Teething two month old. Teething at 2 Months: Early Signs, Symptoms, and Effective Remedies

11.12.202010.07.2023 by alexxlab

When do babies typically start teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe a teething baby. Is it normal for a 2-month-old to show signs of teething. What remedies are safe and effective for teething discomfort.

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Understanding Early Teething: Can Babies Start at 2 Months?

While most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, some infants may show signs as early as 2 months. This early teething, though uncommon, is generally not a cause for concern. It’s important to understand that every baby develops at their own pace, and the timing of teething can vary widely among infants.

Is it possible for a 2-month-old to be teething? Yes, it is possible, although rare. Some babies are born with teeth, known as natal teeth, which occur in about 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 births. Early teething, or teething before 4 months, is more common and can be influenced by genetic factors.

Factors Influencing Early Teething

Genetics: Family history of early teething
Nutrition: Proper nutrition during pregnancy and infancy
Individual development: Some babies simply develop faster
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or medications

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

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in Young Infants

Teething symptoms can vary from baby to baby, but there are some common signs to look out for, even in very young infants. Understanding these symptoms can help parents provide appropriate care and comfort to their teething baby.

Common Teething Symptoms

Excessive drooling
Swollen or tender gums
Irritability and fussiness
Chewing on objects
Slight increase in body temperature (not exceeding 101°F or 38.3°C)
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 (above 101°F or 38.3°C) is not typically associated with teething. If your baby has a high fever, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician as it may indicate another underlying issue.

Differentiating Teething from Other Health Issues

It’s crucial for parents to distinguish between teething symptoms and signs of other health problems. Some symptoms often attributed to teething may actually indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

Symptoms Not Typically Associated with Teething

High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rash (other than facial rash from drooling)
Persistent crying or inconsolability
Refusal to eat or drink for extended periods

If your baby experiences any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

Safe and Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

When your baby is experiencing teething discomfort, there are several safe and effective remedies you can try to alleviate their pain and provide comfort. It’s important to choose age-appropriate methods, especially for very young infants.

Soothing Teething Remedies for Babies

Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger
Offering a cold teething ring or washcloth
Using a soft, silicone-based teething toy
Providing extra cuddles and comfort
Offering cold foods (for babies over 6 months who have started solids)

Are teething gels safe for babies? The use of teething gels, especially those containing benzocaine, is not recommended for infants due to potential side effects. Always consult with a pediatrician before using any over-the-counter teething remedies.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene During Teething

Even before the first tooth emerges, it’s crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits for your baby. This not only helps prevent dental problems but also soothes sore gums during the teething process.

Oral Care Tips for Teething Babies

Gently clean gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth begin to appear
Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle to prevent tooth decay
Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing

How often should you clean a teething baby’s gums? It’s recommended to clean your baby’s gums at least twice a day, especially after feedings and before bedtime. This helps remove bacteria and food particles that can irritate sore gums.

Nutritional Considerations for Teething Babies

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting healthy tooth development and overall oral health. During the teething process, some babies may experience changes in their eating habits, making it important to ensure they’re still getting adequate nutrition.

Nutritional Tips for Teething Infants

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual
Offer cool, soft foods for babies over 6 months
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay
Introduce a variety of textures to encourage chewing (for older babies)

Can teething affect a baby’s appetite? Yes, some babies may eat less during teething due to gum discomfort. However, this is usually temporary. If you notice a significant decrease in appetite or weight loss, consult with your pediatrician.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Teething Issues

While teething is a normal part of infant development, there are situations where medical attention may be necessary. It’s important for parents to be aware of these scenarios to ensure their baby’s health and well-being.

Signs That Warrant a Visit to the Pediatrician

Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
Severe or prolonged diarrhea
Significant decrease in fluid intake or signs of dehydration
Unusual rash or skin changes
Extreme irritability or inconsolable crying
No teeth by 18 months of age

Should you be concerned if your baby hasn’t started teething by 6 months? No, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. The age at which babies start teething can vary widely. However, if your baby hasn’t shown any signs of teething by 12 months, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

The Impact of Teething on Sleep Patterns

Teething can significantly affect a baby’s sleep patterns, often leading to disrupted nights for both infants and parents. Understanding these changes and implementing strategies to promote better sleep can help families navigate this challenging period.

Strategies for Improving Sleep During Teething

Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
Offer extra comfort and soothing before sleep
Use white noise or gentle music to create a calming environment
Ensure the baby’s sleeping area is at a comfortable temperature
Consider offering a teething toy or pacifier (if age-appropriate)

How long does teething-related sleep disruption typically last? The duration can vary, but most babies experience sleep disturbances for a few days to a week around the time a new tooth is emerging. However, some babies may be affected for longer periods.

While teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, understanding the process and being prepared with safe, effective remedies can make it more manageable. Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience, consistency, and a lot of love will help you and your little one get through this important developmental stage.

As your baby continues to grow and develop, teething will become just another milestone in their journey. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating their first full set of teeth and all the adorable smiles that come with it. Stay attentive to your baby’s needs, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. With the right approach and support, you can help make teething a more comfortable experience for your little one.

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.

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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.