When do babies start teething? What are the common teething symptoms? How can you help your baby get relief from teething pain? Discover the answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive guide.

Understanding Teething in Infants

Teething is a normal and inevitable part of a baby’s development, but it can also be a challenging time for both the infant and their parents. When a baby’s teeth start breaking through the gums, it can cause discomfort and various symptoms that can be difficult to manage. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of teething, exploring the process, common symptoms, and effective strategies to help your little one find relief.

Teething Timeline: When Do Babies Start Teething?

Teething typically starts as early as 3 months of age, according to KidsHealth. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. These are followed by the four top teeth (the central and lateral incisors) about a month or two later. Approximately a month after that, the top two lateral incisors make their appearance. Next, the molars come in, and finally, the top two pointed-looking teeth known as the “eyeteeth” appear.

It’s important to note that not all babies follow the same development schedule, and certain factors can affect when their teeth come in. For example, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal linked early-life stressors to the faster appearance of baby molars.

Common Teething Symptoms

Just as all babies have their own teething schedule, they may also experience slightly different teething symptoms. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, some of the most common baby teething symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling
• Swollen, inflamed gums
• Continuously putting their hands or fingers in their mouth
• Crying, fussing, and being crankier than usual

It’s worth noting that some common myths, such as fevers, diaper rash, and sleeplessness being signs of teething, have not been confirmed by research. Pediatrician Dr. Lisa Diard advises that it’s better to investigate the underlying cause of these symptoms rather than automatically attributing them to teething.

Helping Your Baby Find Teething Relief

Fortunately, there are several safe and effective strategies recommended by pediatricians to help your baby find relief from teething pain. KidsHealth suggests the following tips:

1. Provide refrigerator-cooled rubber (not liquid) teething rings for your baby to chew on
2. Give pediatrician-approved acetaminophen after 6 months of age
3. Wipe their drool regularly to avoid skin irritation or rash
4. Give them cold foods such as applesauce once they’re old enough for solid food

Additionally, Diard recommends using a refrigerated wet washcloth to help soothe your baby’s tender gums. “Chewing on a cool, wet cloth can help decrease inflammation along the gums,” she said. However, Diard cautions against putting teething toys or cloths in the freezer, as they can become too hard or too cold, potentially hurting your baby’s gums.

When to Consult a Pediatrician

It’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician or health care provider if you suspect something more serious than typical teething pain. If your baby is experiencing fever, a running nose, or diarrhea, it’s essential to have them evaluated to rule out any underlying medical issues.

By understanding the teething process, recognizing the common symptoms, and implementing effective relief strategies, you can help your baby navigate this challenging time with more ease and comfort. Remember, every baby is unique, so be patient, listen to your instincts, and work closely with your pediatrician to ensure your little one’s well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical teething timeline for babies?

Teething typically starts as early as 3 months of age, with the first teeth (the two bottom front teeth) usually appearing between 4 and 7 months of age. The rest of the baby’s primary teeth follow in a predictable pattern over the next couple of years, with the full set of 20 teeth usually in place by age 3.

Can teething cause fever or diarrhea?

Contrary to common belief, teething does not typically cause fever or diarrhea. If your baby is experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues and determine the true cause.

What are some effective home remedies for teething pain relief?

Effective home remedies for teething pain relief include providing refrigerator-cooled rubber teething rings, giving your baby cold foods like applesauce, and using a refrigerated wet washcloth to soothe their gums. Avoid freezing teething toys, as they can become too hard and hurt your baby’s gums.

When should I consult a doctor about my baby’s teething symptoms?

You should consult your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing more than the typical teething symptoms, such as fever, a running nose, or diarrhea. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition, and it’s important to have your baby evaluated to ensure their health and well-being.

Teething symptoms and how to help your baby get relief

When babies start teething, the pain and discomfort can be hard on them. In this short guide, we’ll explain what teething is, when you can expect it to occur and its most common symptoms.

Plus, you’ll discover several safe and effective strategies recommended by pediatricians to help your baby find relief from teething pain.

What is teething?

When your baby’s teeth start breaking through the gums, teething has begun, according to KidsHealth.org. It’s an ongoing process that typically starts with the appearance of their two bottom front teeth.

“Discomfort from teething should be pretty mild,” pediatrician Dr. Lisa Diard told the Cleveland Clinic. “And any symptoms your baby does show should only last a few days until the tooth erupts.”

While teething is a normal part of your baby’s development, it can bring some challenges for babies and parents alike.

When does teething happen in babies?

Teething starts as early as 3 months of age, according to KidsHealth. The first teeth usually appear in babies’ mouths between the ages of 4 to 7 months. These central incisors are followed by the four top teeth (the central and lateral incisors) about a month or two later.

Approximately a month after that, the top two lateral incisors make their appearance. Next, the molars come in and finally, the top two pointed-looking teeth known as the “eyeteeth” appear.

Your baby will typically have 20 primary teeth by age 3. But not all babies follow the same development schedule, and certain factors can affect when their teeth come in.

For example, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal linked early-life stressors to the faster appearance of baby molars.

What are the most common teething symptoms?

Just as all babies have their own teething schedule, they may have slightly different teething symptoms.

According to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, these are some of the common baby teething symptoms that parents should look out for:

• Excessive drooling
• Swollen, inflamed gums
• Continually putting their hands or fingers in their mouth
• Crying, fussing and being crankier than usual.

In addition, if your baby had begun sleeping through the night, that could change during periods of teething.

Common myths

Some folks claim that fevers, diaper rash and sleeplessness are also signs of teething. However, Diard said those myths have not been confirmed by research. It’s better to investigate why these symptoms are appearing, rather than pin the blame on teething alone.

How to help your baby get relief from teething symptoms

KidsHealth suggests several pain relief tips to help improve your baby’s teething symptoms, including:

• Providing refrigerator-cooled rubber (not liquid) teething rings for your baby to chew on
• Giving pediatrician-approved acetaminophen after 6 months of age
• Wiping their drool regularly to avoid skin irritation or rash
• Giving them cold foods such as applesauce once they’re old enough for solid food.

In addition, Diard said a refrigerated wet washcloth will help a baby’s tender gums. “Chewing on a cool, wet cloth can help decrease inflammation along the gums,” she said.

Diard warns against putting teething toys or cloths in the freezer. “Frozen teething toys can make them too hard. They can also be so cold they hurt your baby’s gums,” she explained.

If you suspect your baby may have something more serious than teething pain

Always consult with your pediatrician or health care provider if you suspect something beyond teething, or if fever, running nose or diarrhea is present.

If you’d like to learn more about teething relief strategies for your baby, you can check out the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guide Safely Soothing Teething Pain and Sensory Needs in Babies and Older Children.

Journal information:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Copyright © 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation:
Teething symptoms and how to help your baby get relief (2023, April 25)
retrieved 29 June 2023
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-teething-symptoms-baby-relief.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Baby Teething: Signs and Treatment

The first tooth is an important milestone in your baby’s life, but unfortunately, teething can cause considerable pain and discomfort. You and your baby don’t have to endure sleepless nights. Understanding the common teething symptoms and ways you can help will ease the discomfort for your little one.

What Are the Signs of Teething?

Most babies start teething between four and seven months of age, and most toddlers have all their baby teeth by age 3. The two bottom front teeth typically come in first, followed by the two upper front teeth. You may notice little bumps on your baby’s gums when the time comes.

Symptoms of teething aren’t the same for every baby. Signs of teething include red, swollen, and tender gums, fussiness and irritability, excessive drooling, a slight increase in temperature but no fever, a desire to bite or chew on hard objects, loss of appetite, and interruption in the sleeping patterns.

Teething can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t cause illness. If your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, rash, cough, or a runny nose, these aren’t normal signs of teething and will warrant a call to your child’s pediatrician.

How Can You Help?

There are ways you can help soothe and comfort your teething baby. Placing something cold in your baby’s mouth can help provide the needed relief. Try a chilled (not frozen) pacifier or a refrigerated teething toy or ring. Massaging your infant’s gums with a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad can also help. Teething babies love to chew, so an unsweetened teething cracker can provide comfort. If your child is especially cranky, talk to your child’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist about pain medication.

What Treatments Should You Avoid?

It’s important to keep your baby safe while overcoming the teething blues. Avoid the use of over-the-counter homeopathic remedies as well as teething medications that contain benzocaine or lidocaine because these pain relievers can be harmful to your little one. Moreover, steer away from teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets because they often pose a risk of choking, strangulation, or injury.

Keeping Your Child’s Smile Clean and Healthy

Even before those tiny chompers come in, we recommend cleaning your baby’s gums at least twice a day using a soft infant toothbrush or a clean washcloth.