet had a negative dental experience to create dread, and pediatric dentists are great at making the visit comfortable — it can even be even fun.

Once your little one does cut a tooth or two, be sure to take good care to clean around the area each day with a damp, cool washcloth or soft-bristle baby toothbrush. Before you know it, they’ll (hopefully!) be brushing their teeth on their own.