Can my 2 month old be teething. When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs, Symptoms, and Remedies for Infant Teething

09.01.202315.07.2023 by alexxlab

When do babies typically start teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe a teething baby. What remedies are safe and effective for teething discomfort. When should parents be concerned about delayed teething.

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The Teething Timeline: When Can You Expect Your Baby’s First Tooth?

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth through the gums. While the exact timing can vary widely among infants, most babies begin teething around 6 months of age. However, it’s important to note that the normal range for teething can be quite broad.

Some key points about the teething timeline:

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old
The typical age for teething to begin is around 6 months
Some babies may start teething as early as 2 or 3 months
Late teething is also common and usually not a cause for concern
By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth

Is there a hereditary component to teething? Indeed, the timing of teething can be influenced by genetics. If you or your partner were early or late teethers, your baby might follow a similar pattern.

Rare Cases: Born with Teeth

In rare instances, estimated to occur in about 1 in 2,000 births, babies can be born with one or two teeth already visible. These natal teeth, while uncommon, are usually not a cause for alarm but should be monitored closely by a pediatric dentist to ensure they don’t pose a choking risk.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Symptoms of Teething in Babies

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. While some infants may sail through the process with minimal discomfort, others may experience a range of symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help parents provide appropriate comfort and care.

Common symptoms of teething include:

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

Is a high fever a sign of teething? Contrary to popular belief, teething does not typically cause high fevers. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, along with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, are not usually associated with teething and may indicate an illness. In such cases, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician.

Teething and Breastfeeding

For breastfeeding mothers, teething can bring additional challenges. You might notice:

Changes in your baby’s latch
Increased biting or gnawing on the breast
More frequent feeding for comfort

These changes are normal and usually temporary as your baby adjusts to the new sensations in their mouth.

The Teething Process: What to Expect as Your Baby’s Teeth Emerge

Understanding the typical order in which baby teeth appear can help parents know what to expect during the teething process. While there can be variations, most babies follow a similar pattern of tooth eruption.

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? While every child is different, here’s a general guideline:

4 teeth by 11 months
8 teeth by 15 months
12 teeth by 19 months
16 teeth by 23 months
20 teeth (full set of primary teeth) by age 3

Remember, these are averages, and your child’s teething timeline may differ. If you have concerns about your baby’s dental development, consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

When your baby is experiencing teething discomfort, there are several safe and effective remedies you can try to provide relief:

Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
Offer a cold teething ring or washcloth to chew on
Provide safe, sturdy teething toys
Use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe away excess drool
For babies over 6 months, offer cold foods like yogurt or applesauce
Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months), after consulting with your pediatrician

Are teething gels safe for babies? The FDA advises against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine, as they can lead to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication for teething relief.

Natural Teething Remedies

Some parents prefer natural remedies for teething discomfort. While scientific evidence is limited, some potentially helpful options include:

Amber teething necklaces (worn, not chewed on)
Chamomile tea (cooled and given in small amounts)
Clove oil (diluted and applied to gums)

Always research and consult with your pediatrician before trying any natural remedies to ensure they are safe for your baby.

When to Worry: Signs of Delayed Teething and Other Concerns

While the timing of teething can vary widely among babies, there are instances where delayed teething might warrant a closer look. If your child hasn’t cut any teeth by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatric dentist for an evaluation.

What could cause delayed teething? In rare cases, underlying medical issues might contribute to delayed teething, including:

Nutritional deficiencies
Vitamin D deficiency
Hypothyroidism
Certain genetic conditions

Is delayed teething always a cause for concern? Not necessarily. Many healthy children may simply be late bloomers when it comes to teething. However, a professional evaluation can provide peace of mind and rule out any potential issues.

Other Teething-Related Concerns

While teething itself is a normal process, there are some situations that might require medical attention:

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Severe diarrhea
Unusual rashes
Prolonged irritability or distress
Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician, as they may indicate an issue unrelated to teething.

Dental Care for Teething Babies: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

The emergence of your baby’s first teeth marks the beginning of their dental care journey. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

When should you start cleaning your baby’s teeth? Dental care should begin even before the first tooth appears. Here’s a timeline for infant oral care:

Birth to 6 months: Gently wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
6 months to 1 year: Begin brushing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water
1 year and up: Introduce a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)

How often should you brush your baby’s teeth? Aim to clean your baby’s teeth at least twice a day, especially after the last feed and before bed.

First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This early visit allows the dentist to check for proper oral development and provides an opportunity to discuss good dental care practices.

Beyond Teething: Preparing for Your Child’s Dental Future

While teething is a significant milestone, it’s just the beginning of your child’s dental journey. As your baby grows, you’ll need to navigate various aspects of oral health and development.

What comes after teething? Here are some key dental milestones to be aware of:

Losing baby teeth: Typically begins around age 6
Emergence of permanent teeth: Usually starts between ages 6-7
Orthodontic evaluation: Recommended around age 7
Wisdom teeth: May emerge between ages 17-21

How can you promote long-term dental health in children? Establishing good habits early is crucial. This includes:

Regular dental check-ups
Proper brushing and flossing techniques
Balanced diet low in sugary foods and drinks
Use of protective gear during sports
Avoiding harmful habits like thumb-sucking past age 4

Remember, every child’s dental development is unique. Regular dental visits and open communication with your pediatric dentist can help ensure your child’s oral health stays on track throughout their growing years.

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.