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Cutting teeth at 2 months. Teething at 2 Months: Early Signs, Symptoms, and Remedies for Infant Oral Health

by alexxlab

When do babies start teething. What are the early signs of teething in infants. How to soothe a teething baby. Is teething at 2 months normal. What remedies are safe for teething infants. How to care for baby teeth and gums.

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Understanding the Teething Process in Infants

Teething is a natural developmental milestone that every infant experiences as their first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. While the average age for teething to begin is around 6 to 9 months, it’s not uncommon for some babies to start showing signs of teething as early as 2 to 3 months old.

The emergence of baby teeth, also called tooth eruption, typically follows a predictable pattern. The lower front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the upper front teeth. By the time a child reaches 3 years of age, they should have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Is Teething at 2 Months Normal?

While it’s less common, teething at 2 months is not unheard of. Some babies are born with natal teeth, while others may start teething earlier than the average age range. However, it’s important to note that what may appear to be early teething could also be related to other developmental changes or health issues. If you suspect your 2-month-old is teething, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician for a proper assessment.

Recognizing Early Signs and Symptoms of Teething

Identifying teething symptoms can help parents better understand and address their baby’s discomfort. While every child experiences teething differently, there are some common signs to look out for:

  • Increased drooling
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
  • Gnawing on objects

It’s important to note that contrary to popular belief, teething does not typically cause high fevers, diarrhea, or severe diaper rash. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician as they may be signs of an underlying illness unrelated to teething.

Can Teething Cause Fever in Infants?

While some parents report that their babies experience a slight increase in body temperature during teething, a true fever (temperature above 100.4째F or 38째C) is not a typical symptom of teething. If your baby has a fever, it’s more likely due to an unrelated illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Safe and 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:

  1. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
  2. Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or washcloth to chew on
  3. Provide safe, firm objects for your baby to gnaw on, such as rubber teething toys
  4. For older infants, offer cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt
  5. Use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe away excess drool

Are Teething Gels Safe for Infants?

The use of teething gels for infants is a topic of debate among healthcare professionals. While some over-the-counter teething gels can provide temporary relief, they may pose risks if overused or if the baby swallows too much. The FDA has warned against the use of benzocaine-containing teething products for children under 2 years old due to the risk of a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any teething gels or medications.

The Importance of Early Dental Care for Infants

Proper dental care should begin even before your baby’s first tooth emerges. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on can help prevent tooth decay and promote lifelong dental health.

How to Clean Your Baby’s Gums and First Teeth

To care for your baby’s gums and emerging teeth:

  • Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after each feeding
  • Once teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants
  • Use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years old
  • Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime

Remember, it’s important to supervise and assist with brushing until your child can effectively clean their teeth on their own, typically around age 7 or 8.

When to Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help establish a “dental home” for your child and allow the dentist to monitor your baby’s oral development and provide guidance on proper care.

What to Expect at Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

During your baby’s first dental visit, the dentist will:

  • Examine your baby’s mouth, teeth, and gums
  • Check for any signs of decay or other problems
  • Discuss proper oral hygiene techniques
  • Provide information on teething, pacifier use, and thumb-sucking
  • Address any questions or concerns you may have about your baby’s oral health

Nutrition and Its Impact on Infant Oral Health

What your baby eats and drinks plays a crucial role in their oral health. Proper nutrition not only supports overall growth and development but also contributes to strong, healthy teeth and gums.

How Does Diet Affect Teething and Tooth Development?

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D is vital for proper tooth development. Breast milk provides many of these nutrients, but as your baby transitions to solid foods, it’s important to introduce a variety of nutrient-dense foods to support their oral health.

Avoid giving your baby sugary drinks or foods, especially before bedtime, as these can lead to tooth decay. Water and milk are the best beverage choices for infants and young children.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Teething

There are many myths surrounding teething that can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatments. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:

  • Myth: Teething causes high fevers
  • Fact: Teething may cause a slight temperature increase, but high fevers are not a typical symptom
  • Myth: Amber teething necklaces provide pain relief
  • Fact: There’s no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of amber necklaces, and they pose a choking hazard
  • Myth: Teething causes severe diarrhea
  • Fact: While mild loose stools can occur due to increased saliva production, severe diarrhea is not a teething symptom
  • Myth: All babies need teething biscuits
  • Fact: Teething biscuits are not necessary and can contribute to tooth decay if they contain sugar

Long-term Oral Health Considerations for Infants and Toddlers

While focusing on teething and early dental care is important, it’s also crucial to consider the long-term oral health of your child. Establishing good habits early on can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

How Do Baby Teeth Affect Permanent Teeth?

Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s oral development. They:

  • Help your child chew and speak properly
  • Hold space for permanent teeth to come in correctly
  • Contribute to proper jaw development
  • Boost self-esteem and confidence

Proper care of baby teeth can help ensure that permanent teeth come in correctly and remain healthy. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to problems with permanent teeth, including misalignment and increased risk of decay.

Preventing Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries (ECC), also known as baby bottle tooth decay, is a serious form of tooth decay that can affect infants and young children. To prevent ECC:

  • Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
  • Clean your baby’s gums and teeth after each feeding
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks
  • Encourage your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups

By implementing these preventive measures and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy throughout their childhood and beyond.

When to Seek Professional Help for Teething Issues

While teething is a normal part of development, there are times when professional help may be necessary. It’s important to know when to consult with your pediatrician or dentist regarding your baby’s oral health.

Signs That Warrant a Visit to the Doctor or Dentist

Contact your healthcare provider if your baby experiences:

  • Prolonged, severe discomfort or pain
  • High fever (above 100.4째F or 38째C)
  • Significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Swollen, red gums that bleed easily
  • Delayed tooth eruption (no teeth by 18 months)
  • Signs of infection, such as pus around the gums
  • Abnormal tooth development or alignment

Early intervention can help address any potential issues and ensure your baby’s oral health stays on track.

Remember, every child’s teething experience is unique. What works for one baby may not work for another. By staying informed, attentive, and proactive, you can help your baby navigate the teething process comfortably and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Teething | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

Teething | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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When will my baby start teething?

Baby teeth commonly start to appear in the mouth around 9 months of age, but timing can range from 3 to 12 months.

Teething can be uncomfortable for some babies and may make them a bit upset and bad-tempered. But lots of love and a chilled teething ring to chew on can often help.

Teething does not happen at the same time for all babies.

Some babies begin showing signs of teething as early as 3 months of age. All 20 baby teeth (10 in the top jaw and 10 in the bottom) will usually arrive by the time your child is 3 years old.

Don’t worry if your baby’s teeth come in at different times.

Learn more about how your baby’s teeth develop.

How will I know if my child is teething?

Even before you start to see a tooth erupt, you may notice some changes in your baby’s behaviour. Signs that your baby may be teething include:

  • red swollen gums
  • flushed cheeks
  • dribbling
  • being cranky or restless
  • a slight fever
  • pulling the ear on the same side as the erupting tooth
  • sucking fingers and fists

Teething is not usually associated with illness. So don’t assume that your baby is ‘just teething’ if there are symptoms such as coughing, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures, or a high fever. See your doctor if your child is experiencing these symptoms to check if they need treatment.

How can I ease my child’s discomfort?

When your child is teething, keeping them comfortable can be a challenge. Some suggestions include:

  • Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums.
  • Give your baby a cooled (but not frozen) teething ring or dummy.
  • Gently run a cool clean facecloth or the back of a cold spoon along your child’s gums.
  • Give your baby something firm to suck on, such as a sugar-free rusk.
  • For older children, give them softer foods for a while so they don’t have to chew so much.

What should I avoid or be aware of?

See your dentist or doctor before using any pain medicines or mouth gels that contain anaesthetic.

Teething gels

Cold teething gels can provide short-term relief, but if your child swallows the gel you use on their gums it can be hard to know how much is swallowed. This can make the throat numb and cause a choking hazard. Only use teething gels made for children and only as directed on the pack.

Dummy

Some people find that dummies (pacifiers) can provide children with relief and comfort while they are teething. Never dip a dummy in sugary spreads such as honey or jam as this can increase your child’s risk of tooth decay.

Amber beads

Beaded necklaces or bracelets are a potential choking hazard and unlikely to provide any pain relief for your teething child.

Caring for baby’s teeth and gums

Setting your children up for good oral health starts early, even before baby teeth start to appear.

Parents and guardians should brush babies’ and young children’s teeth for them to ensure all surfaces are cleaned. Before introducing a toothbrush, you may like to use a clean, damp washcloth or muslin cloth to clean your baby’s gums. When a few teeth have come through, you can start to use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.

When your child is 18 months, you can use a small pea-sized amount of low strength fluoride toothpaste.

If your child is 6 or over, use a small amount of standard strength fluoride toothpaste and encourage your child to spit out, not swallow and not rinse after brushing.

The recommended amount of time to brush is 2 minutes. However, for infants and young children who only have a few teeth, this amount of time is a little too long. When brushing your baby or young child’s teeth, just ensure that your reach every surface of each tooth.

Once your child has two teeth touching side by side, start cleaning in between these teeth with dental floss. This often starts when your child is around 2 years old. Your dentist can show you techniques and items that can make this an easier process.

You can check your child’s teeth at home by lifting their top lip and rolling down their bottom lip to have a look at their teeth. If you see white, brown, or black spots on the teeth that do not rub or brush away, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist to have the teeth checked.

When to visit the dentist

It is a good idea to organise your baby’s first visit to the dentist when their first tooth appears, or at around 12 months – whichever comes first. Dentists and their teams are used to working with babies and young children.

The first dental visit will involve your dentist examining your child’s teeth. This visit is also an opportunity for the dentist and parent/s to discuss important oral health topics, including:

  • tips for cleaning your child’s teeth
  • what to expect as your child’s mouth continues to develop
  • thumb sucking and dummy use
  • how to help prevent tooth decay
  • avoiding injury to your child’s teeth
  • advice on tooth-friendly foods and drinks

Always make a visit to the dentist a positive experience for your baby. Never use the dentist as a threat for not brushing teeth or other behaviour.

Is there financial assistance to help with costs?

If you receive a government benefit, such as Family Tax Benefit A payments, your child may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. This Government benefit provides each eligible child $1,026 of general dental treatment over a two-year period.

To check if your child is eligible, call Medicare on 132 011, or check your Medicare online account through MyGov.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Sources:

Australian Dental Association
(Babies and toddlers 0-3 years),
WA Department of Health
(Teething and your baby),
NSW Health
(Lift the Lip),
Services Australia
(Who can get it),
Services Australia
(Child Dental Benefits Schedule)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: May 2022

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