When do babies typically begin teething. What are the common signs and symptoms of teething. How can parents soothe their teething baby. What remedies are safe and effective for teething discomfort.

The Teething Timeline: When to 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 timing can vary widely among infants, most babies begin teething around 6 months of age. However, it’s important to note that the teething process can start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months for some babies.

Here’s a general timeline of teething milestones:

• 4-7 months: First tooth typically appears
• 6 months: Average age for teething to begin
• 12 months: Many babies have several teeth
• 36 months (3 years): Full set of first teeth usually present

Is early or late teething a cause for concern? In most cases, no. Some babies are born with one or two teeth (occurring in about 1 in 2,000 births), while others may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday. Both scenarios are generally considered normal variations in development.

Identifying Teething Symptoms: What to Look For

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Recognizing the signs of teething can help you better support your little one through this developmental stage. Common symptoms of teething include:

• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on objects
• Irritability and fussiness
• Sore or tender gums
• Slight increase in body temperature
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Can teething cause fever in babies? While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, a true fever (rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher) is not typically associated with teething. If your baby has a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician as these symptoms may indicate an illness unrelated to teething.

Teething and Breastfeeding: What Nursing Mothers Should Know

For breastfeeding mothers, teething can present unique challenges. You may notice changes in your baby’s nursing behavior during this time, such as:

• Different latch or sucking patterns
• Increased frequency of nursing for comfort
• Occasional biting or gnawing on the breast

How can breastfeeding mothers cope with teething babies? Patience and understanding are key. Offering a cold teething toy before nursing can help soothe sore gums. If biting becomes an issue, gently removing your baby from the breast and saying “no” firmly can help discourage this behavior.

The Order of Tooth Emergence: A Typical Pattern

While every baby is unique, there is a general pattern to how teeth emerge:

1. Bottom central incisors
2. Top central incisors
3. Top lateral incisors
4. Bottom lateral incisors
5. First molars
6. Canines
7. Second molars

By the time a child reaches age 3, they typically have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Remember, this is just a general guideline, and your child’s tooth emergence may follow a different pattern.

Soothing Teething Discomfort: Safe and Effective Remedies

Watching your baby struggle with teething pain can be distressing. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to provide relief:

• Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Offer a cold teething ring or washcloth to chew on
• Use a mesh feeder filled with frozen fruit for a soothing treat
• Try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months), as recommended by your pediatrician

Are teething gels safe for babies? The FDA advises against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine due to potential side effects. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication or remedy for teething pain.

When to Consult a Dentist: Addressing Teething Concerns

While most teething issues resolve on their own, there are times when professional advice is warranted. Consider consulting a pediatric dentist if:

• Your baby hasn’t developed any teeth by 18 months of age
• There’s a significant delay between the emergence of teeth
• You notice any abnormalities in tooth color, shape, or positioning

What could cause a delay in teething? In rare cases, delayed teething may be associated with underlying health conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, or certain genetic disorders. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify and address any potential concerns.

Teething and Overall Health: Understanding the Connection

Teething is a natural process that signifies your baby’s growth and development. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that teething itself is not an illness. However, the teething period can coincide with other developmental changes and health considerations:

• Increased susceptibility to minor illnesses due to putting objects in the mouth
• Changes in sleep patterns that may affect overall health and mood
• Potential for minor skin irritation due to excess drooling

How can parents support their baby’s overall health during teething? Maintaining good oral hygiene from the start is crucial. Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before the first tooth appears. Once teeth emerge, introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for daily cleaning.

Nutrition and Teething

Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s eating habits. Some infants may eat less due to sore gums, while others might want to eat more frequently for comfort. Ensuring proper nutrition during this time is essential for your baby’s growth and development.

What foods are best for teething babies? Offer a variety of nutritious, easy-to-eat foods such as:

• Soft fruits like bananas or peaches
• Chilled yogurt or applesauce
• Well-cooked vegetables
• Soft, small pieces of cheese

Always supervise your baby during feeding and avoid hard foods that could pose a choking hazard.

Teething Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many myths and old wives’ tales surrounding teething. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: Teething causes high fevers

Fact: While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, high fevers are not typically associated with teething and may indicate an unrelated illness.

Myth: Teething causes severe diarrhea

Fact: Some babies may experience loose stools due to increased saliva production, but severe diarrhea is not a normal teething symptom and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Myth: Amber necklaces can relieve teething pain

Fact: There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of amber necklaces for teething relief. Additionally, they pose a choking hazard and are not recommended by pediatricians.

How can parents distinguish between teething symptoms and signs of illness? Pay attention to the severity and duration of symptoms. Teething discomfort is usually mild and intermittent, while illness often presents with more severe, persistent symptoms. When in doubt, consult your pediatrician.

Preparing for the Teething Journey: Tips for Parents

As your baby embarks on their teething journey, being prepared can help make the process smoother for both of you. Here are some tips to help you navigate this developmental stage:

• Stock up on teething-friendly items like cold washcloths, teething rings, and soft toys
• Create a consistent bedtime routine to help with potential sleep disruptions
• Be patient and offer extra comfort and cuddles during challenging times
• Keep track of tooth emergence to share with your pediatrician at check-ups
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits from the start

How can parents manage their own stress during the teething process? Remember that teething is temporary, and each baby experiences it differently. Reach out to other parents, join support groups, or talk to your pediatrician if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking care of your own well-being is crucial for providing the best care for your teething baby.

Creating a Teething-Friendly Environment

Setting up your home to accommodate a teething baby can make daily life easier. Consider these suggestions:

• Designate safe chewing areas with teething-appropriate toys
• Use bibs to manage drooling and prevent skin irritation
• Keep a supply of clean washcloths for gum massage and cleaning
• Create a calm, soothing atmosphere for naps and bedtime

By implementing these strategies, you can help create a supportive environment for your teething baby, making the process more manageable for the entire family.

Long-Term Dental Health: Beyond the Teething Years

While teething is a significant milestone, it’s just the beginning of your child’s dental health journey. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Introducing Regular Dental Check-ups

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. These early visits help:

• Familiarize your child with the dentist’s office
• Identify any potential dental issues early
• Provide guidance on proper oral care techniques
• Address any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s dental development

How often should children have dental check-ups? After the initial visit, most dentists recommend check-ups every six months, unless more frequent visits are necessary due to specific dental concerns.

Transitioning to Permanent Teeth

As your child grows, they’ll eventually start losing their primary teeth to make way for permanent teeth. This process typically begins around age 6 and continues into the early teenage years. During this transition, it’s important to:

• Maintain regular dental check-ups
• Encourage proper brushing and flossing habits
• Consider dental sealants to protect permanent molars from decay
• Discuss the need for orthodontic evaluation with your dentist

By focusing on long-term dental health from the teething years onward, you can help ensure your child maintains a healthy, beautiful smile throughout their life.

Teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s development, marking the beginning of their oral health journey. While it can be challenging at times, understanding the process, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to provide comfort can help both you and your baby navigate this stage with greater ease. Remember that every child is unique, and their teething experience may differ from others. By staying informed, patient, and attentive to your baby’s needs, you can support them through this important phase of growth and development.

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.

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.

terms, signs and ways to alleviate the condition

It would seem that only recently the period of colic in your baby’s tummy has passed. And here again he is capricious, crying and does not find a place for himself. The period has come when the child’s teeth are being cut. The appearance of the first incisors is accompanied by pain and a number of other unpleasant symptoms. How not to confuse it with other pathological processes? And how to alleviate the condition of the child? Young parents should learn more about the features of teething in babies.

When the first teeth appear

There is no unambiguous answer as to what time milk teeth begin to erupt. Each child’s body has its own characteristics, so the timing is individual. But there are generalized frameworks that can be guided by:

1. At 4-7 months, the lower incisors appear. But there are times when the first tooth erupts at 3 months. Again, everything is very individual.
2. At 7-9 months, two upper incisors appear.
3. At 9-11 months – two teeth grow on the sides of the central ones on the upper jaw.
4. At 11-13 months – two lower lateral ones.

In most cases, before the age of one, the child already has 8 front teeth. They erupt in pairs – one, and soon after it another. A one and a half year old baby usually already has first molars. They also appear in pairs on the lower and upper jaws. After them, fangs grow (the first, as a rule, from above). At 2 years old, the baby most often already has 16 teeth. At what age does the formation of a milk bite end? Normally, by the age of 2.5-3 years, the child already has a complete “set”, in which there are 20 teeth.

If your baby has a shift of 2 months (sometimes even 4 months) in one direction or another, it’s okay. This is not yet a departure from the norm. Which of the central teeth will appear first is not important. But if at first it was not the incisors that cut through, then this is already an anomaly, like their complete absence in a one-year-old baby. In these cases, you need to consult a doctor.

What factors affect the timing of the appearance of teeth

When which teeth are cut? Experts note that the beginning of the process of forming a milk bite is determined by various factors. The rudiments of the dentition are formed in the embryo as early as the 6-7th week of pregnancy. Their quality is determined by nutrition, lifestyle, and the presence of diseases in the mother. Long-term toxicosis, complications in bearing a child, premature birth (up to the 37th week), injuries when a baby is born can slow down the time. The time frame when teething begins also depends on such factors:

• heredity;
• types of nutrition – breastfeeding is more desirable than artificial, as it involves the active work of the facial muscles;
• nutritional quality – the more calcium the child’s body receives, the higher the likelihood that teeth will appear faster;
• climatic conditions – in children living in hot countries, the process starts faster;
• water quality;
• compliance with the rules of child care.

Affect the timing and various childhood diseases. So, with rickets, which is caused by a lack of vitamin D, the absorption of calcium is difficult. Deficiency of this element negatively affects the development of teeth. With metabolic disorders, endocrine, infectious diseases, problems in the functioning of the digestive tract, the appearance of teeth can also be belated. It happens that the child has no rudiments – complete or partial adentia. You can confirm or exclude fears with the help of x-rays.

According to long-term observations, it was noted that boys teeth erupt faster than girls.

What symptoms accompany the process of teething

How can you tell if a child is teething? Most often, this process is difficult to miss, because only in rare cases does it not cause pain and other unpleasant sensations.

General signs

The baby may become restless, capricious. Of course, these signs can be associated not only with the appearance of teeth. For this reason, you should also pay attention to the presence of the following symptoms:

1. Gingival swelling visible to the naked eye. The tissues become bright red. Gingival swelling can also be determined by palpation. Sometimes a hematoma or abscess forms on it.
2. Increased salivation. Such a symptom may be present in a child up to a year. Due to heavy salivation, the skin is irritated, so a rash may appear around the mouth.
3. Loss of appetite. Explained by uncomfortable sensations in the mouth. Also during this period, the baby’s taste sensations may change, so if he refuses food that he used to like, do not be surprised.
4. A child’s desire to put everything in his mouth. The fact is that the baby is tormented by severe itching and he is trying to somehow alleviate his condition.
5. Acid breath.

The level of pain in each case is different. Against the background of all these symptoms, the child’s sleep is disturbed.

Health disorders

Comparatively harmless symptoms are listed above. But there are times when during this period the child’s health deteriorates, as immunity weakens. This manifests itself in the form of such signs:0003

1. An increase in body temperature is the body’s reaction to tissue damage, infection and, as a result, inflammation. It is important to monitor the cleanliness of the hands and objects that the baby gnaws. Normally, the indicators are not higher than 38 ˚С and disappear in a day. If it increases and lasts more than 3 days, you need to see a doctor.
2. Runny nose. Saliva, which is abundant during this period, can enter the nasopharynx or even the middle ear. So there is a runny nose.
3. Cough. It also occurs due to excessive salivation. A large amount of mucus accumulates in the throat. The baby cannot swallow it reflexively. The throat is cleared by coughing.
4. Diarrhea. It is necessary to pay attention to the duration of the disorder. Normally, it should pass in a period of up to 3 days. There should be no blood, black or green blotches in the stool. Diarrhea occurs when mucus enters the stomach with food. Less often, constipation may occur for the same reason.

Most of these signs are similar to viral diseases. If you ignore the symptoms, you can get complications. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor the combination of signs, the condition of the child, take into account how many days the malaise lasts. If the baby is too lethargic, diarrhea has become more frequent, vomiting has appeared, you should consult a doctor.

How to ease teething

As already mentioned, in most cases, the process of teething is accompanied by pain and itching. At this time, the baby needs special care – play with him, talk, ensure thorough hygiene. It is also important to remain calm. Remember that babies feel the emotional mood of their parents. To understand how to help the child at this time, you need to read the recommendations of specialists. There are different ways to do this.

Medicines

Depending on the symptoms, the following pharmacy products are used:

1. Ointments and gels. Only a specialist can suggest how to anesthetize teething. Often, babies are prescribed “Kamistad Baby”, “Baby Doctor”, “Kalgel”, “Dentinoks”, etc. These drugs have an antiseptic and cooling effect.
2. Syrups and suppositories. If the temperature rises to 38.5 ° C, antipyretics are needed. In this case, Nurofen, Panadol will help. It is important to carefully observe the indicated dosages and frequency of administration.
3. Nasal drops. With a runny nose, 1-2 drops of Aquamaris or saline should be instilled into each nostril. Doing this will help flush out mucus from your nasal passages and make it easier for your baby to breathe.

Remember that self-medication is dangerous for your baby. Therefore, coordinate all your actions with the pediatrician. If other unwanted symptoms are noticed, such as redness of the throat, take the child to the doctor.

Alternative methods

Medicines should only be used as a last resort. First you need to try to help the child, using safer methods. Among them:

1. Gingival cooling. If the question is how to alleviate the condition of the baby and relieve pain, the cold will be your best assistant. Pharmacies sell special teethers filled with water. They are cooled in the refrigerator and offered to the baby. The child massages the gums with a teether. So the inflammation is removed, the outflow of blood from the painful place is ensured.
2. Gum massage. Make it with clean fingers without intense pressure. It is important to make sure that there are no long nails, otherwise you can damage the fabric for the baby. You can wrap a sterile bandage on your fingers soaked in chamomile infusion or boiled water. Often the child is offered pieces of fruit or vegetables. They are wrapped in gauze and made sure that the baby does not choke.

Teeth don’t cut in one day, so please be patient. How to understand that they have already begun to appear? On the surface of the gums you will see the long-awaited tubercles. This will be the “crown” of all your patience.

Correction of the child’s lifestyle during teething

Parents often have a lot of questions regarding their child’s habitual lifestyle.

Is it possible to walk

For newborns, fresh air is one of the main conditions for harmonious development and growth. Staying within four walls when a baby is teething is definitely impossible. If the child is not lethargic, he does not have a temperature above 38 ˚С, then a walk is an obligatory “ritual”. An exception may be bad weather – severe frost or heat, rain, gusty wind.

Is it possible to vaccinate

The expected date of vaccination may coincide with the appearance of teeth. The process is not a contraindication to immunization. But if the child does not feel well, he has a fever, then it is better to postpone the vaccination until the baby’s condition is normal.

Is it possible to introduce complementary foods

It is recommended to introduce complementary foods at about 5 months or half a year. Deadlines may vary slightly. The appearance of the first tooth is evidence of the readiness of a small organism for “adult” food. If the teething process causes severe discomfort in the baby, stool disorders, fever and other unpleasant symptoms, it is better to wait a little with new dishes. And the baby himself is unlikely to be interested in unfamiliar food.

Which teeth erupt first – Dr. Lapchenko Dental Clinic

A baby has appeared in the house. The first fears and worries passed, the pediatrician came for an examination and informed the young parents that the child was completely healthy. They even coped with the first difficulties: with colic, they “saved” my mother’s warmth and good old dill water. Sleepless nights are over and it’s time to relax and enjoy watching your baby grow? Alas, a new test awaits parents ahead: the child’s teeth begin to cut.

How to “survive” this difficult period, what you should remember and how you can help your child, we will tell in this article.

When teething starts

Your child’s future teeth are formed during the prenatal period, during the second month of pregnancy. When should you expect the first tooth? As a rule, the first milk teeth appear in children at the age of 4-7 months. We say “usually” because teething is an exclusively individual process and it is not worth worrying about the fact that teeth do not appear “on schedule”. There are cases when a child is already born with the first teeth, and sometimes the teeth can wait until the first Birthday of your crumbs.

What determines the timing of teething

Teething a little earlier or later than the average set period of 6 months is not a cause for concern. The timing of the “exit” of the tooth from the gums can depend on factors such as the mother’s diet during pregnancy, the individual characteristics of the child, and even heredity. Check with your next of kin: perhaps the first milk teeth appeared quite late for you or your parents, and the baby simply “observes family traditions”.

Graph of the appearance of teeth in babies

And yet, while waiting for the first tooth, I want to focus on some dates. As we said above, it is worth preparing for 4-7 months.

Which teeth come in first

• teeth usually start to erupt from the lower central incisors, they erupt in pairs. Then the upper central incisors erupt. By 8 months, 4 incisors usually appear – two in each jaw;
• lateral incisors erupt on both jaws by 12 months;
• after the incisors, the first large molars, or molars, appear. They should be expected by the age of 12-16 months;
• behind them – fangs, at 16-20 months;
• and the last, by the age of two, the second molars are born.

Remember that your baby may have a different “formula” for teething. Violation of the timing and order of the appearance of teeth is not a sign of some kind of pathology.

There are 20 milk teeth in total, and by the age of three, most children can already boast of a complete set.

Teething symptoms

The timing has been determined. How to understand that baby is teething? Forerunners of this are characteristic symptoms:

• tearfulness and restlessness;
• sleep disturbance;
• profuse salivation;
• rashes and irritations of the skin around the mouth;
• temperature increase;
• inflammation of the gums;
• coryza;
• cough;
• diarrhea.

The combination of several or even all of these symptoms is characteristic of teething. As you can see, the manifestations are not at all specific, and can accompany many other diseases. That is why it is important to see a doctor if the child’s condition does not improve within three days, or if the temperature rises above 38.5-39°C. Attributing childhood ailments to the teeth, it is very easy to “miss” an infectious or viral disease – be careful.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most frightening symptoms that accompany teething and the causes that cause them.

Inflammation of the gums

The gums become “loose” and change color. Bumps, bruises and light streaks are sure signs that your child will soon delight you with a new tooth.

Fever

The temperature usually rises slightly – up to 37.5 °C. If the numbers on the thermometer reached the level of 38.5-39 ° C, most likely an infection has joined. In this case, it is necessary to give the baby an antipyretic and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Runny nose

Profuse salivation is not the only manifestation of teething. Just as the mucous membrane of the mouth reacts, so does the nose. Hence the runny nose. If a three-month-old baby has small amounts of transparent snot, the reason is most likely in the teeth. Do not try different medicines. It is enough just to regularly clean the clogged nose. There can be two reasons to see a doctor with a runny nose:

• runny nose continues and does not decrease within three days;
• nasal discharge has ceased to be transparent, and has become greenish – this may indicate that a bacterial infection has appeared against the background of a weakened immune system.

Cough

Cough caused by saliva that collects in the throat. The fact is that in children the swallowing reflex is not developed enough and with a large amount of liquid, children begin to cough it up. With cutting teeth, the cough is wet, rare and does not last more than 3-4 days. A dry, irritating mucous membrane and a prolonged cough is a definite reason to make an appointment with your pediatrician.

Diarrhea

Oddly enough, but violations of the excretory function are also caused by strong salivation. Constantly swallowing, the child thereby stimulates the peristalsis of his intestines, which causes a loosening of the stool. Diarrhea with cutting teeth is not very liquid, without blood threads and does not last more than two days. If something has alerted you – do not hesitate to contact the doctor.

Which teeth come out first, how to help your child

When teeth come out , your baby changes dramatically. Irritability, frequent crying, sleep disturbance and loss of appetite – teething is a difficult time for both the baby and the parents. How to help the child and how to speed up the appearance of teeth? Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up the process, but you can alleviate the condition of the baby. It is recommended to gently massage the gums with your fingertip, and a cool teether will relieve pain. A little secret: children are easily distracted. Show the baby something interesting – and he will calm down, forgetting about the discomfort in his mouth. Do not forget about the power of maternal warmth. Hold the child close to you, shake it: it is easier for a baby to survive any sorrows next to his mother.

Remedies for symptoms: how to relieve pain

The process of teething does not take one day, but can stretch for weeks. That is why it is so important to replenish your first-aid kit in advance with products that will help your child to endure unpleasant sensations more easily, and you to remain calm.

1. Is the appearance of new teeth accompanied by high fever? It is worth stocking up on special dental gels (Kamistad-gel), which have a cooling and local anesthetic effect. You can use the gels from the age of four months, and, depending on the composition, apply up to 5-6 times a day.
2. Has the temperature risen? Children’s antipyretics based on ibuprofen (Nurofen) or paracetamol (Panadol) will not only lower the temperature, but also reduce the severity of the inflammatory process. Please note: teeth rarely give a very high temperature. If you see numbers above 39 ° C on your baby’s thermometer, call your doctor immediately.
3. If for some reason a child cannot take medicines, homeopathy comes to the rescue. Good results in teething are also given by homeopathic suppositories (Viburkol) and sucking tablets (Dormikind).
4. Do not forget about the “grandmother’s” methods. Cool items (from special teethers to a regular spoon) can significantly alleviate the child’s condition. Do not take away from the crumbs the items that he “pulls into his mouth”. A child can chew on everything – just make sure that there are no sharp corners on the thing that can injure the mucous membrane of the mouth, or small parts that the baby can accidentally inhale.