Can my 11 week old be teething. Baby Teething Guide: Symptoms, Timeline, and Relief Strategies
When do babies start teething. What are the common teething symptoms. How to soothe a teething baby. What is the typical order of tooth eruption. Are there any misconceptions about teething symptoms. How to care for baby teeth.
Understanding Baby Teething: When Does It Start?
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, but it can also be a challenging time for both infants and parents. The process of teething varies greatly among babies, with some infants born with their first teeth and others not showing signs until after their first birthday. However, most babies begin teething around 6 months of age.
Is there a specific age when teething begins? While 6 months is average, teething can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and the timing of tooth eruption can differ significantly from one child to another.
Recognizing Teething Symptoms: What to Look For
Teething can be a painless process for some babies, while others may experience discomfort. Common teething symptoms include:
- Sore and red gums where the tooth is emerging
- Mild temperature (less than 38°C)
- Flushed cheek on the side of the emerging tooth
- Facial rash
- Ear rubbing
- Increased drooling
- Gnawing and chewing on objects
- Increased fussiness
- Disrupted sleep patterns
Can teething cause fever or diarrhea? While some parents associate these symptoms with teething, there’s no scientific evidence to support this connection. If your baby experiences fever, diarrhea, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
The Teething Timeline: Order of Tooth Eruption
Understanding the typical order of tooth eruption can help parents anticipate when their baby might start teething. Here’s a general guide to how baby teeth usually appear:
- Bottom incisors (5-7 months)
- Top incisors (6-8 months)
- Top lateral incisors (9-11 months)
- Bottom lateral incisors (10-12 months)
- First molars (12-16 months)
- Canines (16-20 months)
- Second molars (20-30 months)
Do all babies follow this exact timeline? No, the timing and order of tooth eruption can vary. Most children will have all their primary teeth by age 2-3, but individual experiences may differ.
Soothing a Teething Baby: Effective Relief Strategies
While teething is a natural process, it can be uncomfortable for babies. Here are some strategies to help soothe a teething baby:
- Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger
- Offer a cool teething ring or washcloth to chew on
- Provide safe, rubber teething toys
- Use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe away excess drool
- Consider over-the-counter pain relief medication (consult with a pediatrician first)
Are teething gels safe for babies? The use of teething gels is generally not recommended due to potential side effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication for teething relief.
Debunking Teething Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
There are many misconceptions surrounding teething. Let’s address some common myths:
Myth: Teething causes fever and diarrhea
While teething may cause mild discomfort, it doesn’t typically cause high fever or diarrhea. These symptoms could indicate an illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Myth: Teething necklaces are safe and effective
Amber teething necklaces and similar products pose choking and strangulation risks. There’s no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for teething relief.
Myth: Early teething indicates advanced development
The timing of tooth eruption doesn’t correlate with a child’s intelligence or development. Each baby follows their own unique timeline.
Are there any proven connections between teething and other developmental milestones? While teething is a significant milestone, it doesn’t necessarily coincide with or predict other developmental achievements.
Caring for Baby Teeth: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Proper oral care should begin even before the first tooth appears. Here are some tips for maintaining your baby’s oral health:
- Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth emerges
- Use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush
- 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 you brush a baby’s teeth? Aim to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, to establish good oral hygiene habits early on.
When to Seek Medical Advice: Recognizing Potential Issues
While teething is generally a harmless process, there are times when you should consult a healthcare professional:
- If your baby has a fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
- If teething seems to cause severe pain or discomfort
- If you notice any signs of infection in the gums
- If your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
- If there are any delays in tooth eruption beyond 12 months
Should you be concerned if your baby’s teeth come in out of order? While there’s a typical order for tooth eruption, variations are common and usually not a cause for concern. However, if you have any doubts, it’s always best to consult with a pediatric dentist.
The Journey from Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth
Understanding the transition from primary teeth to permanent teeth can help parents prepare for this next stage of oral development. Here’s what you need to know:
Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
Children typically start losing their primary teeth around age 6, with the process continuing until about age 12. The central incisors are usually the first to go, followed by lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars.
Emergence of Permanent Teeth
As baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth begin to emerge. By adulthood, most people will have 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
Is it normal for some permanent teeth to come in before all baby teeth are lost? Yes, it’s not uncommon for some permanent teeth to emerge while baby teeth are still present. This is often referred to as “shark teeth” and is usually harmless, though a dentist should monitor the situation.
Caring for Mixed Dentition
During the transition period when a child has both primary and permanent teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups become even more important during this time.
How can parents help their children care for their teeth during this transition? Encourage regular brushing and flossing, provide a balanced diet low in sugary foods and drinks, and maintain regular dental check-ups to ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
Teething and Overall Health: Understanding the Connection
While teething is primarily an oral process, it can have broader implications for a baby’s overall health and well-being. Here’s what parents should know:
Impact on Sleep Patterns
Teething discomfort can disrupt a baby’s sleep, leading to more frequent night wakings. This can be challenging for both babies and parents, but it’s typically a temporary phase.
Effects on Eating Habits
Some babies may experience a temporary decrease in appetite during teething, particularly for solid foods. Offering cool, soft foods can help soothe sore gums while ensuring adequate nutrition.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Teething can cause increased irritability and fussiness in some babies. Parents may notice changes in their baby’s mood or behavior during this time.
Can teething affect a baby’s immune system? While teething itself doesn’t directly impact the immune system, the stress and discomfort associated with it might make babies more susceptible to minor illnesses. However, any significant illness during this time is likely coincidental and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Long-term Oral Health Implications
The care given to baby teeth can impact long-term oral health. Primary teeth play a crucial role in speech development, proper chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into place.
How does the health of baby teeth affect permanent teeth? Decay or premature loss of baby teeth can lead to misalignment of permanent teeth, emphasizing the importance of proper oral care from an early age.
Cultural Perspectives on Teething: Global Traditions and Remedies
Teething is a universal experience, but cultural beliefs and practices surrounding it vary widely around the world. Here’s a glimpse into some interesting cultural perspectives:
Traditional Remedies
Many cultures have traditional teething remedies passed down through generations. These may include herbal preparations, specific foods, or objects believed to soothe teething pain.
Celebratory Customs
In some cultures, the emergence of a baby’s first tooth is celebrated with special ceremonies or rituals. These customs often symbolize the baby’s growth and development.
Superstitions and Beliefs
Various superstitions and beliefs surround teething in different parts of the world. Some cultures associate early or late teething with certain personality traits or future prospects.
Do cultural beliefs about teething align with medical understanding? While many traditional practices are harmless or may offer comfort, it’s important to approach all teething remedies with caution and consult healthcare professionals when in doubt.
Modern Approaches vs. Traditional Methods
As global communication increases, there’s often a blend of modern medical approaches and traditional methods in managing teething. This fusion can lead to interesting discussions about the most effective and culturally appropriate ways to support teething babies.
How can parents balance cultural traditions with modern medical advice regarding teething? Open communication with healthcare providers, respecting cultural beliefs while prioritizing safety, and staying informed about current medical recommendations can help strike a balance.
The Role of Nutrition in Teething and Dental Development
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in dental development, both during teething and beyond. Here’s what parents should know about the connection between diet and dental health:
Essential Nutrients for Tooth Development
Certain nutrients are particularly important for healthy tooth development:
- Calcium: Vital for strong teeth and bones
- Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium
- Vitamin C: Important for healthy gums
- Phosphorus: Works with calcium to build strong teeth
Foods to Avoid During Teething
While a balanced diet is important, some foods may exacerbate teething discomfort:
- Acidic foods: Can irritate sore gums
- Hard foods: May cause pain when chewing
- Extremely hot or cold foods: Can increase sensitivity
What foods can help soothe a teething baby? Cool, soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or pureed vegetables can offer relief. Some babies may find comfort in gnawing on a chilled cucumber or carrot stick (under close supervision to prevent choking).
Long-term Dietary Habits for Dental Health
Establishing good dietary habits early can contribute to lifelong dental health:
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Encourage water consumption
- Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
How does diet during infancy affect long-term dental health? Early dietary habits can influence dental health well into adulthood. A diet high in sugar and acidic foods can increase the risk of tooth decay, while a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports strong, healthy teeth.
Breastfeeding and Dental Development
Research suggests that breastfeeding can have positive effects on dental development. It may reduce the risk of misaligned teeth and jaw problems. However, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene regardless of feeding method.
Does prolonged breastfeeding increase the risk of tooth decay? While breastfeeding itself doesn’t cause tooth decay, frequent night feeding without proper oral hygiene can potentially increase the risk. Regular cleaning of the baby’s mouth and teeth is important for all infants, whether breast or bottle-fed.
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
Is My Baby Teething? Check our Baby Teething Chart to Find Out
One joy of parenthood is watching your little one reach milestones. It’s common to celebrate a baby crawling or walking for the first time. But these aren’t the only milestones to look forward to. You might even celebrate your baby’s first tooth.
Here’s what you need to know about teething, as well as what you can do to make the experience more comfortable for your baby.
Baby teeth erupt, or come in, gradually at different times. Typically, you can expect your baby to have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of 3. Keep in mind, though, the timing that teeth appear can vary from child to child.
Here’s a general guideline when you can expect each tooth to erupt:
Lower teeth
- central incisor: 6–10 months
- lateral incisor: 10–16 months
- canine (cuspid): 17–23 months
- first molar: 14–18 months
- second molar: 23–31 months
Upper teeth
- central incisor: 8–12 months
- lateral incisor: 9–13 months
- canine (cuspid): 16–22 months
- first molar: 13–19 months
- second molar: 25–33 months
Eventually, 32 permanent teeth will replace your child’s 20 primary teeth.
The time frame for children losing their primary teeth also varies from child to child. In most cases, this takes place over a course of about 6 years.
Children initially shed or lose their central incisor teeth around 6 or 7 years old. The last teeth to fall out are the canines and molars. Most children lose these teeth by age 12.
While some babies get their first tooth around 6 months old, teething can start a little earlier or a little later. Some babies have their first tooth erupt as early as 3 months old, but other babies don’t get their first tooth until 12 months old or older.
As you see the first signs of a tooth, your baby may seem to experience discomfort and pain. This might make sleep and eating difficult for a short time, and your baby might cry more often.
Common symptoms of a teething baby include:
- increased drooling
- possible reduced appetite for solids
- irritability
- biting and chewing
- gum rubbing
If your baby is between 3 and 12 months old and develops these symptoms, they may be cutting a tooth and there’s likely no cause for alarm.
But it’s important to note that some symptoms are not associated with teething. These symptoms include:
- fever
- facial rash
- cough and congestion
- diarrhea or vomiting
- reduced appetite for liquid foods
If your baby develops any of these signs and symptoms, don’t assume it’s from teething, and contact your pediatrician if symptoms persist or your baby seems sick.
Teething pain can make your little one miserable and irritable. Soreness and pain can occur for some babies as the tooth erupts through their little gums. Other babies may not display any signs or symptoms related to teething.
You might see some crankiness and a lot of tears — but you can make this transition easier for your baby. The trick is making their gums as comfortable as possible.
Massage baby’s gums
If it seems to comfort them, gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Be gentle, but apply firm pressure. This increases blood flow to your baby’s gum tissue which may reduce inflammation and pain.
Use a cool compress
Applying coolness to your baby’s gums can also reduce discomfort. Some parents will chill a teething ring in the refrigerator (not freezer!), and then give it to their baby to chew on.
You can also apply a cold spoon to your baby’s sore gums. As a precaution, only use a cold spoon if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet. Chewing on a metal spoon could accidentally chip their delicate teeth.
Consider pain medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also reduce pain. When used correctly, pain relievers are safe to give to babies. These medications can reduce pain associated with teething, but should only be used occasionally.
Be sure to consult your doctor before giving medication to children under 2 years old, or if you’re feeling like you need to give pain relievers for more than a day or two.
Do not use topical gels
There are topical numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine to help relieve teething pain on the market.
But these numbing treatments can be harmful to babies and shouldn’t be used, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This group also notes that over-the-counter topical gels (even non-numbing ones) aren’t helpful, since all the drool washes them away anyway.
The Food and Drug Administration also issued a public warning about the use of benzocaine oral gels. These gels can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which can be particularly dangerous to children younger than 24 months old.
This condition can reduce the oxygen in the body. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat.
Your baby cutting their first tooth is an exciting milestone — but may also be a painful one. Your little one doesn’t have to suffer, though. Between a gentle massage, a cool compress, and safe pain medication, you can help your baby get through teething with minimal discomfort.
Timing of teething – Articles
Author:
Marbery Gedrean
| Checked by: Shteba Victoria Petrovna
| Last revised: October 18, 2020.
Most parents are very concerned about how teething (and gums) affects their babies in everyday life. Although we cannot fully predict exactly how each baby will react to their first tooth. However, we can learn about teething symptoms and how to soothe your baby during this difficult time. In general, the more we know about teething, the better we can help our babies get through it. Let’s figure it out.
Timing of teething
One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How long does it take for babies to teeth?”. It is useful to know both the time frame for the appearance of the first tooth and the time frame in which all teeth erupt. In general, teething is an ongoing process that occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months. Although your baby has twenty milk teeth that will appear within two years, teething, fortunately, only causes pain and irritation at the time when the tooth is about to break through the gum. It is not known exactly how long it will take for a tooth to fully erupt, but on average experts say it can erupt within 1-7 days per tooth. However, teething symptoms usually only last a couple of days, so if a baby experiences discomfort for an extended period of time, it’s safe to assume it’s not teething.
Chronology of teething
In most babies, the first teeth are erupted at the age of 6 to 7 months, but this can happen earlier or later. Typically, your baby’s teeth are likely to appear in the following timeline windows:
6-7 months
During this time, the first teeth begin to erupt. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two middle teeth at the bottom. Children at this age become more active. They begin to grab and pull objects towards them, transfer objects from one hand to the other, and may even begin to crawl. It’s important to keep an eye on small objects within your baby’s reach, as he’ll want to put everything in his mouth during teething!
8 to 13 months
Between 8 and 12 months your baby will have upper central incisors. In addition, sometime between 9 and 13 months they will have upper and lower teeth next to their upper central incisors (these are called lower and upper lateral incisors). In addition to teething, it is important to understand that other important milestones in gross motor development are also achieved during this developmental window. Most babies are able to sit up, stand up unassisted, take their first steps, pick up and throw objects, roll a ball, and grasp objects.
13 to 20 months
Typically, between 13 and 16 months of age, your baby’s first molars appear at the bottom and top at about the same time. Shortly thereafter, their fangs will appear in both the top and bottom rows, between about 16 and 20 months.
From 20 to 30 months
At the final stage of teething, the back teeth or second molars appear in the bottom row of the baby. While most teething symptoms appear the same in both toddlers and babies, there are some differences as your baby grows older. First of all, your baby can now tell you about their discomfort and pain, unlike non-verbal babies. On the other hand, many toddlers will not show any signs of discomfort and will not complain of pain at all during the passage of molars. For other babies, the pain can be significantly worse because their first molars are larger than their other molars. They may even complain of a headache or jaw pain!
Toys that can help
Teethers – Teething toys that help to significantly relieve the symptoms of teething in children, while keeping them occupied during play. Because teething babies are always looking for something they can chew on, teething toys are specifically designed to soothe gums and temporarily ease teething.
“6 months? But my 3 month old is teething right now!”
Some babies start teething early at 6 months – and usually it’s a minor thing to worry about!
Many babies begin to drool more often and explore their world by bringing their hand to their mouth to chew at about 3-4 months. This is completely normal and is often accompanied by teething after some time.
If you suspect that your little bundle of joy, which can be much less joyful during gum pain attacks, is teething, look for symptoms such as:
- saliva, the surest sign;
- capriciousness – unfortunately, also a frequent indicator of common childhood worries;
- slight temperature increase approx. 37.2 – 38 ° C.
The bottom two teeth usually appear first, so keep an eye on this area and be prepared to be over-the-top when they appear.
When your child has their first teeth, you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also wipe your child’s gums daily with a clean, damp cloth.
Remember that your child’s pediatrician is your ally! Let him know about your child’s teeth at your next appointment. The doctor can make sure that everything is in order and, if necessary, recommend visiting a pediatric dentist.
It’s really impossible to tell exactly how long teething lasts, but fortunately, regardless of your baby’s age or stage of teething, one of the best ways to help your little one is to provide a variety of fun and lovable teething toys.
To help relieve discomfort to the child, you can use special gels during teething. One of the best and safest is the Italian gel Dentinale natura. It is harmless if swallowed. It does not contain synthetic anesthetics and analgesics. The herbal ingredients that make up the gel relieve pain and inflammation from irritated gums. After its application, a protective film forms on the baby’s gums. At this time, the baby can safely eat or sleep.
Causes of incorrect teething order
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consultation and treatment plan from a doctor of medical sciences.We will call you back and consult you as soon as possible
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consent to the processing of personal dataIn some cases, in young children, teeth erupt in the wrong order, which often becomes a cause of concern for parents. Do I need to worry if the baby has them not alternately, but chaotically? What you need to know about the reasons for which there is an incorrect order of teething?
Teething procedure
To know what the wrong order of teething is, you need to start from the norm and schedule of their appearance. So, they should appear in the baby in this order:
- Most often he has lower and then upper incisors (from 4-5 to 9-10 months).
- Lateral lower and upper incisors follow (from 7-8 to 11-12 months).
- The first chewing from above and below appears at the age of 12 months to one and a half years.
- Canine teeth appear on both jaws between 1.5 and 2 years of age.
- The last posterior teeth to appear on both jaws are from 18 months to 2 years of age.
By the age of 2, in theory, your baby should have 20 milk teeth (10 each above and below).
Types of violations
Among the types of violation of the order and timing of eruption, two forms are distinguished – early and late. If the baby was born with teeth, they are usually removed. Early eruption is said to be when teeth begin to appear in children at 4 months. They say about late eruption if at the age of 11-12 months the baby still has a toothless mouth.
More serious violations include the wrong order of teething, which entails an incorrect bite and lack of space in the dentition. So, for example, early erupted molars may not leave room for 4 and 5 teeth, and eruption of canines at the same time as the first molars may cause the canine to move forward or backward.
Causes of violations
The reason for early eruption are factors such as lifestyle, genetic predisposition and illness of the mother during pregnancy, endocrine disorders in the baby. The reason for the late appearance of milk teeth can be factors such as underdevelopment of the jaw or the absence of their rudiments in the baby.
If we talk about the violation of the order of appearance of dental units, then the following reasons should be distinguished:
- Genotype passed from mother to child.
- Duration of breastfeeding.
- Toxicosis, bad habits and other concomitant diseases of the mother during childbearing.
- Diseases of the baby in the first year of life, including endocrine and infectious diseases.
- Deficiency in the child’s diet of essential nutrients for growth and development.
Prevention of all types of violations includes the following rules:
- Preparation for pregnancy.
- Proper nutrition of the mother.
- Therapy of diseases before and during pregnancy.
- Refusal of bad habits for the entire period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Proper nutrition of the baby, its hardening, timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
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