Can my 2 month old be teething. Teething in Babies: Symptoms, Timing, and Remedies for Infant Tooth Emergence

08.01.202315.07.2023 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 is the usual timeline for baby tooth emergence. Are there any unusual teething patterns parents should be aware of.

Содержание

The Teething Timeline: When Do Babies Usually 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 between 4 and 7 months of age. However, it’s important to note that there’s a broad range of what’s considered “typical” for the onset of teething.

The average age for the appearance of the first tooth is around 6 months. By the time a child reaches 3 years old, they typically have a full set of 20 primary teeth. It’s worth mentioning that the timing of teething can be influenced by genetic factors, so looking at when siblings or parents started teething might provide some insight.

Early and Late Teethers: What’s Normal?

Some babies may start showing signs of teething as early as 2 or 3 months old. This early teething is generally not a cause for concern and simply indicates that the baby is ahead of the curve in dental development. On the other hand, late teething is also common and shouldn’t be a source of worry for parents. Every baby develops at their own pace, and this applies to tooth emergence as well.

In rare cases, babies may even be born with one or two teeth, a condition known as natal teeth. This occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 3,000 births. While uncommon, it’s not necessarily a problem, though these teeth 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 experience little to no discomfort during this process, others may exhibit various symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help parents provide appropriate comfort and care.

Increased drooling
Chewing on objects
Irritability and fussiness
Swollen or tender gums
Slight increase in body temperature
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Rubbing of the face or pulling on the ears

It’s important to note that severe symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea are not typically associated with teething. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician as they may indicate other health issues.

Teething and Breastfeeding: What to Expect

For breastfeeding mothers, teething can bring about additional challenges. Babies may alter their latch due to gum discomfort, and some may even bite down on the breast. Teething infants might also seek comfort through more frequent nursing sessions. These changes are usually temporary and resolve as the baby adjusts to their emerging teeth.

The Order of Appearance: Which Teeth Come in First?

While the exact order can vary, there is a general pattern to how baby teeth emerge. Understanding this sequence can help parents anticipate and prepare for each stage of teething.

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

This pattern can vary, and some babies may have teeth emerge in pairs or in a different order. By 2.5 to 3 years of age, most children have all 20 of their primary teeth.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

When babies experience teething discomfort, parents naturally want to provide relief. There are several safe and effective methods to soothe a teething baby:

Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger
Offering a cold teething ring or washcloth to chew on
Using over-the-counter pain relievers (consult with a pediatrician first)
Providing cold foods for older babies who have started solids
Using teething toys designed for gum stimulation

It’s crucial to avoid teething remedies that could pose choking hazards or contain harmful ingredients. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication or new teething product.

When to Consult a Professional: Unusual Teething Patterns and Concerns

While variations in teething patterns are common, there are instances where professional advice may be necessary. If a baby hasn’t developed any teeth by 18 months of age, it’s recommended to consult a pediatric dentist for evaluation. In rare cases, delayed teething might be linked to underlying health issues such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems.

Additionally, if there’s a significant gap between the emergence of teeth or if teething symptoms seem particularly severe, it’s wise to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. They can assess whether the symptoms are indeed related to teething or if there might be other health concerns at play.

Dental Care for Babies: Starting Good Habits Early

The emergence of a baby’s first tooth marks the beginning of their dental care journey. Establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial for long-term dental health. Here are some key practices to implement:

Start cleaning gums before teeth appear using a soft, damp cloth
Begin brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth emerges
Use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years old
Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth’s appearance
Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles containing milk or juice to prevent tooth decay

By incorporating these practices into your baby’s daily routine, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Teething and Development: Understanding the Bigger Picture

While teething is a significant milestone, it’s important to view it as part of a baby’s overall development. Teething often coincides with other developmental changes, such as increased mobility and the introduction of solid foods. This period of rapid growth and change can be challenging for both babies and parents, but it’s also an exciting time of discovery and new abilities.

It’s worth noting that teething doesn’t necessarily cause significant developmental delays or major health issues. However, the discomfort associated with teething might temporarily affect a baby’s sleep patterns or appetite, which could indirectly impact other areas of development. Maintaining a consistent routine and providing extra comfort during this time can help minimize any potential disruptions.

Teething and Language Development

As teeth emerge, babies may experience changes in their oral cavity that can affect their ability to make certain sounds. This is a normal part of development and doesn’t typically cause long-term speech issues. In fact, the emergence of teeth often coincides with increased babbling and experimentation with new sounds, which are important precursors to language development.

Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction in Teething

There are numerous myths and old wives’ tales surrounding teething. It’s important for parents to be able to distinguish between factual information and potentially harmful misconceptions. Here are some common myths debunked:

Myth: Teething causes high fevers.
Fact: While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, high fevers are not a typical symptom and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Myth: Teething causes severe diarrhea.
Fact: Mild loose stools may occur due to increased saliva production, but severe diarrhea is not a normal teething symptom.
Myth: Babies need teething biscuits to help teeth come through.
Fact: While chewing can provide relief, teething biscuits are not necessary and may pose a choking hazard.
Myth: Amber necklaces can relieve teething pain.
Fact: There’s no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of amber necklaces, and they can pose a strangulation risk.

By understanding these myths, parents can make informed decisions about how to best support their teething babies.

Cultural Perspectives on Teething: Global Traditions and Practices

Teething is a universal experience for babies around the world, but cultural beliefs and practices surrounding this milestone can vary significantly. Understanding these diverse perspectives can provide interesting insights into how different societies approach childhood development.

Traditional Remedies from Around the World

In some parts of India, babies are given a preparation made from ground nutmeg and water to ease teething pain.
African cultures often use herbal remedies, such as rubbing clove oil on the gums.
In parts of Europe, it’s traditional to give babies a hard bread crust or biscuit to gnaw on.
Some Native American tribes used wooden teething sticks made from specific trees believed to have soothing properties.

While these practices are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, it’s important to approach them with caution and always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy.

The Future of Teething: Advancements in Pediatric Dentistry

As our understanding of early childhood development grows, so does our approach to managing teething and early dental care. Researchers and pediatric dentists are continually working on new methods to make the teething process more comfortable for babies and less stressful for parents.

Emerging Trends in Teething Management

Development of new teething gel formulations with safer, more effective ingredients
Advanced teething toys designed based on the latest understanding of infant oral development
Improved diagnostic tools to differentiate between teething discomfort and other health issues
Integration of teething tracking into baby health apps for better monitoring and management

These advancements promise to make the teething experience more manageable for future generations of babies and parents alike.

As we continue to explore the fascinating world of infant development, teething remains a significant milestone that captures the attention of parents and healthcare providers alike. By understanding the process, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to provide comfort, parents can navigate this stage with confidence. Remember, every baby’s teething journey is unique, and with patience, care, and the right knowledge, you can help your little one through this important phase of growth.

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.

Was this helpful?

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.