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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 common signs of teething in infants. How can parents soothe a teething baby. What remedies are safe for early teething discomfort. When should parents schedule a baby’s first dental visit.

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The Timeline of Teething: When Do Babies Start Cutting Teeth?

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, but the timing can vary considerably from one child to another. While it’s common for baby teeth to emerge around 9 months of age, some infants may start showing signs as early as 3 months, while others might not get their first tooth until they’re a year old.

Is it possible for babies to start teething at 2 months? While uncommon, some infants may indeed begin the teething process this early. However, it’s essential to understand that visible teeth may not appear for several more months, even if early signs of teething are present.

The Typical Teething Timeline

  • 3-12 months: First signs of teething may appear
  • 6-10 months: First tooth typically emerges
  • By 3 years: Most children have all 20 primary teeth

It’s crucial to remember that each child develops at their own pace, and variations in the teething timeline are normal. If you have concerns about your baby’s dental development, consulting with a pediatrician or dentist can provide reassurance and personalized guidance.

Recognizing the Signs: How to Tell If Your Baby Is Teething

Identifying teething symptoms can help parents provide timely comfort and care. While some babies may sail through teething with minimal discomfort, others might experience more noticeable signs. Here are some common indicators that your baby might be teething:

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Increased drooling
  • Flushed cheeks
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Mild fever (less than 38°C or 100.4°F)
  • Pulling on ears
  • Chewing on fingers or objects

Can teething cause more severe symptoms? It’s important to note that teething is not typically associated with high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other illnesses.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Ways to Comfort a Teething Baby

When your little one is experiencing teething discomfort, there are several safe and effective methods to provide relief:

  1. Gentle gum massage: Clean your hands thoroughly and use your finger to apply gentle pressure to your baby’s gums.
  2. Cold teething rings: Offer a refrigerated (not frozen) teething ring for your baby to chew on.
  3. Cool cloth: Run a clean, cool washcloth along your baby’s gums.
  4. Teething toys: Provide safe, firm objects for your baby to chew on, such as teething toys designed for this purpose.
  5. Softer foods: For older babies who have started solids, offering cooler, softer foods can be soothing.

Are there any natural remedies for teething discomfort? While some parents swear by natural remedies like chamomile tea or frozen fruit in mesh feeders, it’s crucial to consult with your pediatrician before trying any new teething relief methods, especially for very young infants.

Teething Dos and Don’ts: Safe Practices for Infant Oral Care

When it comes to managing teething, there are certain practices to embrace and others to avoid:

Dos:

  • Keep teething toys and cloths clean
  • Offer plenty of cuddles and comfort
  • Maintain regular oral hygiene practices
  • Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns

Don’ts:

  • Use teething gels with benzocaine or other numbing agents without medical advice
  • Give your baby honey or sugary substances on pacifiers or teething toys
  • Use amber teething necklaces, which pose a choking hazard
  • Assume all symptoms are due to teething without ruling out other illnesses

Why are some popular teething remedies discouraged? Certain traditional remedies, like amber necklaces or teething gels, can pose risks such as choking or potential side effects. Always prioritize safety and consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate teething management strategies.

Early Dental Care: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Even before the first tooth appears, it’s essential to establish good oral hygiene habits for your baby:

  • Clean gums: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings.
  • Introduce a toothbrush: Once teeth emerge, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants.
  • Use appropriate toothpaste: At 18 months, introduce a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste.
  • Teach spitting: Encourage children 6 and older to spit out toothpaste rather than swallowing.
  • Floss: Begin flossing when two teeth touch, typically around age 2.

How long should you brush a baby’s teeth? While adults should brush for two minutes, for infants and young children with few teeth, focus on thoroughly cleaning each tooth surface rather than timing the process.

The First Dental Visit: When and What to Expect

Scheduling your baby’s first dental visit is a crucial step in establishing lifelong oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging, whichever comes first.

What happens during the first dental visit?

  • Examination of your child’s teeth and gums
  • Discussion of proper oral hygiene techniques
  • Assessment of any habits like thumb-sucking
  • Evaluation of fluoride needs
  • Addressing parents’ questions and concerns

Why is early dental care important? Early dental visits help prevent tooth decay, establish a “dental home” for your child, and familiarize them with dental care routines, setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Teething and Overall Health: Understanding the Connection

While teething is a normal part of development, it’s important to understand its relationship to your baby’s overall health:

  • Teething does not cause illness: High fever, diarrhea, or vomiting are not typical teething symptoms.
  • Immune system changes: Some studies suggest slight changes in the immune system during teething, which may make babies more susceptible to minor infections.
  • Sleep disturbances: Teething discomfort may temporarily affect sleep patterns.
  • Appetite changes: Some babies may eat less during teething due to gum discomfort.

How can parents differentiate between teething discomfort and illness? Pay attention to the severity and duration of symptoms. Teething typically causes mild discomfort, while illnesses often present with more severe or prolonged symptoms. When in doubt, consult your pediatrician.

Nutritional Considerations During Teething

Teething can influence a baby’s eating habits, making it important to consider nutrition during this phase:

  • Offer cold foods: Chilled (not frozen) fruits or vegetables in a mesh feeder can soothe gums.
  • Increase fluid intake: Teething babies may drool more, so offer extra fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Be patient with feeding: Babies may be less interested in eating when teething; this is usually temporary.
  • Avoid hard foods: For babies just starting solids, avoid hard foods that could hurt sore gums.
  • Continue breastfeeding: Nursing can be comforting for teething babies.

Can certain foods help with teething? While no specific foods are proven to ease teething, cold, soft foods can be soothing. Always ensure foods are age-appropriate and pose no choking hazard.

Long-Term Dental Health: Beyond the Teething Phase

While managing teething is important, it’s equally crucial to consider your child’s long-term dental health:

  • Regular check-ups: Continue with bi-annual dental visits after the first appointment.
  • Balanced diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks to protect developing teeth.
  • Proper oral hygiene: Teach and reinforce good brushing and flossing habits as your child grows.
  • Fluoride use: Discuss appropriate fluoride use with your dentist or pediatrician.
  • Address habits: Work on phasing out pacifiers and thumb-sucking by age 3-4 to prevent dental issues.

How do baby teeth affect adult teeth? Primary teeth play a crucial role in guiding permanent teeth into place. Proper care of baby teeth can significantly impact the health and alignment of adult teeth.

In conclusion, while teething at 2 months is relatively uncommon, it’s not unheard of. Understanding the signs of teething, implementing safe soothing strategies, and establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age are all crucial steps in supporting your baby’s dental health. Remember, every child’s teething journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and never hesitate to seek medical attention if you have concerns about your baby’s health or development.

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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