Can my 2 month old be teething. Teething in Babies: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions for Parents

13.01.202315.07.2023 by alexxlab

When do babies typically start teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe their teething baby’s discomfort. What is the usual order of tooth emergence in babies. Are there any remedies to help with teething pain.

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The Teething Timeline: When Do Babies Start Getting Teeth?

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 around 6 months of age. However, it’s essential to understand that this is just an average, and some babies may start earlier or later.

Here’s a general timeline of teething:

4-7 months: First tooth typically appears
6 months: Average age for teething to begin
12 months: Several teeth may be visible
3 years: Full set of first teeth (20 in total) usually present

Is it possible for a 2-month-old to be teething? While uncommon, some babies may show signs of teething as early as 2-3 months. These early teethers are simply ahead of the curve and generally have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, some babies may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday, which is also considered normal in most cases.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Teething Symptoms in Babies

Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for babies, and they may exhibit various symptoms. It’s important for parents to recognize these signs to provide appropriate comfort and care. Some common teething symptoms include:

Excessive drooling
Chewing on objects
Irritability and crankiness
Swollen or tender gums
Slight increase in body temperature
Disrupted sleep patterns
Decreased appetite

How can parents distinguish between teething symptoms and illness? While a slight temperature increase (up to 99°F or 37.2°C) can be associated with teething, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, along with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, are not typical teething signs. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a pediatrician.

Teething Symptoms in Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies may exhibit additional teething-related behaviors:

Changes in latching patterns
Gnawing or biting during feeding
Increased frequency of feeding for comfort

These changes are normal and usually temporary as the baby adjusts to the discomfort of emerging teeth.

The Teething Process: Order of Tooth Emergence

Understanding the typical order in which baby teeth emerge can help parents anticipate and prepare for each stage of teething. While variations are common, the general pattern is as follows:

Bottom central incisors (lower front teeth)
Top central incisors (upper front teeth)
Top lateral incisors (either side of upper front teeth)
Bottom lateral incisors (either side of lower front teeth)
First molars (back teeth)
Canines (pointed teeth between incisors and molars)
Second molars

How many teeth should a baby have by certain ages? On average, babies tend to have:

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

Is it normal for teeth to emerge in pairs? Many babies’ teeth do come in pairs, often symmetrically on each side of the mouth. However, this pattern can vary, and it’s not uncommon for teeth to emerge individually or in a different order.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Teething Remedies for Babies

While teething is a natural process, it can cause discomfort for babies. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to soothe a teething baby:

Cold teething rings or toys
Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger
Offering cold foods (for babies eating solids)
Using a clean, damp washcloth for gum rubbing
Providing extra cuddles and comfort

Are over-the-counter teething gels safe for babies? The FDA advises against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine due to potential health risks. Always consult with a pediatrician before using any medication for teething relief.

Natural Teething Remedies

Some parents prefer natural remedies to help soothe their teething babies. These may include:

Chamomile tea (cooled) for gum massage
Frozen fruit in a mesh feeder (for babies eating solids)
Baltic amber teething necklaces (worn, not chewed)

It’s important to note that while many parents find these remedies helpful, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Always prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare provider before trying new remedies.

Unusual Teething Cases: Early and Late Teethers

While most babies follow a typical teething timeline, some may be early or late teethers. These variations are usually nothing to worry about but can sometimes indicate underlying issues.

Early Teethers

Some babies may show signs of teething as early as 2-3 months. In rare cases, 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 births.

Are natal teeth a cause for concern? While generally harmless, natal teeth should be monitored closely as they can present a choking risk. A pediatric dentist can assess whether they need to be removed.

Late Teethers

If a baby hasn’t cut any teeth by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult a pediatric dentist. Late teething can sometimes be associated with:

Nutritional deficiencies
Thyroid issues
Genetic factors

In most cases, late teething is simply a variation of normal development and not a cause for concern. However, a professional evaluation can rule out any underlying issues.

Dental Care for Baby Teeth: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Proper dental care should begin even before the first tooth emerges. This helps establish good oral hygiene habits and protects your baby’s gums and emerging teeth.

Pre-Tooth Care

Before teeth appear, gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. This removes bacteria and gets your baby accustomed to oral care routines.

Care for Emerging Teeth

Once teeth start to appear:

Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants
Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
Brush gently twice a day, especially before bedtime

When should a baby have their first dental visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth emerges, whichever comes first.

Teething and Development: Understanding the Bigger Picture

While teething is an important milestone, it’s just one aspect of a baby’s overall development. It’s crucial to view teething in the context of other developmental stages and not attribute all behavioral changes to teething alone.

Teething and Other Milestones

Teething often coincides with other developmental milestones, such as:

Increased mobility (crawling, pulling up to stand)
Enhanced hand-eye coordination
Language development
Social and emotional growth

These simultaneous developments can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish between teething-related behaviors and those associated with other aspects of growth.

Teething and Sleep Patterns

Many parents report sleep disruptions during teething periods. While teething can cause discomfort that affects sleep, it’s important to maintain consistent sleep routines as much as possible. Comforting techniques like gentle rocking or white noise can help soothe a teething baby without creating long-term sleep associations.

How long do teething-related sleep disturbances typically last? Sleep disruptions due to teething are usually temporary, lasting a few days to a week as each new tooth emerges. If sleep issues persist for extended periods, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other causes.

Nutrition and Teething: Adapting Feeding Practices

Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s eating habits. Some babies may eat less due to gum discomfort, while others may want to eat more frequently for comfort. It’s important to be flexible and patient during this time.

Feeding Tips for Teething Babies

Offer cold foods (for babies eating solids) to soothe gums
Use teething feeders with frozen fruit for relief and nutrition
Be patient with changes in appetite or feeding patterns
Continue regular feeding schedules as much as possible

Is it safe to give teething biscuits to babies? While teething biscuits can provide relief, they often contain added sugars and may pose a choking hazard. Always supervise your baby closely when using teething biscuits and consider healthier alternatives like chilled fruits in a mesh feeder.

Breastfeeding and Teething

For breastfeeding mothers, teething can present unique challenges:

Babies may bite during feeding
Changes in latch or feeding duration may occur
Increased frequency of feeding for comfort

Patience and persistence are key during this time. Most babies adjust their feeding behavior as they become accustomed to their new teeth.

When to Seek Professional Help: Red Flags During Teething

While teething is generally a normal process, there are instances when professional medical advice should be sought. Here are some situations that warrant a call to the pediatrician:

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Severe or prolonged diarrhea
Significant decrease in fluid intake or signs of dehydration
Extreme irritability or lethargy
Bleeding or severely swollen gums
No teeth by 18 months of age

These symptoms may indicate an issue beyond normal teething and require medical evaluation.

Teething and Ear Infections

Some parents mistakenly attribute ear-pulling behavior to teething, when it could be a sign of an ear infection. How can parents differentiate between teething discomfort and an ear infection? While both can cause irritability and sleep disturbances, ear infections often come with additional symptoms such as fever, reduced appetite, and sometimes fluid drainage from the ear. If you suspect an ear infection, consult your pediatrician promptly.

Long-Term Dental Health: Beyond Baby Teeth

While baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in a child’s long-term dental health. They help with proper speech development, chewing, and act as placeholders for permanent teeth. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on sets the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Importance of Baby Teeth Care

Facilitates proper nutrition through effective chewing
Aids in speech development
Guides permanent teeth into correct positions
Builds confidence through a healthy smile

When do children typically start losing their baby teeth? Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, with the process continuing until about age 12. The order of tooth loss generally mirrors the order in which they first appeared.

Preparing for Permanent Teeth

As your child grows, their dental care needs will evolve. Here are some tips to prepare for the transition to permanent teeth:

Continue regular dental check-ups
Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques
Consider dental sealants for cavity prevention
Monitor the alignment of emerging permanent teeth

By establishing good oral health habits during the teething phase and beyond, parents can help ensure their child maintains a healthy, beautiful smile well into adulthood.

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.