When do babies typically begin teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe their teething baby. What is the usual order of tooth emergence in babies. Are there any potential complications associated with teething.

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 essential to understand that this is just an average, and the normal range for teething can be quite broad.

Some key points about the teething timeline include:

• Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old
• The typical age range for teething is considered to be 6 to 12 months
• Some babies may start teething as early as 2 or 3 months
• Late teething, after 12 months, is also possible and often not a cause for concern
• Rarely, some babies are born with one or two teeth (about 1 in 2,000 births)

Is there a hereditary component to teething? Indeed, the timing of tooth emergence can be influenced by genetics. If you or your partner were early or late teethers, your baby might follow a similar pattern.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Teething Symptoms in Babies

While some babies may sail through teething with minimal discomfort, others might experience various symptoms. It’s crucial for parents to recognize these signs to provide timely comfort and care.

Common teething symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on objects
• Irritability and fussiness
• Swollen or tender gums
• Slight increase in body temperature (up to 99째F or 37.2째C)
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear

Can teething cause diarrhea or high fever? Contrary to popular belief, teething does not typically cause severe symptoms like high fever (over 100.4째F or 38째C), vomiting, or diarrhea. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician as they may indicate an unrelated illness.

Teething Symptoms in Breastfed Babies

Breastfed babies may exhibit some unique teething behaviors:

• Changes in latch or feeding patterns
• Increased desire to nurse for comfort
• Occasional biting or gnawing on the breast

How can mothers manage breastfeeding during teething? Patience and understanding are key. Offer cool teething toys before nursing sessions, and if biting occurs, calmly end the feeding and offer an alternative soothing method.

The Teething Process: Understanding Your Baby’s Dental Development

Teething follows a relatively predictable pattern, although the exact timing can vary from baby to baby. Understanding this process can help parents know what to expect and when.

The typical order of tooth emergence is:

1. Bottom central incisors (lower front teeth)
2. Top central incisors (upper front teeth)
3. Top lateral incisors (either side of upper front teeth)
4. Bottom lateral incisors (either side of lower front teeth)
5. First molars
6. Canine teeth
7. Second molars

What is the average number of teeth babies have at different ages?

• 4 teeth by 11 months
• 8 teeth by 15 months
• 12 teeth by 19 months
• 16 teeth by 23 months

By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

While teething is a natural process, it can cause discomfort for some babies. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to soothe a teething baby:

• Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger
• Offering a cold teething ring or washcloth
• Using teething toys designed for chewing
• Providing cool, soft foods for babies already eating solids
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers (consult with a pediatrician first)

Are teething necklaces safe for babies? While amber teething necklaces have gained popularity, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against their use due to choking and strangulation risks. Stick to safer alternatives recommended by healthcare professionals.

When to Worry: Potential Complications and Red Flags

While teething is generally a benign process, there are instances where parents should seek medical advice:

• No teeth by 18 months of age
• Significant delays between tooth eruptions
• Signs of tooth decay or discoloration
• Persistent high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during teething

What underlying conditions can cause delayed teething? In rare cases, delayed teething might be associated with:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Thyroid disorders
• Genetic conditions

If you have concerns about your baby’s dental development, always consult with a pediatric dentist or your child’s healthcare provider.

Dental Care Basics: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

The emergence of your baby’s first tooth marks the beginning of their oral hygiene journey. Starting good habits early can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Key dental care tips for infants and toddlers:

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

How often should you brush a baby’s teeth? Aim to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, to establish a consistent routine.

Nutrition and Teething: Supporting Your Baby’s Dental Health

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in your baby’s overall health, including their dental development. During the teething phase, consider the following nutritional aspects:

• Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as recommended by your pediatrician
• Introduce a variety of nutrient-rich solid foods around 6 months, or as advised
• Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for strong teeth and bones
• Limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay
• Offer water instead of juice in sippy cups

Can certain foods help with teething discomfort? Some babies may find relief from chewing on cold, soft foods like chilled cucumber slices or frozen fruit in a mesh feeder (under supervision). However, always introduce new foods gradually and watch for any signs of allergies.

The Impact of Teething on Sleep and Behavior

Teething can sometimes disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns and affect their behavior during the day. Understanding these changes can help parents navigate this challenging period more effectively.

Common sleep and behavior changes during teething:

• Increased night waking
• Difficulty falling asleep
• More frequent nap disruptions
• Increased clinginess or desire for comfort
• Temporary loss of appetite
• Heightened irritability or fussiness

How can parents maintain healthy sleep habits during teething? Consistency is key. Try to maintain your regular bedtime routine as much as possible, offering extra comfort as needed. Consider using white noise or gentle lullabies to help soothe your baby to sleep.

Managing Daytime Behavior

During the day, teething babies may require extra patience and understanding. Here are some strategies to help manage daytime behavior:

• Offer plenty of cuddles and physical comfort
• Provide distractions with engaging toys or activities
• Allow for extra rest periods if needed
• Be flexible with feeding schedules, offering smaller, more frequent meals if appetite is affected

Remember that teething is temporary, and your baby’s sleep and behavior should return to normal once the tooth has emerged.

Teething Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many myths and old wives’ tales surrounding teething. It’s important for parents to distinguish between fact and fiction to provide the best care for their teething baby.

Common teething myths debunked:

• Myth: Teething causes high fever and diarrhea
• Fact: While teething may cause a slight temperature increase, high fever and diarrhea are not typical teething symptoms
• Myth: Teething necklaces can cure teething pain
• Fact: There’s no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of amber teething necklaces, and they pose safety risks
• Myth: Rubbing alcohol on gums helps with teething pain
• Fact: This practice is dangerous and should never be done
• Myth: Late teething means delayed development
• Fact: The timing of teething is not indicative of overall development

Are there any natural remedies that are safe and effective for teething? Some parents find success with natural remedies like frozen washcloths or chamomile tea (cooled and used to massage gums). However, always consult with your pediatrician before trying any new remedies.

The Role of Genetics in Teething

While not a myth, the influence of genetics on teething is often misunderstood. Research suggests that genetic factors can play a role in:

• The timing of tooth emergence
• The order in which teeth appear
• The total number of teeth (in rare cases)

However, it’s important to note that environmental factors, nutrition, and overall health also significantly impact dental development.

Beyond Teething: Preparing for Your Child’s Dental Future

While teething is an important milestone, it’s just the beginning of your child’s dental journey. As your baby grows, you’ll need to navigate various dental stages and considerations.

Future dental milestones and considerations:

• Loss of primary teeth (typically starts around age 6)
• Emergence of permanent teeth
• Potential need for orthodontic evaluation (usually around age 7)
• Increased risk of dental injuries as children become more active
• Changes in oral hygiene needs as children grow and develop

How can parents promote long-term dental health? Establishing good oral hygiene habits early, maintaining regular dental check-ups, providing a balanced diet, and modeling good dental care behaviors are all crucial for your child’s long-term dental health.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health and catching any potential issues early. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends:

• First dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth’s appearance
• Regular check-ups every 6 months, or as recommended by your dentist
• Additional visits if dental problems or injuries occur

These visits not only ensure your child’s teeth are healthy but also help them become comfortable with dental care from an early age.

Teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s life, marking the beginning of their dental journey. While it can be challenging for both babies and parents, understanding the process, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to provide comfort can make this period easier to navigate. Remember that every baby is unique, and their teething experience may differ from others. By staying informed, patient, and attentive to your baby’s needs, you can help ensure a positive start to a lifetime of good oral health.

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.

Teething in a child: timing, care, ways to relieve pain

Children will definitely appreciate the parental contribution to maintaining dental health when they grow up. In order to help the baby from the very beginning, it is necessary to know the structural features, the stages of formation and the correct order of teething.

Teeth development before eruption

The health of your baby’s teeth should be taken care of long before they erupt. It is useful for expectant mothers to know that the rudiments of milk teeth are formed already at the 7-8th week of intrauterine development, and permanent ones at the end of 4 months. Not just teething timing, but even level enamel mineralization both milk and molars depends on how the pregnancy proceeds. Therefore, it is so critical that a woman receives all the vitamins, microelements and is as healthy as possible.

But not only food is important. The results of the research showed that in the presence of industrial harmful substances in the environment of the expectant mother during pregnancy and numerous stressful situations, the formation of all dental tissues is disrupted in the child and the timing of the appearance of milk teeth is shifted. Among children born to women with high blood pressure, late eruption of temporary teeth was noted in 56.7%. Approximately one third of the examined children born to mothers with heart defects revealed late eruption of temporary teeth, as well as deviations in the pairing and sequence of their eruption. The duration of pregnancy also plays a role. There is a pronounced dependence of the timing of the eruption of the first teeth on the degree of prematurity: the earlier the baby was born, the later the first teeth erupt ^{[1, 2]} .

Why baby teeth are needed

Nature has conceived the correct order and timing of teething in children. Evolutionarily, this is due to the need to form the bite and jaw bones for chewing and speech. Over the years, the bones grow, and the milk teeth, which at the beginning of their appearance fit snugly against each other, diverge by the age of 6-7, forming wide, natural interdental spaces for this period – tremas and diastemas.

There are only 20 teeth in the milk bite. This is due to the fact that they must be correctly placed in the small children’s jaw of the first years of a baby’s life, and excludes crowding of teeth that provokes dental diseases. The last of the milk teeth are replaced at the age of 10-12 years. However, they are very important for the physiological formation of the jawbones and permanent occlusion.

Proper growth and health of milk teeth help:

• rebuild the body from lactophoric to a mixed type of nutrition;

• reserve space for the normal positioning of future molars;

• form a mixed bite.

There is an erroneous opinion that milk teeth in case of infection with caries can not be treated, but immediately removed. But modern dentists are against such tactics. Early removal is fraught with displacement of neighboring milk teeth and the appearance of problems already with an adult bite. Therefore, it is so important to maintain the presence and health of all milk teeth until the moment when permanent teeth erupt on their own ^[3] .

The structure of milk teeth

Temporary teeth have thinner enamel, and their internal pulp cavity is larger compared to permanent ones. All this makes the tooth lighter, which helps with the eruption of permanent teeth, but at the same time accelerates the development of caries and pulpitis. However, there are bonuses: by the time the molars begin to erupt, which will remain with the child until the end of life, the roots of milk teeth even dissolve to ensure their rapid and relatively painless loss.

Terms of eruption of milk teeth

Teething is a genetically programmed event that occurs at a certain period. Physiological teething is characterized by three main features: certain timing, pairing and sequence of teething. Galaktionova M. Yu.

Children’s milk teething rates differ depending on their ethnicity. But as studies show, in general, the world is experiencing a reduction in the time from birth to the moment when the first tooth appears. This is due, according to most researchers, to the global acceleration of human development ^[1] . How and when milk teeth erupt is one of the indicators of a child’s physical development.

Causes of violation of the order and timing of teething in children can be:

• heredity;

• climatic conditions;

• nature of feeding;

• certain diseases, such as rickets.

The eruption rates for milk teeth according to the American Dental Association are presented in the table.

The specified periods are average indicators, varying depending on individual and family characteristics ^[4,5] . But the sequence of appearance of teeth is essential, and it is better to track and record it. From a physiological point of view, the correct order of eruption of milk teeth in children is important for bite formation .

Teething aid

The appearance of milk teeth is not an easy process not only for the children themselves, but also for their parents. The most common teething symptoms:

• swelling and redness of the gums;

• excessive salivation;

• itching and urge to keep hands, toys in mouth;

• capriciousness of a child;

• sleep disorder;

• refusal to breast, bottle or complementary foods;

• temperature increase;

• stool disorders;

• runny nose.

The following will help you get through this period as comfortably as possible:

• special teething rings that relieve itching, especially with a cooling effect;

• local anesthetic dental gels;

• antipyretic and analgesic preparations;

Gentle silicone fingertip massage to soothe and relieve your baby ^[6]

Baby Teeth Care

Once the first tooth has erupted, don’t put off going to the dentist. Schedule a visit (at least once every 3-4 months). And after the first birthday, it is also desirable to be observed by an orthodontist. If there are no problems, visits to him should be repeated once a year ^[7,8]

Proper care at home is important.

• Milk teeth are suitable for an ultra-soft toothbrush with a small head.

• Children’s mouth rinses are used from about 4 years old or from the time the child can spit.

• Parents should supervise the brushing of preschool children’s teeth and, if necessary, help and clean missed areas.

• Adults should teach their children to rinse their mouth after meals from a very young age.

• Until the child has learned to spit on his own, toothpaste should not contain fluorides.

• A bathroom timer or a favorite song helps you stick to the 2-minute brushing time.

• Solid food should be included in the diet daily in sufficient quantities to properly form the bite and stimulate the gums.

These simple tips help keep baby teeth healthy from the very beginning until they are naturally replaced by permanent teeth.

List of sources

1. Izmestieva OV, Galaktionova M. Yu., Manashev GG Characteristics of exogenous and endogenous factors affecting the eruption of temporary teeth in children. 2012 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/harakteristika-ekzogennyh-i-endogennyh-faktorov-vliyayuschih-na-prorezyvanie-vremennyh-zubov-u-detey (date of access: 21.02.2020)

2. Galaktionova M. Yu., Izmest’eva OV Timing of eruption of temporary teeth and the nature of feeding children in the first year of life. 2012 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sroki-prorezyvaniya-vremennyh-zubov-i-harakter-vskarmlivaniya-detey-pervogo-goda-zhizni (date of access: 02/21/2020)

3. Iordanishvili AK, Korovin NV, Serikov AA Anatomical and topometric characteristics of the jaws during eruption and retention of wisdom teeth. 2017 //https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/anatomo-topometricheskie-harakteristiki-chelyustey-pri-prorezyvanii-i-retentsii-zubov-mudrosti (Accessed: 02/21/2020)

4. Bimbas ES, Saipeeva MM, Shishmareva AS Timing of eruption of permanent teeth in children of primary school age. 2016 //https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sroki-prorezyvaniya-postoyannyh-zubov-u-detey-mladshego-shkolnogo-vozrasta (date of access: 02/21/2020)

5. Shilova N., Berzina S., Brinkmane A., Dulevska I., Umbraszko S., Briede I. Timing and sequence of eruption of primary teeth and factors influencing them. 2017 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sroki-i-posledovatelnost-prorezyvaniya-molochnyh-zubov-i-vliyayuschie-na-nih-faktory (date of access: 02/21/2020)

6. Bogdanova NA, Zueva TE How to help a child with teething? A new look at an old problem. 2019 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kak-pomoch-rebenku-pri-prorezyvanii-zubov-novyy-vzglyad-na-staruyu-problemu (date of access: 02/21/2020)

7. Ayupova FS Tactics of treatment of children with anomalies in the eruption of permanent posterior teeth. 2013 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/taktika-lecheniya-detey-s-anomaliyami-prorezyvaniya-postoyannyh-bokovyh-zubov (date of access: 21.02.2020)

8. Gatalsky VV Control of the mesiodistal size of the dentition as one of the aspects of the prevention of dental anomalies. 2005 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kontrol-meziodistalnogo-razmera-zubnogo-ryada-kak-odin-iz-aspektov-profilaktiki-zubochelyustnyh-anomaliy (date of access: 21.02.2020)

Teething at 2 months: normal or abnormal

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Baby is naughty, his sleep is disturbed, takes the breast and immediately lets go? Perhaps the process of teething has begun. “Teeth cutting at 2 months?” – you ask. When your baby is very young, you can associate the baby’s anxiety with some kind of illness, but not with the process of the appearance of the first incisors. Let’s understand the possible timing of teething. We cannot regulate them, but we can alleviate the condition of children in the event of unpleasant symptoms.

Is it possible for a baby to cut teeth at such an early age? The two lower central incisors grow first and usually erupt one after the other. But you should understand that the time frame is not limited. Sometimes the process can take a while. There are times when the first incisors appear earlier. Therefore, when asked whether teeth can be cut at two months, experts give an affirmative answer. Deviation of the time frame for several months in both directions is considered the norm. Only in the event that a one-year-old child does not have a single tooth, you should consult a doctor.

Every body is different, so some babies have their first tooth at 2-3 months. The process is determined not only by genetics, but also by a number of other factors:

• climatic conditions;
• maternal nutrition;
• peculiarities of the course of pregnancy;
• disorders of the endocrine system – sometimes the early appearance of teeth may indicate its anomalies.

If a mother during pregnancy drank multivitamins or additional mineral complexes containing vitamins D and C, then teething may accelerate. Contributes to this and the use by a woman of fermented milk products in large quantities.

What are the symptoms of teething

Only some parents do not experience difficulties with teething in a child and notice the incisor by chance, not understanding when it appeared. In most cases, the process is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms:

1. Puffiness, “looseness” of the gums. Redness, bumps may form. Sometimes the teeth are visible through the gums. In some cases, there are bluish hematomas.
2. Increased salivation. Because of this, rashes around the mouth may appear. But salivation at 2 months of age does not always indicate teething. During this period, such a process is physiological. If the rash occurs elsewhere, it has nothing to do with teething.
3. Restless state. The child cries a lot, is naughty, the quality of his sleep worsens. Often the baby cannot be soothed. Conventional methods (swinging, nipples, etc.) do not help.
4. Increased body temperature. More often these are indicators up to 37.5 ˚C. This can happen due to local inflammation (gums). A higher temperature indicates the activity of viruses.
5. Loss of appetite. During the period of the appearance of teeth, children do not eat well or refuse to eat at all. Sometimes the baby cannot be attached to the breast. Some babies kick their feet while feeding.
6. Runny nose and cough. Due to increased salivation, mucus flows down the back of the throat. It enters the nasal passages, since the baby at the age of two months is more in a supine position. When mucus enters the throat, it provokes a cough. More often it occurs during sleep.

These symptoms do not occur all at once and can be combined in different ways. Often for parents, they become a serious cause for concern. Even the fact that a child is teething at such an early age is already shocking.

It is important not to confuse signs of infectious or neurological diseases that have similar symptoms with the process of teething. Therefore, it is better to show the baby to the doctor. The following symptoms also serve as a reason to seek help: the child is very lethargic, he has a high temperature (above +38 ˚С), vomiting or sores in the mouth have appeared. A child can also vomit due to excessive salivation when mucus enters the stomach. Liquid and frequent stools also indicate the attachment of an infection. Diarrhea can cause dehydration.

How to help a baby

If a baby starts teething at 2 months, besides fatigue due to sleepless nights, parents are worried about their baby. Since he is tormented by pain, discomfort, he eats little and sleeps poorly, it is necessary to help relieve unpleasant symptoms. To do this, use the following methods:

1. Massage the gums. Wash your hands thoroughly first. Massage is done with a fingertip. It is worth trimming your nails so as not to damage the gums. Massaging relieves pain. The degree of effectiveness of the method can be determined by the reaction of the child.
2. Apply cold. Ordinary teethers, which are sold in pharmacies and are offered to older children, a baby at the age of two months will not gnaw. In this case, he can cool the nipple or apply a gauze pad to the problem area. It is pre-moistened with cold water or chamomile infusion, which helps relieve inflammation.
3. Lubricate gums with anesthetic gels. For example, “Kamistad” or “Kalgel” are the means that can be used even at an early age.
4. Provide antipyretic and analgesic drugs based on ibuprofen and paracetamol. 2-month-old babies put candles. It can be, for example, “Efferalgan”.

During teething, it is important to ensure that your baby is properly cared for. It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the pacifier. Saliva needs to be wiped only with clean napkins. The skin around the mouth should be lubricated with a special baby cream.