When do babies typically start teething. Can babies cut teeth as early as 2 months old. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe their baby’s discomfort during teething. What remedies are safe and effective for teething babies.

The Typical Timeline of Baby Teething

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the beginning of their journey towards a full set of teeth. While the average age for a baby’s first tooth to emerge is around 6 months, the teething process can begin much earlier or later, depending on the individual child.

Is it possible for babies to start teething at 2 months? Yes, although it’s relatively rare. Some infants may show signs of teething as early as 2 months old, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday. It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and early or late teething is usually not a cause for concern.

The Order of Tooth Eruption

While the exact order can vary, baby teeth typically emerge in a predictable pattern:

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

By the age of 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth. It’s worth noting that girls often start teething slightly earlier than boys, but this can vary widely among individuals.

Recognizing the Signs of Teething in Babies

How can parents tell if their baby is teething, especially if it occurs earlier than expected? While not all babies exhibit clear signs, there are several common symptoms to watch for:

• Increased fussiness and irritability
• Excessive drooling
• Swollen or red gums
• Chewing on objects or hands
• Rubbing their cheeks or pulling on their ears
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Mild fever (less than 101째F or 38.3째C)

These symptoms often appear a few days before a new tooth breaks through and typically subside once the tooth has emerged. It’s important to note that severe symptoms such as high fever, diarrhea, or prolonged distress are not normal teething symptoms and may indicate other health issues.

The Discomfort of Teething: What to Expect

Does teething cause pain for babies? While the level of discomfort can vary, many babies do experience some degree of pain during teething. The pressure of the emerging tooth pushing against the gums can cause soreness and inflammation, leading to the various symptoms mentioned earlier.

Which teeth tend to cause the most discomfort? Generally, the first teeth to emerge (usually the bottom central incisors) and the larger molars can be the most painful for babies. This is because the sensation is new and unfamiliar when the first teeth come in, and the molars have a larger surface area breaking through the gums.

Safe and Effective Remedies for Teething Babies

How can parents soothe their teething baby’s discomfort? There are several safe and effective strategies to help alleviate teething pain:

• Gently massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Offering a cold washcloth or chilled teething ring to chew on
• Using a refrigerated (not frozen) teething toy
• Wiping drool regularly to prevent skin irritation
• Providing safe, chilled foods for babies already eating solids

For more severe discomfort, parents can consult their pediatrician about using over-the-counter pain relievers specifically formulated for infants, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It’s crucial to follow the dosage instructions carefully and avoid using teething gels or tablets, as these may contain harmful ingredients.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Teething Concerns

While teething is a normal part of development, there are instances when parents should consult a healthcare provider. These include:

• Fever above 101째F (38.3째C)
• Persistent diarrhea
• Severe or prolonged irritability
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Any signs of dehydration

These symptoms may indicate an underlying issue unrelated to teething and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth

Once your baby’s teeth start to emerge, it’s essential to begin proper oral care routines. How should parents care for their baby’s new teeth?

• Start cleaning teeth as soon as they appear, using a soft, infant-sized toothbrush or clean, damp washcloth
• Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under 3 years old
• Brush gently twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to tooth decay
• Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing

Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on sets the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Debunking Common Myths About Baby Teething

There are many misconceptions surrounding teething in babies. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: Teething causes high fever and diarrhea

Fact: While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it does not typically cause high fever or diarrhea. These symptoms are more likely due to other factors and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Myth: Teething necklaces are safe and effective

Fact: Teething necklaces pose a choking and strangulation risk and are not recommended by pediatric experts. There is also no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing teething pain.

Myth: Late teething indicates developmental delays

Fact: The timing of teething varies greatly among children and is not indicative of overall development. Some babies may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday, which is usually no cause for concern.

Myth: Teething causes sleep regression

Fact: While teething can cause some discomfort that may affect sleep, it is not typically the sole cause of significant sleep disturbances. Sleep regressions are often related to developmental milestones or changes in sleep patterns.

The Role of Nutrition in Teething and Dental Development

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the development of strong, healthy teeth. What dietary considerations should parents keep in mind during the teething process?

• Ensure adequate calcium intake through breast milk, formula, or age-appropriate dairy products
• Include vitamin D-rich foods or supplements, as recommended by your pediatrician, to aid calcium absorption
• Introduce a variety of nutrient-dense foods once your baby starts solids
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay
• Avoid giving honey to babies under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism

A balanced diet not only supports overall growth but also contributes to the development of strong teeth and gums.

Preparing for Your Baby’s Teething Journey

How can parents best prepare for their baby’s teething process? Here are some practical tips:

• Stock up on teething supplies before symptoms begin
• Keep a record of when teeth emerge to share with your pediatrician
• Be patient and flexible, as teething can affect your baby’s mood and routine
• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to help with any sleep disturbances
• Educate other caregivers about your preferred teething remedies

Remember, every baby’s teething experience is unique. What works for one child may not work for another, so be prepared to try different soothing techniques.

As your baby navigates the teething process, whether it begins at 2 months or later, patience and attentiveness are key. By understanding the signs, implementing safe soothing strategies, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help make this developmental milestone as comfortable as possible for your little one. Remember to consult with your pediatrician or dentist if you have any concerns about your baby’s teething progress or oral health.

At what age do babies start teething?

There are a lot of exciting milestones in your baby’s growth and development. There’s when they roll over for the first time. Then crawling, their first step, their first word, and on and on. And one of the biggest events is when your baby’s smile starts to turn into a toothy grin.

But when do babies get their first tooth? Do teeth come in a certain order? How do you soothe a baby’s sore gums?

Below, we answer these questions, explain other teething symptoms and answer common questions about cleaning baby teeth.

At what age do babies start teething?

The average age for a baby’s first tooth to come in is around 6 months old, but every child is different. Girls’ teeth usually come in a little earlier than boys’ do. But by the time a baby is 12 months old, they typically have 2-4 teeth. And by 3 years old, most kids have all of their primary or “baby” teeth.

How many baby teeth do kids have?

Children have a total of 20 primary teeth.

What order do baby teeth come in?

Baby teeth don’t always come in the same order for each kiddo. There are typical ranges for when certain teeth come in or “erupt,” but those ranges overlap. For example, many babies get their bottom central incisors sometime between 6 months old and 10 months old, and their top central incisors between 8 months old and 12 months old. But it’s also possible that a baby can start teething as early as 2 months old.

Baby teeth chart

Again, the exact timing and order that babies’ teeth come in can vary. But here’s when they generally tend to come in:

• Bottom central incisors: 6-10 months
• Top central incisors: 8-12 months
• Bottom lateral incisors: 10-16 months
• Top lateral incisors: 9-13 months
• Bottom canines: 17-23 months
• Top canines: 16-22 months
• Bottom first molars: 14-18 months
• Top first molars: 13-19 months
• Bottom second molars: 23-31 months
• Top second molars: 25-33 months

How do I know if my baby is teething? Watch for these baby teething symptoms

Not all babies show signs of teething. But common teething symptoms can include:

• Increased fussiness
• Increased drooling, which can cause coughing and lead to a rash on baby’s face, chin or chest
• Chewing on their hands or gnawing on objects
• Rubbing their cheek or ear
• Red or swollen gums that appear to be bulging
• A low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

Usually, signs of teething will start a few days before a new tooth comes in, and go away once it has.

Is teething painful for babies?

Some babies will experience discomfort or pain while teething, which helps explain some of the teething symptoms you’ll notice. Gum soreness and swelling can lead to fussiness, or cause your little one to rub their cheeks or chew on anything they can get their hands on. The good news is that most discomfort will pass quickly.

Which are the most painful teeth for babies as they come in?

Typically, the first teeth to come in are the most uncomfortable for babies, as the feeling of a tooth coming in is new and unfamiliar. The molars can also be painful because they’re larger than other teeth.

How long does teething fussiness last?

If your baby is fussy during teething, you can expect it to last for a couple days to a week before the tooth erupts through the gums. If it lasts longer than this, check in with your child’s doctor.

When to talk to a doctor about teething concerns

Again, teething symptoms are usually mild and improve in a couple of days. But talk to your child’s doctor if:

• Symptoms are prolonged or get more severe (such as constant irritability or especially aggressive chewing)
• Your child has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Your child gets diarrhea alongside teething symptoms

How to soothe baby’s gums during teething

If your baby is showing signs of discomfort when they’ve got a tooth coming in, there are a few different things you can do to make them more comfortable.

• Wipe away drool from their chin regularly – This can help prevent skin irritation and rashes.
• Massage your baby’s gums – You can simply use a clean finger or chilled teething ring.
• Give your baby a cold washcloth or chilled teething toy to chew on – If your baby has already been introduced to solid foods that can be chilled, you can also use those. Only use a fridge to chill things (rather than the freezer), and don’t use toys that have liquid in them.
• Talk with your child’s doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers – Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and inflammation. Just make sure you’re using one that is meant for babies, and you follow all the instructions on the label.

Don’t try to relieve your baby’s symptoms with teething gels or teething tablets, as they may contain harmful ingredients. If you have questions about a method or teething product that isn’t listed above, talk to your child’s doctor.

Baby oral care: Answers to frequently asked questions

With the arrival of teeth comes the need to keep them clean. Here’s what to know to get your baby’s dental health off to a good start.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth has come in.

How do I brush my baby’s teeth?

Use a small, soft toothbrush or washcloth twice a day. Start with water or a fluoride-free training toothpaste. Once your child is around 3 years old, you can start using small amounts of fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing should start when your child has teeth that have come in next to each other. If regular floss is too tricky, try using a floss pick.

Why do I need to brush my baby’s teeth?

Even though baby teeth will fall out, they’re still important. Healthy baby teeth support the health, spacing and alignment of the permanent teeth that come in after them. And getting your child used to regular brushing early on will help them form good oral hygiene habits.

Plus, tooth decay can start at a very young age. Children with tooth decay are more likely to have ear and sinus infections, and develop conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Healthy teeth help children speak quickly and clearly, too, which can give them more confidence as they grow up.

What else can I do to keep my baby’s teeth healthy?

If your child is still nursing or drinking a bottle at bedtime or overnight, talk with their doctor about when it makes sense to wean them from these feedings. This is because the sugars in your own milk or formula can sit on your baby’s teeth for prolonged periods of time overnight.

Most babies are able to sleep through the night without needing to eat sometime between 4 and 6 months old. And once they’re around 12 months old, nighttime bottles before bed can usually be stopped as well.

You can also take steps to reduce or discourage pacifier use or thumb sucking. Pacifiers specifically can be helpful early in your child’s development. They can provide comfort and have even been shown to reduce the risk of SIDs. But as your child gets older, pacifiers – and aggressive thumb sucking – can cause issues with tooth alignment.

When does my baby need to visit the dentist?

Along with brushing and flossing, regular dental visits are key to your baby’s dental health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids see a dentist by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in.

During these visits, the dentist will examine your child’s soft tissues, gums and jaws. The earlier your child sees a dentist, the more likely they are to have good oral health in the future.

Can Babies Start Teething at 3 Months? Signs and Tips

Updated

03 March 2021

|

Published

11 May 2019

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Dr. Olga Urban, Pediatrician, Baby Boss Medical Centre

Flo Fact-Checking Standards

Every piece of content at Flo Health adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles.

From pediatricians to parenting blogs, the phrase “every baby is different” is quite common. Despite this, it’s normal for parents’ instincts to go into overdrive whenever they think something unusual is going on with their baby. So, is it normal if a baby starts teething at 3 months old? Read this article to find out!

While most babies start teething when they’re about four to six months old, this doesn’t apply to every baby. Some babies are born with a tooth or two, while others reach their first birthday with no teeth at all. Occasionally, some babies start teething before they’re four months old, but that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with them.

Teething at 3 months: main signs 

Regardless of when a baby starts teething, the emergence of teeth is usually accompanied by similar signs. The most common signs of teething include:

• Increased drooling — Drooling is normal in babies, but it tends to increase as teeth get closer to emerging. Excessive drooling can cause a rash on the baby’s chin, neck, and chest area. If the baby is drooling more than usual, fastening a bib around their neck or applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on these areas can help prevent rashes. Wiping their drool frequently will also help keep them clean.
• Irritability — Teething babies tend to become fussier than usual. This is because as teeth erupt, they erode the gums and cause discomfort. The baby could express their discomfort by crying or whining. However, they should get used to this feeling quickly and become calmer. If the baby is too irritable, their pediatrician can also prescribe a pain reliever.
• Swollen gums — Since erupting teeth erode babies’ gums before they completely emerge, it’s normal for their gums to be somewhat swollen in the days before teething. The baby’s gums could also have small bruises or some redness. Gently rubbing a cool, wet cloth over their gums or providing a teething ring made of firm rubber to chew on can help provide relief.  
• Decreased appetite — If a 3-month-old is teething, suckling to eat could make their gums hurt more. This could cause a decrease in their normal eating patterns while they’re teething.
• Mild fever — Teething won’t cause a high fever, but it could lead to a mild increase in the baby’s body temperature. This shouldn’t exceed 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C). Any fever in a three-month-old requires a trip to a health care provider, even if they’re teething. Talk to the baby’s pediatrician to rule out more serious causes of fever.

Remember that teething won’t cause serious symptoms, regardless of the baby’s age. So if a child has diarrhea or a high fever, it’s time to call the health care provider, even if they’re teething at the same time. Irritability caused by teething can be stressful for new parents who are already battling postpartum symptoms or postpartum depression. But the important thing to remember is that teething will pass, and the baby will likely feel better soon.

If a three-month-old is teething, it’s normal to wonder what that will mean for breastfeeding. When the unavoidable happens and the baby bites down on the breast, calmly unlatch them, say immediately and firmly “No,” and take a little break from nursing. It may happen several times, even before their teeth fully emerge, but it will work. Using the same words and tone each time will help them get the message. 

It’s also important to make sure that the baby has latched on correctly. When they’re in a good position to breastfeed, it becomes less likely that they’ll bite while eating. Positioning the baby so that the nipple is aimed toward the roof of their mouth and the baby’s tongue is between their lower teeth and the breast is ideal for breastfeeding. Additionally, making sure to remove them from the breast immediately after they’re done nursing can help keep them from biting.

If the baby bites too frequently, consulting with a lactation consultant may help.

If a 3-month-old is teething, there are many items available that can help ease their discomfort, like teething mittens and hand teethers.

Teething mittens

Many babies like to chew their hands while they’re teething. If a three-month-old can’t hold objects and put them in their mouth yet, a teething mitten could be the solution. The teething mitten fits over the baby’s hand, and they’ll be able to chew on it happily for hours on end, without having to hold the object itself. 

Teething mittens are also great for sensory stimulation since they feature bright colors, varying textures, and a silicone surface that will soothe their symptoms.

Hand teether

Hand teethers are small objects that are shaped and designed specifically to soothe babies’ aching gums. As their name suggests, they are shaped like hands and filled with water or another liquid. They can be placed inside the fridge, and once cool, their temperature provides extra relief for swollen gums. Their “fingers” are perfect for babies to safely scratch every nook and cranny of their gums.

Teething pacifier

Teething pacifiers are very similar to regular pacifiers, with a few modifications especially for teething babies. They’re made of silicone, which is more resistant to babies’ bites than other materials. They also tend to feature different textures that soothe babies’ gums while stimulating their mouths.

At the end of the day, it’s perfectly normal to have a three-month-old teething baby. While it’s a bit earlier than expected, their teething won’t have any negative effect on the rest of their development. More than likely, the baby will be done teething soon and continue their development.

References

“Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know.” HealthyChildren.org, www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Babys-First-Tooth-Facts-Parents-Should-Know.aspx.
“Breastfeeding and Teething.” La Leche League GB, 4 June 2019, www.laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-and-teething/.
Commissioner, Office of the. “Soothing Teething Pain and Sensory Needs in Babies and Older Children.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-soothing-teething-pain-and-sensory-needs-babies-and-older-children.
“Help! My Baby Bit Me!” La Leche League GB, 5 June 2019, www.laleche.org.uk/help-baby-bit/.
“Teething: Tips for Soothing Sore Gums.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378.

History of updates

Current version
(03 March 2021)

Reviewed by Dr. Olga Urban, Pediatrician, Baby Boss Medical Centre

Published
(05 May 2019)

How to help a baby when he is teething

Ekaterina Borisovna Bulavina

pediatrician of the 1st category

Teeth break through – it even sounds painful. Indeed, when a baby starts teething, it often turns out to be painful. Many children do not sleep well, often cry, some even have a fever. But there are other symptoms that indicate that your baby is going through the period of the appearance of milk teeth.

— Ekaterina Borisovna, please tell us when babies usually start teething?

– Teething times are quite variable. On average, the first teeth come out at 5-7 months, but the process can begin earlier (both at two and at four months) or take up to a year. Some babies are born with teeth already. Everything is very individual and depends on many factors, such as heredity, sufficient intake of calcium in the body, the sex of the child, the climate in the place of residence.

– How fast will teeth cut after the first one appears?

– In both boys and girls, the process of complete eruption of the milk bite usually drags on for 2.5-3 years. The upper incisors appear 2–3 months after the appearance of the lower ones, then at the age of 9–13 months, the upper and lower lateral incisors erupt. From a year to a year and a half, the upper and lower first molars alternately appear, then, by 20 months, the upper and lower canines, by 2-2.5 years, the second molars. However, the sequence and timing of when babies begin to cut their teeth are very arbitrary.

Table and diagram by month: what time do children start teething

– How to understand that a child is teething?

— The appearance of teeth, although physiological, is a real test for a child and his mom and dad. Only recently they experienced colic, a feeding and sleeping regime was established, when suddenly the baby again becomes restless, naughty, refuses to eat, or, conversely, often and greedily grabs a breast or a bottle, sleeps poorly and pulls everything into his mouth. These are sure signs of the beginning of teething.

Some lucky people endure the whole process completely painlessly, and only an occasional tapping of the gum with a spoon reveals the first tooth that has already erupted. But sometimes the moment of teething is so difficult for the baby that it is easy to confuse it with the onset of the disease.

Only a doctor can determine the real cause of the child’s anxiety, and you should definitely contact him if the temperature rises to febrile numbers, severe lethargy, weakness, or, conversely, the baby’s strong excitability, as well as when signs of infection are attached, such as a runny nose, cough, disorders digestion, vomiting, loose stools.

— Ekaterina Borisovna, parents are waiting for the appearance of the first incisors with caution. What symptoms characterize the process in addition to pain discomfort?

– When teeth are being cut, the symptoms are very varied, and everyone is individual. In this case, the symptoms, depending on the location of the cutting teeth, may differ. Usually the most unpleasant sensations accompany the appearance of only the first teeth. All subsequent ones erupt more calmly, and the child practically ceases to pay attention to this process. With the appearance of chewing teeth, pain may resume, but they are not as intense as at the very beginning of eruption. The appearance of the upper teeth is often accompanied by a runny nose: this is due to the proximity of the location and a single network of blood supply to the upper jaw and nasal cavity.

— When is it better to bring down the temperature during teething?

– Antipyretic therapy is usually prescribed when the temperature rises above 38. 5 degrees. Subfebrile temperature, up to 38 degrees, should always be brought down in children with organic damage to the central nervous system, with the threat of convulsions, as well as with pronounced changes in the general condition of the child.

— Why should a child’s health be closely monitored during teething? Does teething affect the immune system?

— Teething is a rather complex process involving all systems of the child’s body. The immune system is no exception. At the moment of tooth movement, a traumatic lesion of the gums occurs and, as a result, inflammation occurs in the tissues. Immune cells rush to the inflammatory focus, trying to eliminate it, which somewhat weakens the local protective reaction. In addition, the content of the enzyme lysozyme is reduced in abundant saliva, and it loses its protective properties. In addition, during this period, the child pulls everything into his mouth, trying to scratch itchy gums, which increases the risk of infection and injury to the mucous membrane.

— How can parents tell teething from other problems like a cold?

— Distinguishing a viral infection from teething syndrome is sometimes difficult even for a specialist: very often the two conditions occur simultaneously. With eruption syndrome, the temperature rarely exceeds 38-38.5 degrees, the discharge from the nose is abundant, mucous in nature, often transparent. Cough superficial, occurs more often in a horizontal position. All symptoms are accompanied by profuse salivation. The general condition of the child rarely worsens, the child is capricious, whiny, but not lethargic or apathetic.

Teething may also be accompanied by symptoms of dyspepsia such as regurgitation and sometimes even vomiting, loose stools. Unlike an intestinal infection, regurgitation and vomiting are episodic and occur when saliva is abundant.

Fluid stools may be associated with increased motility due to fever – ingestion of large amounts of saliva and intense chewing movements. Stool 1-2 times a day, normal color and smell, without pathological impurities, but softer consistency.

In the event of any symptoms that do not fit into the picture of teething, you should definitely consult a doctor.

— Does teething pain occur in all children?

— Each child has his own pain threshold. The intensity of inflammatory reactions is also different for everyone, so each baby experiences teething in its own way. If one will continuously cry all night, then the other may behave in a completely normal way. It depends on both genetics and the temperament of the baby.

— When teeth are being cut, how can you help a baby? What drugs are allowed to be given to relieve pain?

– Pain relief gels are widely used. However, you should remember the rules for their use. They have a short effect, about 20-30 minutes, but it is not recommended to use them more than five times a day. The gel is applied in a thin layer to avoid an overdose of the drug. And, as in the case of any medicine, do not forget about the possible allergic reaction in the baby.

Only anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain quickly and permanently. And there is a lot of BUT here. Any drug is not safe, especially if it is given for the first time. Only a doctor can assess the child’s condition and prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy if necessary, taking into account the risk-benefit ratio.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be given by mouth. The dosage is calculated by the doctor depending on the weight of the child. On the mucosa, gels with local anesthetic and antiseptic effects are used.

— Can folk remedies relieve pain and other symptoms?

— Treatment with folk remedies in our country is very popular, although the world scientific community questions its effectiveness. Only the effect of cold has proven effectiveness, therefore it is recommended to give the child chilled pacifiers and teethers to gnaw. Cold causes vasospasm, reduces swelling and inflammation in the gums, and, as a result, pain temporarily subsides. The effect is short-lived, but still there. It is also useful to massage the gums with a fingertip or a soft brush.

— Ekaterina Borisovna, tell us more about how nipples or chewable toys help with toothache, and how to choose a pacifier and a special teether for a child.

— Gum massage helps baby cope with discomfort. During the massage, itching decreases, the gum tissue softens, and it is easier for the tooth to make its way. But constantly massaging a child’s gums is a very tedious task. He may well engage in self-massage, especially since during this period he himself with pleasure pulls everything into his mouth.

Special pacifiers or teethers will be excellent massage assistants. They differ from ordinary nipples in greater rigidity and a relief surface; they are made of latex or silicone. Many models of teethers are supplemented with a cooling function – inside contains a liquid that can be cooled. Teethers are also made of plastic, wood or even textiles. But, in my opinion, they do not meet safety standards. It is worth choosing brands that have long been widely represented on the children’s goods market.

— What techniques can be used to distract a child from a toothache?

– In this case, there is only one method – to surround the baby with care and attention as much as possible, to take him in your arms more often, to put him on the chest if the child asks. Next to the parents, the baby feels safe, calms down. Children are very sensitive to the behavior and emotions of adults, so it is important for parents to be calm and friendly, to distract the kids with toys, songs, affectionate words. Older children can play finger games. Relaxing massages and long walks are helpful.

Unfortunately, absolutely effective methods do not exist. Parents can only help the baby cope with the problem. But there are a few tips that will help you get through this difficult period.

– Please share them with our readers.

– The rudiments of teeth are laid long before birth. Therefore, a mother during pregnancy should carefully monitor her diet. Sufficient intake of calcium is especially important for the formation of healthy teeth in the baby. But even after birth, calcium should not be forgotten. When breastfeeding, the mother’s diet should contain dairy products or calcium supplements in case of intolerance to cow’s milk proteins by the baby.

Hardening from birth is a guarantee of good immunity. No need to wrap the child in a hundred clothes and be afraid to air the rooms. Walk in any weather and long enough, use a light contrast shower. And then no cold is terrible for the baby.

Also avoid public places, especially during teething. The baby is very vulnerable at this moment. Postpone visits from relatives, shopping trips and visits to indoor playgrounds for a while – thereby reducing the risk of infection of the child.

It is also especially important during this period to maintain the optimum temperature in the room. Heat and dry air will only increase discomfort.

Teething is a difficult stage in a child’s life. If the process causes severe discomfort, is accompanied by the appearance of alarming symptoms, high temperature, then you should contact a specialist for help as soon as possible. For the rest, surround the baby with care and attention, pick up nipples, teethers, toys that relieve itching, use medications with the permission of the doctor. The main thing during this period is to be there and help the baby in every possible way to cope with the pain.

* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby’s diet, you should consult with a specialist. The material is for informational purposes and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For feeding children from birth.

#Tips for Mom

See also

Berries in the diet of infants: at what age should they be introduced into complementary foods

#Tips for Mom

#Complementary food

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Digestion in newborns and infants and its features

#Baby Digestion

#breast-feeding

#baby formula

#Lure

#Tips for mom

#Baby Development

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

How does the digestion and stool of a child change with the introduction of complementary foods and products from the general table

#Baby Digestion

#Lure

#Tips for mom

#colic

#allergy

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Goat’s milk in children’s nutrition: for or against

#Food

#Tips for mom

#Baby digestion

#breastfeeding

Javier Diaz Castro

professor, lecturer

Milk fat in infant formula – how it affects the health and development of the child

#baby formulas

#on goat milk

#baby digestion

#baby development

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Infant formula has changed – what you need to know

#baby formulas

#Tips for Mom

Kizino Polina Alexandrovna

pediatrician, perinatal psychologist

Allergy to complementary foods in a child: what should parents do

#allergy

#Lure

#Tips for mom

#Baby digestion

#Clean composition

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Why is the baby sucking badly at the breast and is it normal

#breastfeeding

#advice to mom

Ryabova Olga Vadimovna

Conscious Motherhood Expert, Breastfeeding and Complementary Nutrition Consultant, Early Childhood Development Specialist

How to feed a child up to a year in the heat

#Tips for Mom

#breast-feeding

#baby formula

#Complementary food

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Calendar of visits to doctors during the first year of a child’s life

#Advice for Mom

Kizino Polina Alexandrovna

pediatrician, perinatal psychologist

See all

View all

Why is the baby sucking badly at the breast and is it normal

# breastfeeding

# tips for mom

Ryabova Olga Vadimovna

Conscious Motherhood Expert, Breastfeeding and Complementary Nutrition Consultant, Early Childhood Development Specialist

Milk fat in infant formula – how it affects the health and development of the child

# infant formula

# on goat milk

# baby digestion

# baby development

# halal

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Goat milk in children’s nutrition: for or against

# Lure

# Tips for Mom

# Baby’s digestion

# breastfeeding

Javier Diaz Castro

professor, lecturer

Digestion in newborns and infants and its features

# Baby digestion

# breast-feeding

# infant formula

# Lure

# Tips for Mom

# Baby development

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Calendar of doctor visits during the first year of a child’s life

# Tips for mom

Kizino Polina Alexandrovna

pediatrician, perinatal psychologist

See all

Berries in the diet of infants: at what age should they be introduced into complementary foods

# Tips for mom

# Lure

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

Infant formula has changed – what you need to know

# infant formula

# Tips for Mom

Kizino Polina Aleksandrovna

pediatrician, perinatal psychologist

Allergy to complementary foods in a child: what should parents do

# allergy

# Lure

# Tips for Mom

# Baby’s digestion

# Pure composition

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

See all

How does the digestion and stool of a child change with the introduction of complementary foods and products from the general table

# Baby digestion

# Lure

# Tips for Mom

# colic

# allergy

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

How to feed a child up to a year in the heat

# Tips for mom

# breast-feeding

# infant formula

# Lure

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ^®

See all

View all

Teething

2061

Date: 11/09/2017

What time do teething start?

The age of appearance of the first teeth is individual for each child, and the question “at what time of the teething” cannot be answered unambiguously. How much teeth are cut depends on genetic characteristics (when the parents’ teeth erupted), and on the nature of nutrition, and even on climate.

Rarely, but there are cases when teeth are cut at 2 months. Usually, the first teeth are cut at 5 months, and by the year the child already has about eight teeth: four from the bottom and four from the top. But a delay in eruption of up to six months is considered natural.

Modern dentists consider it unimportant how many months the teeth are cut: the time of the appearance of the first teeth has nothing to do with their subsequent condition.

How long does it take to cut teeth?

Teething is a long process. The teeth begin to move inside the baby’s gums in the first months of his life, and it can take more than one month before they erupt! How long the first teeth are cut is an individual question. The acute period can last up to eight weeks, causing anxiety to the baby.

Which teeth are cut first?

The first in a child of 6 months teeth are cut at the bottom – the front incisors. After that, the upper teeth are cut – the first anterior and second lateral incisors.

Teething: symptoms

• Fever. It is not uncommon for a child to have a fever when teething. Usually the increase is insignificant – up to 37.5 ° C. But if a child is teething and the temperature is 39 ° C, most likely, it was not without infection with a viral infection.
• Redness and swelling of the gums. When the teeth begin to cut, the child’s gums become “loose”, they may appear bumps, redness and even bruising, sometimes the edges of the teeth are visible.
• Profuse salivation. Profuse salivation indicates that teeth are being cut. If the child is 3 months old, and he is already drooling, it can be both physiological salivation and a reaction to early teething.
• Runny nose. When teeth are being cut, the coryza is caused by mucus running down the back of the throat. If the upper teeth are cut, symptoms such as a runny nose or nasal congestion are especially severe.
• Cough. If teething, cough due to mucus running down the back of the throat or profuse salivation. During sleep, when teeth are being cut, snot and saliva flow down the child’s throat, causing a cough.
• Crying, restless behavior. A child, when teething, cries, screams, and sometimes squeals, which especially frightens inexperienced parents. A child, when teeth are cut, does not sleep at night, often wakes up or cries and sobs in a dream. Many parents remember with horror how teeth are cut in babies, as well as infant colic.
• Gastrointestinal disorder. Teething diarrhea should alert the baby’s parents. If it is repeated many times during the day, this may indicate the addition of an infection and threaten the child with dehydration. Another warning sign is vomiting. Whether teeth are being cut or it is a rotavirus infection, the doctor must determine.

The opposite symptom of teething to diarrhea is constipation. Parents also need to monitor the duration of the gastrointestinal disorder and, if the situation does not correct itself, consult a doctor.

• Poor appetite. The child, when teething, does not eat at all or eats very poorly. An infant may refuse to breastfeed, arch and twist its legs during feeding.
• Rash. If teething, a rash may appear around the mouth and on the cheeks of the child due to excessive salivation. If the rash appears elsewhere, such as on the back, the baby should be taken to the doctor.

Teeth are cut: how to facilitate and speed up the process?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to speed up the process of teething. To help teething a little and reduce discomfort, a gentle massage of the gums, which must be performed with your fingers very carefully, so as not to injure the baby’s gums, can help.

Teething: how to relieve the pain?

Teething is almost always associated with pain and discomfort for a child. When a child is teething, he becomes whiny, his appetite and sleep deteriorate, and parents begin to look towards medications, thinking about how to help. Teeth are usually cut for more than one day or evening, so it is better to replenish your first-aid kit with special preparations in advance.

• What should I do if I am teething, but there is no temperature or severe pain? You can treat the baby’s gums with dental gels with an anesthetic effect (“Kalgel”, “Kamistad-gel”, etc.). These gels are easy to use and suitable for very young children, they can be used even if teeth are being cut at 4 months.
• To alleviate the painful symptoms when the first teeth are cut, it is recommended to use children’s antipyretic and analgesic drugs based on ibuprofen (Nurofen) or paracetamol (Panadol, Efferalgan, Cefekon and others) in the form of suppositories or syrup. If the child has a fever and is teething, these drugs will simultaneously relieve both pain and fever. They are acceptable for use by children from three months old – this is very convenient, because in some “early” children teeth are cut at 3 months.
• If teething is painful, homeopathy will also be effective: Viburkol suppositories or Dormikind and Dantinorm Baby preparations.
• When teething, folk remedies can also help, especially if the child for some reason is unwilling to take medication. You can give the baby to chew on a cold spoon or a gauze pad soaked in cool water. With signs when the first teeth are cut, you should buy baby teething toys: plastic or rubber, which will be comfortable to hold in your hand.

Some parents respond to any manifestation of the disease and alarming symptoms: the child is teething! The phrase “teething” becomes a universal explanation for a runny nose, fever or restless sleep in a child under one year old.