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Cutting teeth at 2 months. Teething at 2 Months: Early Signs, Symptoms, and Soothing Remedies

by alexxlab

When do babies start teething. What are the early signs of teething. How to soothe a teething baby. Is fever a common symptom of teething. What remedies are safe for teething infants. When should you consult a doctor for teething symptoms.

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Understanding Early Teething: Can Babies Really Start at 2 Months?

While it’s uncommon, some infants may begin showing signs of teething as early as 2 months old. This phenomenon, known as early teething, can catch many parents off guard. Typically, most babies start teething around 6 months, with some beginning as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. However, every child is unique, and their developmental timeline may vary.

Is it possible for a baby to start teething at 2 months? Yes, although rare, it is possible. Some babies are even born with teeth, called natal teeth. However, it’s essential to understand that what may seem like teething symptoms at such a young age could be related to other developmental changes or health issues.

Factors Influencing Early Teething

  • Genetics: Family history of early teething
  • Nutrition: Adequate vitamin and mineral intake
  • Overall development: Faster-developing babies may teeth earlier
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins

If you suspect your 2-month-old is teething, it’s crucial to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any other potential causes for their symptoms and ensure proper care.

Recognizing the Early Signs and Symptoms of Teething

Identifying teething symptoms in a 2-month-old can be challenging, as many of these signs overlap with normal infant behavior. However, there are some specific indicators to watch for:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Increased fussiness or irritability
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Slight increase in body temperature (not a high fever)
  • Chewing on fingers, toys, or other objects
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears

Are these symptoms exclusive to teething? Not necessarily. Many of these signs can also be attributed to normal developmental stages or other health issues. It’s essential to monitor your baby closely and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

Differentiating Between Teething and Illness

Can teething cause fever in 2-month-old babies? While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it typically doesn’t result in a high fever. If your baby has a temperature above 100.4째F (38째C), it’s more likely due to an illness rather than teething.

Other symptoms that are not typically associated with teething include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Rashes (other than a slight facial rash from drooling)
  • Congestion or cough
  • Prolonged fussiness or inconsolable crying

If your baby exhibits these symptoms, especially if accompanied by a fever, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Safe and Effective Remedies for Teething at 2 Months

Soothing a teething 2-month-old requires gentle, age-appropriate remedies. Here are some safe options to consider:

  1. Gum massage: Gently rub your clean finger along your baby’s gums to provide relief.
  2. Cold teething rings: Offer a refrigerated (not frozen) teething ring for your baby to chew on.
  3. Chilled washcloth: A clean, damp washcloth cooled in the refrigerator can be soothing for tender gums.
  4. Extra cuddles and attention: Comfort your baby with additional physical contact and soothing words.
  5. Distraction: Engage your baby in gentle play or new activities to take their mind off discomfort.

What remedies should be avoided for teething 2-month-olds? It’s important to steer clear of certain treatments that may be unsafe for young infants:

  • Teething gels or tablets containing benzocaine or belladonna
  • Amber teething necklaces (choking hazard)
  • Over-the-counter pain medications without pediatrician approval
  • Frozen teething rings (too hard for delicate gums)
  • Any items that pose a choking risk

Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication or new remedy for your teething baby.

The Role of Nutrition in Early Teething

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in dental development, even before teeth emerge. For 2-month-old babies, breast milk or formula provides essential nutrients for overall growth, including tooth development.

What nutrients are important for healthy tooth development?

  • Calcium: Crucial for strong teeth and bones
  • Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium effectively
  • Phosphorus: Works with calcium to build strong teeth
  • Vitamin C: Supports gum health and helps prevent early tooth decay
  • Vitamin A: Aids in the formation of tooth enamel

For breastfeeding mothers, maintaining a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can benefit both mother and baby. Formula-fed infants typically receive these nutrients through fortified formulas designed to meet their nutritional needs.

Avoiding Early Tooth Decay

Even though your 2-month-old may not have visible teeth, it’s never too early to start good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tips to prevent early tooth decay:

  • Clean gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
  • Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle
  • Don’t dip pacifiers in sweet substances like honey or sugar water
  • Limit the use of bottles to feeding times only

By establishing these habits early, you’re setting the foundation for lifelong oral health.

When to Consult a Pediatrician or Dentist

While teething is a normal part of development, there are instances when professional medical advice is necessary. Here are some situations that warrant a call to your pediatrician or dentist:

  • Fever above 100.4째F (38째C)
  • Excessive irritability or inconsolable crying
  • Signs of mouth injury or infection
  • Delayed teething (no teeth by 18 months)
  • Concerns about tooth alignment or development

Should you take your 2-month-old to a dentist? While it’s not typically necessary at this age, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.

Preparing for Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

When the time comes for your baby’s first dental checkup, here’s what you can expect:

  • A gentle examination of your baby’s mouth, teeth, and gums
  • Discussion about proper oral hygiene techniques
  • Advice on teething and how to soothe your baby
  • Information on fluoride use and cavity prevention
  • Guidance on habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use

Remember, early dental visits are as much about education and prevention as they are about treatment.

Long-Term Dental Health: Beyond the Teething Phase

While focusing on managing teething symptoms at 2 months is important, it’s equally crucial to consider your child’s long-term dental health. Establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Developing a Dental Care Routine

How can you establish a good dental care routine for your baby? Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Start cleaning gums before teeth appear using a soft, damp cloth
  2. Introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush when first teeth emerge
  3. Use water for brushing until your dentist recommends toothpaste
  4. Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime
  5. Make brushing a fun, positive experience through songs or games

As your child grows, involve them in the brushing process, gradually teaching them proper technique and the importance of oral hygiene.

The Impact of Diet on Dental Health

What role does diet play in long-term dental health? A balanced diet not only supports overall health but also contributes significantly to dental health. Here are some dietary considerations:

  • Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals
  • Encourage water consumption instead of sugary beverages
  • Provide calcium-rich foods as your child grows
  • Offer crunchy fruits and vegetables to help clean teeth naturally
  • Avoid sticky foods that can cling to teeth and promote decay

By instilling good dietary habits early, you can help protect your child’s teeth from decay and promote overall health.

Navigating the Teething Journey: Tips for Parents

Dealing with a teething baby, especially one as young as 2 months, can be challenging for parents. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this journey:

Self-Care for Parents

How can parents take care of themselves while managing a teething baby? Consider these tips:

  • Take turns with your partner for nighttime soothing
  • Accept help from family and friends
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation
  • Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
  • Join support groups for parents of young infants

Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your baby.

Preparing for Future Teething Episodes

While your baby may be showing signs of teething at 2 months, remember that teething is an ongoing process that can last well into toddlerhood. Here’s how you can prepare for future teething episodes:

  • Keep a variety of teething remedies on hand
  • Monitor which remedies work best for your child
  • Be prepared for changes in sleep patterns during teething periods
  • Stay informed about dental developmental milestones
  • Maintain regular check-ups with your pediatrician and dentist

By being proactive and prepared, you can help make the teething process more manageable for both you and your baby.

Teething at 2 months, while uncommon, is not impossible. By understanding the signs, implementing safe remedies, and focusing on long-term dental health, you can navigate this early developmental stage with confidence. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay patient, consult with healthcare professionals when needed, and enjoy this special time in your baby’s growth and 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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