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.

Understanding Early Teething: Can a 2-Month-Old Really Be Teething?

While most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, it’s not unheard of for some infants to show signs of teething as early as 2 months. This phenomenon, known as early teething, can catch many parents off guard. But is it actually possible for such young babies to be cutting teeth?

The short answer is yes, it is possible. Some babies are simply early developers when it comes to dentition. In fact, about 1 in 2,000 babies are born with one or more teeth already present, a condition known as natal teeth. While uncommon, early teething is generally not a cause for concern.

Factors Influencing Early Teething

• Genetics: If parents or siblings were early teethers, there’s a higher chance the baby will be too.
• Nutrition: A well-nourished baby may develop teeth earlier.
• Hormones: Certain hormonal imbalances can accelerate tooth development.
• Individual variability: Every baby develops at their own pace.

It’s important to note that while some babies may show signs of teething at 2 months, it doesn’t necessarily mean a tooth will emerge immediately. The teething process can be lengthy, and symptoms may come and go before a tooth actually breaks through the gum.

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in Your 2-Month-Old

Identifying teething symptoms in a 2-month-old can be challenging, as many of these signs overlap with normal infant behaviors. However, there are some specific indicators that your young baby might be starting the teething process:

• Excessive drooling
• Increased fussiness or irritability
• Gnawing or chewing on objects
• Swollen or tender gums
• Slight increase in body temperature (but not a true fever)
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Are these symptoms definitive proof of teething in a 2-month-old? Not necessarily, but they can be indicators that the process is beginning. It’s always best to consult with your pediatrician if you’re unsure or concerned about your baby’s symptoms.

The Science Behind Early Tooth Development

To understand why some babies might start teething as early as 2 months, it’s helpful to look at the science of tooth development. Tooth buds, which are the foundational structures of teeth, begin forming in the jaw during fetal development. After birth, these buds continue to develop and eventually push through the gums.

In some cases, this process accelerates, leading to early teething. But why does this happen? Researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to early tooth eruption:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Hormonal influences
3. Nutritional status
4. Environmental factors

While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, it’s clear that tooth development is a complex process influenced by multiple factors. This complexity explains why there can be such variability in when babies start teething.

Differentiating Teething from Other Health Issues

One challenge parents face when dealing with potential early teething is distinguishing teething symptoms from other health issues. This is particularly important in 2-month-olds, as they are still very young and vulnerable.

How can you tell if your baby’s symptoms are due to teething or something else? Here are some key differences:

If your 2-month-old is experiencing symptoms that seem severe or out of the ordinary, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine whether the symptoms are related to teething or if there’s another underlying cause that needs attention.

Safe and Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort in Young Infants

When your 2-month-old is showing signs of teething discomfort, you naturally want to provide relief. However, it’s crucial to choose safe and age-appropriate remedies. Here are some options that can help soothe your teething baby:

• Gentle gum massage: Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby’s gums.
• Cold washcloth: Offer a clean, damp washcloth that’s been chilled in the refrigerator (not freezer).
• Teething rings: Choose solid (not liquid-filled) teething rings designed for young infants.
• Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding: The sucking motion can provide comfort.
• Extra cuddles and attention: Sometimes, simple comfort measures can make a big difference.

Are there any remedies to avoid for a teething 2-month-old? Yes, certain treatments are not recommended for babies this young:

• Teething gels or tablets containing benzocaine
• Over-the-counter pain medications (unless advised by a doctor)
• Amber teething necklaces (choking hazard)
• Frozen teething rings (too hard for young gums)

Always consult with your pediatrician before trying any new teething remedies, especially for such a young infant.

The Impact of Early Teething on Feeding and Sleep Patterns

Early teething can potentially disrupt your 2-month-old’s feeding and sleep routines. Understanding these changes can help you navigate this challenging period more effectively.

Changes in Feeding Patterns

Teething may affect your baby’s feeding habits in several ways:

• Increased feeding frequency: Some babies may want to nurse or bottle-feed more often for comfort.
• Decreased appetite: Gum discomfort might make some babies less interested in feeding.
• Changes in latch: For breastfed babies, teething discomfort might affect their latch.

How can you support your teething baby’s nutrition? Here are some strategies:

• Offer smaller, more frequent feedings if your baby seems uncomfortable.
• Try feeding in different positions to find what’s most comfortable for your baby.
• For bottle-fed babies, experiment with different nipple flows to see what works best.

Sleep Disruptions

Teething discomfort can also impact your baby’s sleep patterns:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• More frequent night wakings
• Shorter naps

To help your teething baby sleep better:

• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
• Offer extra comfort and soothing before sleep
• Use white noise or gentle music to create a calming environment

Remember, these changes are usually temporary. As your baby adjusts to the teething process, feeding and sleep patterns typically return to normal.

When to Consult a Pediatrician About Early Teething

While early teething is generally not a cause for concern, there are situations where it’s advisable to seek professional medical advice. Here are some instances when you should consult your pediatrician:

• If your baby has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• If teething symptoms seem severe or are interfering significantly with eating or sleeping
• If you notice any signs of infection in the gums, such as excessive swelling or redness
• If your baby seems to be in excessive pain that’s not relieved by typical soothing methods
• If you’re concerned about your baby’s overall development or growth

Your pediatrician can provide a thorough examination to rule out any other potential issues and offer guidance on managing your baby’s teething symptoms.

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

When you visit your pediatrician, consider asking the following questions:

1. Is my baby’s early teething within the range of normal development?
2. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch for?
3. What are the best ways to soothe my baby’s teething discomfort at this age?
4. How might early teething affect my baby’s feeding and sleep patterns?
5. Are there any additional care measures I should take for my baby’s emerging teeth?

Remember, your pediatrician is your best resource for personalized advice about your baby’s health and development.

Long-Term Considerations for Early Teethers

While early teething itself is not typically a cause for long-term concern, it does raise some considerations for your child’s future dental health and development. Understanding these can help you provide the best care for your child’s teeth from the start.

Early Dental Care

For babies who start teething early, it’s important to begin dental care routines early as well. Here are some tips:

• Start cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before teeth emerge.
• Once teeth appear, use an infant toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
• Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.

Potential Impact on Tooth Alignment

Early teething doesn’t necessarily mean your child will have dental alignment issues later, but it’s something to monitor. Some considerations include:

• Early loss of baby teeth: If baby teeth come in early, they might also fall out early, which could affect the alignment of permanent teeth.
• Spacing issues: Early teething might impact the spacing of teeth as they come in.

Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address any potential alignment issues early on.

Nutritional Considerations

Early teething might also influence your child’s transition to solid foods. Some points to keep in mind:

• Early teethers might be ready for certain textured foods sooner, but always follow your pediatrician’s guidance on introducing solids.
• Be cautious about offering hard foods that could damage emerging teeth.
• Avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle to prevent early tooth decay.

By being aware of these long-term considerations, you can ensure that your early teether gets off to the best possible start with their dental health.

Embracing the Journey: Supporting Your Early Teething Baby

Discovering that your 2-month-old is showing signs of teething can be surprising and even a bit overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and early teething is simply one variation of normal development.

As you navigate this unexpected milestone, keep these key points in mind:

• Early teething is generally not a cause for concern, but always consult with your pediatrician if you have doubts.
• Be prepared for potential changes in feeding and sleep patterns, and adjust your routines as needed.
• Focus on safe, age-appropriate soothing methods to help your baby through any discomfort.
• Start good oral hygiene habits early to protect those precious first teeth.
• Remember that this phase is temporary, and your baby will soon adjust to their new teeth.

Above all, trust your instincts as a parent. You know your baby best, and with patience, love, and support, you’ll both get through this teething journey together. Celebrate this early milestone as another step in your baby’s unique developmental path, and look forward to the adorable toothy smiles to come!

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.

When do baby’s first teeth erupt?

All babies teething according to their own individual program: for some, this process begins earlier, for others later. As practice shows, the first tooth in most children appears at the age of 6 to 8.5 months, and by the year every healthy child has at least one milk tooth in his mouth.

At the age of three or four months, teeth preparing for eruption begin to actively declare themselves: the baby becomes capricious, cries, tries to bite everything that gets into his hands.

The first to appear are usually the two lower, centrally located teeth (lower central incisors or “ones”). Then – the central upper incisors, after which, by about ten months, the upper “twos”, or lateral upper incisors, erupt. By eleven to twelve months, the lateral incisors can also be seen on the lower jaw. Thus, ideally, a one-year-old child is the proud owner of eight milk teeth.

By about sixteen months, many babies already have first molars on the bottom and top. Fangs (“threes”) appear at the top and bottom later, in the eighteenth – twenty-second month of a child’s life. The second upper and lower molars erupt at the age of 24-33 months. But again, it should be remembered that this process is individual and the order of teething may also be different.

Teeth often grow in pairs: two, and sometimes four at the same time. In girls, for the most part, teeth erupt earlier than in boys. By the age of 2.5-3 years, a complete set of twenty fully erupted teeth can be found in a baby.

Alertness must be shown if a child who is almost a year old does not have a single tooth. In principle, some children may have a congenital feature in the form of late teething, but you should not draw any conclusions on your own, you should definitely consult with a qualified specialist who, if necessary, will prescribe additional examinations.

Causes of late teething in children:

• hereditary predisposition, which is a variant of the norm and can be traced in other blood relatives;
• decreased thyroid function;
• rickets;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• violations of enzymatic (fermentation) metabolism;
• pituitary insufficiency;
• lack of calcium in the child’s body;
• genetically determined diseases.

For the baby himself, the process of teething can proceed in different ways. Some children practically do not experience discomfort, others suffer from pain, their sleep is disturbed, their appetite worsens, their temperature rises (up to 38-39 ° C), salivation increases, nasal congestion, wet cough (due to profuse salivation), constipation or, conversely, , increased stool.

Experts recommend starting caring for the child’s oral cavity even before the first teeth erupt: in the morning and evening, before going to bed, the child’s gums should be gently wiped with a swab previously moistened with warm water. After the first teeth appear, you need to clean them with a special fingertip brush, which can also be used to massage the gum tissue. The front teeth should be cleaned with vertical movements, the side teeth with circular movements.

The network of Healthy Smile dental clinics employs experienced pediatric dentists, to whom you can book your baby for a free consultation.

Healthy Smile clinics provide discounts for regular customers, family discounts, various payment methods are possible, and the list of promotional offers to reduce the cost of certain types of services, including for children, is regularly updated.

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Teething: how to help the baby?

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• Teething: how to help the baby?

Teething is a natural process for every small child, which, however, turns into a painful condition for him, and even more stress for his parents. It is hard to watch when a small child is in pain. During this period, the baby develops symptoms similar to a severe cold: ear pain, fever, diarrhea, general body aches and a runny nose. Plus, the baby cries and acts up more than usual. Sometimes such symptoms are absent or pass almost imperceptibly – after all, much here depends on the nature of the little man. All children are different – this is a well-known truth, therefore their development (and teething refers specifically to growth and development) is completely different. In any case, parents should not be afraid, because their baby is growing, and our article will tell how to help him during this period.

When do the first milk teeth appear?

It is generally accepted that the first milk teeth appear in a baby at six months. In fact, they are formed in the baby’s mouth even when he is in the mother’s stomach. In the sixth or eighth week of pregnancy, twenty teeth are born, which are called rudiments. When a baby is six months old, milk teeth appear, deep under which, by that time, permanent teeth are at the embryonic stage. There are cases when a child is born with teeth, but they are very rare. It happens that the baby’s dental system develops too early, and already at three months small white spots in the gums are visible in the mouth. Milk teeth may appear not in six months, but in a year. Although such a development of the situation is considered a deviation from the norm, as a rule, this is not associated with pathologies, but with various characteristics of the child’s body and heredity.

With rare exceptions, children’s dental system develops in this order:

• Six months or about a year – four incisors appear in the mouth: two upper and two lower;
• One year – deuces appear, – one more incisors – four pieces;
• One and a half years – the appearance of molars, upper and lower;
• Two years – teething;
• Three years – the appearance of a row of molars.

Signs of teething in a child. How to define them?

Those signs that parents are waiting for – fever and pain, do not appear immediately. But to recognize that the baby begins the process of teething is still not difficult. If you notice that the child began to salivate, and any thing that was in his hands, he strives to taste and chew well with his gums, then the baby is teething. This sign never fails. During this period, it is especially important to monitor the cleanliness of toys and other hygiene at home.

The second sign of teething is swelling and redness of the gums. In order to detect this, you just need to watch the baby’s mouth, paying attention to the tops of the gums. If you saw white spots there, then it’s time to buy a special device at the pharmacy – a teether.

The third symptom is a bad mood that the child experiences from periodic pain. The kid is not interested in playing, he often cries and is naughty, and in connection with this, his night’s sleep may also deteriorate. This period lasts only two days, but parents should be patient and show their love to the child more often than usual.

The fourth most unpleasant sign of teething is various pains and temperature. It is important here not to confuse these pains with cold symptoms or indigestion. The baby may begin to have a runny nose, diarrhea, fever, ear pain and a general weakening of the immune system, in addition, the gums may ache and itch a lot. During this period, the child’s vulnerability to infections increases. This state can last two or three days, and it ends as quickly as it appeared.

How can you help the baby and alleviate his condition?

First aid is the care, affection and kindness that parents are obliged to surround their child with. After all, in an atmosphere of love and tenderness, even getting sick is not so scary, and small children feel this truth very well. To protect the baby from infections, it is necessary to observe hygiene in the house, it is especially important to ventilate the room well while the baby is on a walk or in another room. If any infection has entered the room, then airing will reduce the risk of its spread to a minimum. Don’t forget gum toys. The fact is that during this period the baby experiences considerable itching in the gums, and the teether is made of a pleasant, soft material. They can not only scratch the gums, but also cool them, because these devices are filled with cold water. In case you notice that in addition to the teether, additional help is needed for the gums, you can purchase a special tooth gel with the appropriate age mark: from 0 or 6 months. This drug relieves itching, pain and swelling of the gums. Also, be careful with the use of antipyretics. The fact is that temperature is a friend of a person, even the smallest. If the temperature rises to 38 or even 39This means that the body fights infection well. Therefore, by lowering the temperature, you deprive the child’s body of the natural ability to fight infection. In addition, a sharp drop in temperature is very harmful to the body. In folk medicine, there are good ways that effectively, and most importantly, safely reduce the temperature: these are wraps with a damp cloth. Soak a cotton cloth or gauze in cool water and wrap it around the baby’s legs. This method is not only antipyretic, but also relieves other unpleasant symptoms: headache and body aches.

Also, do not rush to give your child medicines if the baby has a little stomachache or a runny nose. Any medical medicine is produced chemically, which is not so good for the health of the child. In addition, teething is not a dangerous process, so such strict measures should not be applied. But it is still necessary to alleviate the condition of the child, for which proven folk methods are perfect – these are decoctions of herbs. Pain in the tummy very well and quickly soothes a weak infusion of peppermint, which, moreover, will help the baby calm down and fall asleep faster. The same herb also helps with vomiting. In addition, peppermint is an antispasmodic, which means it copes well with headaches. In addition to mint, you can prepare a light decoction of chamomile or oregano. Natural pomace of eucalyptus or Kalanchoe helps with a runny nose, but they are far from always available. It is worth preparing for this in advance by asking the local pediatrician for a prescription for preparing an ointment for a cold in a pharmacy. These remedies are made from herbs. They are natural, safe and effective.

In order to survive the period of teething as painlessly as possible, try to prepare all the means in advance, while not forgetting to consult a pediatrician.

How to properly care for children’s teeth?

• Your baby’s oral care should start from the first milk teeth. The best toothbrush for a child under one year old is mom’s or dad’s finger, which is wrapped in a soft cloth, mostly gauze. During such brushing, it is very important not to frighten or upset the child, trying to turn this activity into an interesting game.
• Children under the age of three who already have molars should buy a soft silicone brush and fluoride-free toothpaste. To make your baby like pasta, choose products with a pleasant, sweet taste. Most importantly, make sure that the child does not swallow the paste. It is very important not to scare the child away from brushing their teeth, but on the contrary, to show that this is an interesting and enjoyable activity. It is good if the parents themselves set an example for the baby, performing the procedure of brushing their teeth together.
• Try to get your child to brush their own teeth by the age of three. At the same time, you must control this process, check the result, and, if necessary, gently show the child where he made a mistake this time.

Children’s tooth gel in our boutique

Gel Sweet Banana

Gel berry cherry

Gel Neutral

Gel Pink Pear

Teach your child to brush their teeth correctly from an early age, that is, after eating. After all, this is logical, because after breakfast, the teeth will see the brush and paste only in the evening. Another important rule for a child’s dental hygiene is the restriction of eating sweets such as sweets, cakes, lollipops, cakes and sweet water. To maintain healthy teeth for as long as possible, ideally, it would be worthwhile to completely protect the child from this kind of sweets. But we all understand that it is not easy. Therefore, an important and responsible matter of parents should be to control the amount of sweets, because in addition to the risk of caries, sweets can cause other problems in the body. Taking care of your baby’s teeth will help him avoid many problems in the future, such as tooth decay, toothache, malocclusion and disproportionate growth of facial bones. Thanks to the right actions and the responsible approach of parents, children will keep a beautiful smile for life.

Make an appointment with a doctor now

We hope this article has helped you prepare for the big event of teething and put our tips into practice. The specialists of our center are always ready to conduct a preventive examination of the condition of your child’s teeth and, if necessary, correct the formation of the dentoalveolar system.