When do babies start teething. What are the common signs of teething. How can parents soothe a teething baby. What is the typical timeline for baby tooth eruption. How should parents care for their baby’s new teeth.

Understanding the Teething Process: When Does It Begin?

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth through the gums. But when exactly does this process start? While every child is unique, most babies begin teething around 6 months of age. However, it’s important to note that this can vary considerably from one infant to another.

Is it possible for teething to start earlier or later? Indeed, some babies may show signs of teething as early as 3 months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday. This wide range is considered normal and generally not a cause for concern.

The Typical Teething Timeline

1. Before birth: 20 teeth develop under the gums
2. Around 6 months: Teething typically begins
3. 6-12 months: First teeth (usually bottom central incisors) appear
4. 9-13 months: Top four front teeth emerge
5. 13-19 months: Molars begin to come in
6. 16-23 months: Canine teeth emerge
7. 23-33 months: Second molars appear
8. By age 3: Most children have all 20 primary teeth

Are you curious about which teeth come in first? Typically, the bottom front teeth (central incisors) are the first to emerge, followed by the top front teeth. However, it’s essential to remember that this order can vary among babies.

Recognizing the Signs: How to Tell If Your Baby Is Teething

Identifying teething symptoms can help parents understand and address their baby’s discomfort. While some infants may sail through teething with minimal fuss, others might experience significant discomfort. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Increased drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Irritability or fussiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
• Gnawing on objects

Do all babies exhibit these symptoms during teething? Not necessarily. Some babies might show several of these signs, while others may display only one or two. It’s also worth noting that these symptoms can come and go over several days or even weeks.

Teething Myths Debunked

Can teething cause fever or diarrhea? Contrary to popular belief, teething does not typically cause high fever or diarrhea. While a slight temperature increase might occur, a true fever (above 100.4째F or 38째C) is not a normal teething symptom. If your baby develops a fever or diarrhea, it’s best to consult your pediatrician as these symptoms may indicate an illness unrelated to teething.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Ways to Comfort a Teething Baby

Watching your baby struggle with teething discomfort can be challenging, but there are several ways to help ease their pain. Here are some safe and effective methods to soothe a teething baby:

• Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Offer a cold teething ring or a clean, wet washcloth
• Provide safe objects for chewing, such as teething biscuits or rubber teething toys
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers (consult your pediatrician first)
• Try chilled (not frozen) fruits in a mesh feeder for babies eating solids

Is it safe to use teething gels or tablets? The FDA advises against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine for children under two years old due to potential health risks. Always consult your pediatrician before using any medication or teething product.

Dental Care for New Teeth: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s time to start a dental care routine. Proper oral hygiene from an early age can help prevent cavities and set the foundation for lifelong dental health. Here’s how to care for your baby’s new teeth:

1. Clean gums before teeth emerge using a soft, damp cloth
2. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with water once teeth appear
3. Introduce a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste around age 2
4. Begin flossing when two teeth touch each other
5. Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth’s appearance

Should you be concerned if your baby’s teeth come in crooked? It’s common for baby teeth to come in slightly crooked or spaced out. This is usually not a cause for worry as these spaces can allow room for adult teeth to grow in later. However, if you have concerns, it’s always best to consult with a pediatric dentist.

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. As your baby grows and starts teething, it’s important to be mindful of their diet to support healthy teeth and gums.

Foods to Encourage

• Calcium-rich foods (once solid foods are introduced): yogurt, cheese, leafy greens
• Vitamin C-rich foods: fruits like strawberries and oranges
• Vitamin D: found in egg yolks, fish, and fortified foods
• Phosphorus: present in meat, fish, and eggs

Foods to Limit

• Sugary snacks and drinks
• Sticky foods that can cling to teeth
• Acidic foods and beverages

Can breastfeeding affect teething? Breastfeeding itself doesn’t directly impact teething, but it can provide comfort to a teething baby. However, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene even for exclusively breastfed babies to prevent the risk of early childhood caries.

Teething and Sleep: Managing Nighttime Discomfort

Teething can often disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, leading to restless nights for both baby and parents. While this phase is temporary, there are strategies to help soothe your teething baby at night:

• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
• Offer extra cuddles and comfort
• Use a cool, damp washcloth for gum massage before bed
• Consider safe pain relief options if recommended by your pediatrician
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature

Is it normal for teething to cause night waking? Yes, it’s common for teething discomfort to cause babies to wake more frequently at night. However, if sleep disturbances persist for an extended period, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician to rule out other potential causes.

Beyond Teething: Preparing for Dental Milestones

While teething is a significant phase in your baby’s development, it’s just the beginning of their dental journey. Understanding what comes next can help you prepare for future dental milestones:

Key Dental Milestones

1. First dental visit (by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth)
2. Complete set of primary teeth (usually by age 3)
3. Beginning of tooth loss (around age 6)
4. Eruption of first permanent molars (around age 6)
5. Complete set of permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) by early teens

When should you start teaching your child to brush their own teeth? While you should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, you can begin involving your child in the process around age 2 or 3. However, children typically need supervision and assistance with brushing until about age 7 or 8 to ensure they’re doing a thorough job.

Teething Complications: When to Seek Professional Help

While teething is a normal process, there are instances where professional intervention may be necessary. Being aware of potential complications can help you know when to seek help:

Signs to Watch For

• Fever over 101째F (38.3째C)
• Severe or prolonged diarrhea
• Excessive irritability or lethargy
• Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period
• Signs of dehydration
• Rash that spreads beyond the mouth area
• Delayed tooth eruption (no teeth by 18 months)

Should you be concerned if your baby’s teeth come in out of order? While there’s a typical order for tooth eruption, variations are common and usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice significant delays or irregularities, it’s best to consult with a pediatric dentist for peace of mind.

Remember, every baby’s teething experience is unique. While these guidelines provide a general framework, always trust your instincts as a parent. If you have concerns about your baby’s teething process or oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist for personalized advice and care.

How Do I Know If My Baby Is Teething

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As a new parent, you’re probably wondering, “when do babies start getting their teeth?” Well, it’s a great question to ask, and it’s always best to be prepared for the moment when your baby starts teething. Learn what teething is, the signs and symptoms to look out for, how to treat it, and the best way to care for your baby’s teeth when they come in.

What is Teething, and When Does it Start?

Teething is when teeth first come through a baby’s gums. It’s a big deal for the baby and the parents. The American Dental Association provides a great tooth eruption chart for reference. If your little one has teeth coming in early, that’s okay. What’s important is that your child visits the dentist within six months following the eruption of their first tooth.

Here’s a general timeline of what happens with baby teeth:

• Before birth: Baby grows 20 teeth under the gums
• Around six months: Baby starts teething
• Within the first year: The first teeth start growing; they’re typically the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. Next, come the top four teeth, called the central and lateral incisors.
• 13-14 months: Upper and lower first molars come in
• 16-17 months: Upper and lower canines come in
• 23-25 months: Upper and lower second molars come in
• By age 3: Our child will likely have their 20 baby teeth

Signs of Teething

Symptoms of teething vary from child to child. So, how can you tell if your baby is teething? Some babies feel no pain, while others may have pain and tenderness that lasts for several weeks. A baby may show one or more of the following signs if they’re teething:

• Rubbing their gums. Babies generally love to put things in their mouths but rubbing things on their gums may become excessive when the teething process begins.
• Drooling. Some babies drool so much from teething that it soaks their clothes. They may even develop a rash on their cheeks and chin from the excess moisture. To keep your baby comfortable, gently dry their chin and change wet clothes throughout the day.
• Crankiness. If your baby seems cranky, a tooth may be pushing through despite otherwise being healthy.
• Wakefulness. If your once great sleeper has begun waking up at night or is refusing to take naps, it may be a sign of teething.
• Loss of Appetite. If your baby is on a nursing/eating strike, it may be a teething symptom as eating can irritate sore gums. If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t eating enough, check in with your pediatrician.

If you observe two or more of these signs, your baby is likely teething. While teething might cause a slight rise in your child’s temperature, fever is not one of the typical symptoms of teething. Neither is diarrhea. You should contact your on-call pediatrician if your child develops a fever or diarrhea because it could be a sign of something else.

How To Treat Teething

The good news is that there are many options for treating teething. Over-the-counter pain-relief medicines, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help to dull the pain. Check in with your pediatrician before giving your baby pain medication. They’ll guide you with specific recommendations and dosage information.

There are also several ways to soothe your teething baby, including refrigerating your baby’s teething ring or using a clean finger to apply pressure on the gums. A warm bath and gentle rocking may also help to calm and relax the child.

It’s important to note that numbing compounds containing topical benzocaine (similar to the gel used by dental professionals) are available. However, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned parents about the adverse, grave effects of using benzocaine for children under two years of age. So, it’s essential to utilize other options. As always, you should check with your child’s dentist or physician before using any product for teething relief.

Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth

Dentists recommend using a clean washcloth to gently clean your baby’s mouth, even before the first tooth arrives. Toothpaste is not as necessary in these early stages as removing bacteria. Follow these tips when taking care of your baby’s teeth:

• Brush with an infant toothbrush using water.
• When your baby’s teeth touch, you can start flossing.
• Around 2, gradually introduce fluoride toothpaste to your child’s brushing routine. You can also start teaching your child to spit while brushing.

At your baby’s first dentist appointment, your dentist will guide you through the steps in caring for your baby’s teeth and gums in more detail. Also, it’s always good to ask them about fluoride.

Now you know about babies teething and the crucial signs to look out for like gum rubbing, crankiness, and sleep or appetite changes. These signs may mean other things, but the combination of two or more of these symptoms more than likely indicates a tooth is erupting. Remember that fever and diarrhea are not actual symptoms related to teething. And be sure to reach out to your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing either. There are plenty of ways to soothe your baby if they’re teething, like refrigerating their teething ring or over-the-counter pain-relief medicines like ibuprofen. So, if your baby is teething, you’re now set and ready to make them feel most comfortable.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

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When do babies start teething? Timeline, signs, and more

Newborns typically have 20 baby teeth concealed below the gumline. Teething is the process of these teeth erupting through the gums.

Teething usually begins about halfway through the first year of life. Different teeth erupt at different rates, with the front teeth tending to emerge first.

During teething, a baby may feel pain and discomfort, and they can show this in various ways.

In this article, we give a general timeline for the eruption of baby teeth. We also describe signs of teething and provide tips on easing any pain and discomfort.

Share on PinterestGnawing or biting on objects can be a sign that a baby is starting teething.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), baby teeth tend to appear within the first 6–8 months of life.

The first teeth to erupt are usually the front teeth at the top or bottom of the mouth. Dentists refer to these teeth as the incisors. The rate and order in which the other teeth appear can differ from one baby to another.

The ADA provide the following timeline of the usual ages at which baby teeth emerge:

• lower central incisors (the bottom front two teeth): 6–10 months
• upper central incisors (the top front two teeth): 8–12 months
• upper lateral incisors (at either side of the central incisors): 9–13 months
• lower lateral incisors (at either side of the central incisors): 10–16 months
• upper first molars (behind the upper canines): 13–19 months
• lower first molars (behind the lower canines): 14–18 months
• upper canines: 16–22 months
• lower canines: 17–23 months
• lower second molars: 23–31 months
• upper second molars: 25–33 months

If there is no sign of any teeth appearing at about 6 or 7 months of age, this is usually no cause for concern, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

By the baby’s first birthday, they should see a dentist, whether or not they have teeth yet.

The enamel coating on baby teeth is thinner than that on adult teeth, and so it is more prone to cavities. For this reason, routine dental checkups are important for babies.

There are several indications that a baby is teething, including:

• increased irritability
• increased crying
• drooling
• a rash around the mouth, neck, or chest, caused by drooling
• gnawing or biting on objects
• cheek rubbing
• ear pulling
• a slight elevation in temperature, but not a fever

At about 6 months of age, when teething usually begins, a baby’s immune system is starting to develop, and the antibodies received from the placenta are wearing off. During this time, babies start developing colds and other viral illnesses.

It can be easy to mistake symptoms of a minor cold — such as a fever, a runny nose, fussiness, or poor appetite — for symptoms of teething.

Also, many babies put things in their mouths, drool more, and bite or chew on objects when they are this age, whether or not they are teething.

A parent or caregiver can take some steps to ease discomfort during teething and prevent issues such as a rash developing on the face or neck.

A person might try:

• providing a rubber teething ring to satisfy the urge to bite or chew
• rubbing the gums for a few minutes at a time to help prevent cheek-rubbing and ear-pulling
• applying a barrier cream or moisturizing ointment to the cheeks to help prevent a rash
• keeping the area around the mouth, cheeks, and neck as clean and dry as possible to prevent skin irritation
• spending more time comforting the baby, for example by holding them for longer periods during the day
• providing a safe dosage of a pain medication suitable for infants

Some approaches to teething can be dangerous for babies. Parents and caregivers should avoid:

Freezable teething rings

These tend to become very hard in the freezer and can hurt a baby’s gums, causing more harm than good in the long term.

Topical pain relievers

People should avoid using topical pain relief medications, such as creams or gels, on infants’ gums.

These can be harmful if a parent or caregiver accidentally applies too much or the baby swallows an excessive amount.

It is especially important to avoid gels containing benzocaine, such as Orajel products, because the medication can cause side effects.

Products containing belladonna

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned people against using teething tablets that contain extracts of the Atropa belladonna plant, commonly called belladonna.

Their investigations indicate that some of these products contain potentially toxic levels of belladonna.

The FDA have received reports of babies experiencing serious health issues after taking teething products that contain belladonna.

In most cases, a baby will not need to see a doctor because of teething. Home care can often provide relief from pain and discomfort.

However, a parent or caregiver should contact a doctor anytime an infant has a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C), with or without additional symptoms. It could indicate that the baby has an infection.

During teething, a baby may pass looser stools. However, if a parent or caregiver believes that a baby has diarrhea, they should contact a doctor. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially if it is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by vomiting.

A baby should visit a dentist by their first birthday, whether or not their teeth have started to come through. Also, routine dental care is important to prevent cavities in baby teeth.

Teething typically begins around 6 months of age. Some signs include irritability, drooling, and gnawing on objects, though not all babies experience the pain or discomfort that causes these behaviors.

A parent or caregiver can typically treat any associated discomfort at home. However, contact a doctor if an infant develops a fever, diarrhea, or other common cold or flu symptoms.

Even if their teeth have yet to appear, a baby should receive a dental checkup by their first birthday.

Teething of the first teeth in children

The first teeth in a baby appear most often at the age of 5-6 months. This is such a generally accepted average standard. Although it is quite possible that the first tooth will appear in a child at 3 months , and even in a month or two.

Mom notices with surprise that two pretty little white teeth are peeking out from the lower gum. The joy is great, but then anxiety begins – is this good, is it right? We want to quickly reassure the parents – this is quite normal. Every child is different and goes through different stages of development in their own way. And so it turns out that the intrauterine development of the tooth germs passed quickly, the child received a sufficient amount of the necessary elements and minerals for the growth of milk teeth. The rudiments of teeth are formed approximately at the 10th week of pregnancy, by the time of birth the teeth are already mineralized, although they are located under the gums. Why is that? The answer is in the article “Why children are born without teeth.”

Signs of teething in children

An important role is played by the nutrition of the baby, as well as the factor of heredity. That is why the age of the baby at the time of the appearance of the first teeth can vary greatly. By the way, our ancestors had many beliefs related to teeth. The first tooth in a child – signs : if the baby teething very early – within a year he will have a brother or sister. And yet, it was believed that children with early teeth are very smart. This is true, such children in everything develop faster than others. They also have an early replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones. Parents should be responsible for their health, because the early appearance of milk teeth and their early replacement cause an increased risk of hypoplasia and caries, and children are more prone to anemia and hypovitaminosis.

Parents are very worried about the question: Are children born with teeth? Yes, such cases occur, although quite rarely. Once this fact scared people very much, a child born with teeth was considered the embodiment of dark forces, and it was very difficult for him in life.

Today we declare with responsibility – these are all prejudices and nonsense. It’s just that in the formation of the body there was such a failure. Unfortunately, sometimes there is an incorrect development of certain organs, their absence or a paired number is observed. So it is with teeth. It happens that a child’s teeth grow out of order, crooked or erupt second row of teeth . Often this is a hereditary trait – many members of the same family can have similar problems. This, of course, is unpleasant, but not fatal.

Modern dentistry treats various anomalies of the dentition without consequences for the overall development of a person. No need to be frightened, fill your head with various bad thoughts and experiences. And if the child was born with teeth , then the only trouble is that at first it can hurt the mother when the baby sucks the breast until she gets used to it. Don’t even talk about it to anyone. Your children are wonderful, full-fledged people, they will grow up big and healthy. And our experts will help you professionally and quickly get rid of all problems. In the next article, we will tell you which signs of teething in children, how to help your baby easily survive the difficult period of teething, and how to keep them healthy and beautiful.

Terms and order of eruption of milk teeth in children

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Baby teeth eruption is a strictly individual process for each child. Normally – deviations of 5-6 months from the declared standards. In most babies, the first teeth begin to cut at 6 months, but there are cases when this process begins already in the first three months or only after a year. Moreover, it is not at all necessary that the rudiments be visible at the initial stage. Children’s teeth can start cutting at six months, and the first white bumps will be noticeable by the year.

Standard timing of eruption of primary teeth

As a rule, this process starts faster in girls than in boys. In babies with rapid development, the first teeth can be seen at 3-4 months, but it is normal when the process has already begun before the age of twelve months. If the timing of the eruption of milk teeth does not correspond to the norm, this is an occasion to consult a dentist.

A delay in the natural process may be due to the following factors:

• lack of calcium in the body;
• problems with physical development;
• lack of thyroid hormones;
• metabolic problems;
• adentia – the complete absence of the rudiments of milk teeth;
• rickets;
• hereditary predisposition.

Attention! The fact of the absence of milk teeth in a child at the age of 1 year is not a pathology. Perhaps this is an individual feature. Sometimes parents simply cannot determine the presence of rudiments (the child closes his mouth and does not allow adults to examine the oral cavity). Then a consultation with a pediatric dentist is required, who will conduct a physical examination, assess the condition and give recommendations.

Eruption of milk teeth

The standard pattern of teething in babies is as follows:

• incisors go first in the center;
• lateral incisors out;
• hereinafter – first molars;
• then fangs;
• The second molars come out last.

As practice shows, in many children the teeth begin to grow first from below, but it is not uncommon for the first incisors and molars to come out from above, but not yet from below. If an examination by a pediatric dentist and pediatrician showed the norm, you just need to wait a bit.

The opinion is erroneous – the more calcium in the diet of a child, the faster his teeth will erupt. Many parents begin to introduce cottage cheese, milk porridge, hard cheese into complementary foods too early to allegedly speed up this process. In no case should you follow this example in order to avoid an excess of calcium in the body and other health problems. Nutrition should be complete, varied, healthy. The time will come, and the teeth will erupt naturally.

By two and a half years, the child should have all the teeth: on each half of the jaw there should be two molars, one canine and two incisors. Milk teeth come out symmetrically to each other, there should be 20 units in total, that is, 10 each from above and below.

Formula for calculating the number of teeth for children under 2 years old

There is also a formula that can be used to count milk teeth. The order of eruption is as follows: the age of the child in months minus six months – the number of teeth is obtained. For example, if the child is 15 months old, then we subtract 6 from 15, and we get 9. Accordingly, the baby has normally 9 erupted teeth at the moment.

What if the baby was born with teeth already erupted?

It also happens that children are born with already erupted dental units, or they came out in the first few weeks of life. In such cases, it is necessary to seek the help of a pediatrician and dentist. Sometimes the presence of incisors and molars interferes with natural breastfeeding, and the baby is transferred to artificial, or fed with a breast milk bottle and pacifier.

How to understand that a child’s teeth have started to cut?

Symptoms of the exit of the first incisors and other dental units are as follows:

• the child becomes restless;
• there is profuse salivation;
• the child actively begins to take toys and foreign objects into his mouth;
• baby sucking fingers;
• frequently asks for breasts or pacifiers;
• disturbed day and night sleep;
• the child becomes whiny, irritable;
• there is a refusal to eat;
• temperature rises;
• gums are slightly swollen.