When do babies typically start teething. What are the common symptoms of teething. How can parents soothe their teething baby. What is the usual order of tooth emergence in infants. Are there any remedies to alleviate teething discomfort. When should parents be concerned about delayed teething.

The Typical Teething Timeline: When Do Babies Start Getting Teeth?

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth through the gums. While the exact timing can vary, most babies begin teething around 6 months of age. However, it’s important to note that the teething process can start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months, and both scenarios are considered normal.

Here’s a general timeline of tooth emergence in babies:

• 4-7 months: First tooth typically appears
• 6 months: Average age for teething to begin
• 11 months: About 4 teeth present
• 15 months: Approximately 8 teeth
• 19 months: Around 12 teeth
• 23 months: Usually 16 teeth
• 3 years: Full set of 20 primary teeth

It’s worth noting that genetics can play a role in when teething begins. If you or your partner were early or late teethers, your baby might follow a similar pattern.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Teething Symptoms in Babies

Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, and they may exhibit various symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that some babies may show no signs at all. Here are some common teething symptoms to watch for:

• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on objects
• Irritability and fussiness
• Swollen or tender gums
• Slight increase in body temperature (up to 99째F or 37.2째C)
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Decreased appetite
• Rubbing or pulling on ears
• Flushed cheeks

Can teething cause a high fever in babies? While a slight temperature increase is normal during teething, a rectal temperature of 100.4째F (38째C) or higher is not typically associated with teething. If your baby experiences a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it’s best to consult your pediatrician as these symptoms may indicate other health issues.

Teething and Breastfeeding: What Nursing Mothers Should Know

For breastfeeding mothers, teething can bring about some unique challenges. Here’s what you might experience:

• Changes in latch: Your baby may latch differently due to gum discomfort
• Increased nursing frequency: Breastfeeding can be soothing for teething babies
• Biting or gnawing: Your baby might bite down on your breast to relieve gum pressure

How can breastfeeding mothers cope with these changes? Patience is key. Remember that these behaviors are temporary and will likely subside as your baby becomes accustomed to their new teeth. If biting becomes an issue, gently removing your baby from the breast and saying “no” firmly can help discourage this behavior.

The Teething Process: Which Teeth Come in First?

Understanding the typical order of tooth emergence can help parents know what to expect. The general pattern is as follows:

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

Is this order of tooth emergence always the same for all babies? While this is the most common pattern, it’s important to remember that every baby is unique. Some may have teeth appear in a slightly different order, which is usually not a cause for concern.

Soothing Strategies: Effective Teething Remedies for Babies

When your baby is experiencing teething discomfort, there are several safe and effective remedies you can try:

• Cold teething rings or toys
• Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Offering cold foods (for babies already eating solids)
• Using a clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator
• Providing extra cuddles and comfort

Are over-the-counter teething gels safe for babies? The FDA advises against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine due to potential side effects. Always consult your pediatrician before using any medication for teething relief.

Natural Teething Remedies: Are They Effective?

Some parents prefer natural remedies for teething relief. While scientific evidence is limited, some commonly used natural options include:

• Amber teething necklaces (though these pose a choking hazard and are not recommended by most pediatricians)
• Chamomile tea (cooled and given in small amounts)
• Frozen fruit in a mesh feeder (for babies eating solids)

It’s crucial to remember that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Always consult with your pediatrician before trying any new remedy, natural or otherwise.

When to Worry: Signs of Delayed Teething in Babies

While the timing of teething can vary widely among babies, there are some situations where delayed teething might warrant medical attention. If your child hasn’t cut any teeth by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult a pediatric dentist for evaluation.

What could cause delayed teething in babies? In rare cases, delayed teething might be due to underlying medical conditions such as:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hypothyroidism
• Genetic disorders

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, and late teething doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. However, if you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your pediatrician.

Dental Care for Teething Babies: Starting Good Habits Early

Once your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s time to start thinking about dental care. Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene in teething babies:

• Clean gums daily with a soft, damp cloth
• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth appear
• Use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3
• Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing

How often should you brush a teething baby’s teeth? It’s recommended to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day – in the morning and before bed. This helps establish a good oral hygiene routine from an early age.

Teething and Diet: What to Consider

As your baby starts teething, you might notice changes in their eating habits. Some babies may eat less due to gum discomfort, while others might want to eat more frequently. Here are some dietary considerations during teething:

• Offer cool, soft foods if your baby is eating solids
• Avoid hard foods that could hurt sore gums
• Ensure adequate hydration, especially if your baby is drooling more than usual
• Continue regular feeding routines as much as possible

Can teething affect a baby’s appetite? Yes, some babies may experience a temporary decrease in appetite during teething. This is usually not a cause for concern unless it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Teething Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding teething. Let’s address some common ones:

• Myth: Teething causes high fevers
• Fact: While teething can cause a slight temperature increase, high fevers are not typically associated with teething

• Myth: Teething causes severe diarrhea
• Fact: Some babies may have looser stools due to increased saliva production, but severe diarrhea is not a symptom of teething

• Myth: Babies need teething biscuits
• Fact: Teething biscuits are not necessary and can potentially lead to tooth decay

Are there any benefits to early teething? While early teething doesn’t provide any specific advantages, it’s not typically a cause for concern either. Each baby’s developmental timeline is unique.

Teething and Sleep: Managing Nighttime Discomfort

Teething can sometimes disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, leading to restless nights for both baby and parents. Here are some strategies to help manage nighttime teething discomfort:

• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
• Offer extra comfort and cuddles before bed
• Use a cool teething ring (but don’t leave it in the crib)
• Consider gentle massage of the gums before sleep

How long does teething-related sleep disruption typically last? While it varies for each baby, sleep disturbances due to teething are usually temporary. Most babies adjust within a few days to a week after a new tooth emerges.

Cultural Perspectives on Teething: Traditions Around the World

Teething is a universal experience, but different cultures have unique traditions and beliefs surrounding this milestone. Here are a few interesting examples:

• In some parts of India, it’s traditional to rub a coin on a baby’s gums to ease teething pain
• In certain African cultures, necklaces made from special roots are believed to help with teething
• Some European cultures celebrate a baby’s first tooth with a small gift or ceremony

While these traditions can be fascinating, it’s important to prioritize safety and consult with healthcare professionals about teething remedies.

Teething and Development: Is There a Connection?

Many parents wonder if teething is linked to other developmental milestones. While teething itself doesn’t directly cause developmental changes, it often coincides with other developments:

• Increased mobility (crawling, pulling up)
• Enhanced fine motor skills
• Language development

Does early teething indicate advanced development? Not necessarily. The timing of teething is not typically indicative of a baby’s overall development or intelligence.

Preparing for Teething: What Parents Can Do in Advance

Being prepared can help make the teething process smoother for both baby and parents. Here are some steps you can take:

• Stock up on teething toys and cold compresses
• Learn about safe teething remedies
• Prepare for possible sleep disruptions
• Familiarize yourself with the signs of teething
• Plan for extra comfort measures and patience

How can parents mentally prepare for the teething phase? Remember that teething is a normal, temporary phase. Stay informed, be patient, and don’t hesitate to seek support from other parents or healthcare providers when needed.

Teething and Immunity: Understanding the Connection

Some parents notice that their babies seem to get sick more often during teething. While teething itself doesn’t weaken the immune system, there are a few factors at play:

• Babies often put objects in their mouths more frequently while teething, potentially increasing exposure to germs
• The stress of teething can make babies more susceptible to minor illnesses
• Teething coincides with the time when maternal antibodies start to decrease

Can teething cause a runny nose or cough? While teething can cause increased drooling, which might lead to a slight cough or rash around the mouth, it doesn’t directly cause colds or respiratory symptoms. If your baby has persistent cold symptoms, it’s best to consult your pediatrician.

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.

What complications do wisdom teeth cause?

The eruption of a wisdom tooth is accompanied by severe pain in the zone of the cutting tooth, limitation and pain when opening the mouth and swallowing, swelling of the gums, unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth, and a violation of general well-being. An improperly erupted wisdom tooth can lead to the destruction of the adjacent one, injuries to the gum and bone tissues, and the development of an abscess in the periosteum. These teeth often need to be extracted.

Causes of inflammation during wisdom tooth growth

The main cause of pericoronitis is a decrease in the width of the dental arch in a modern person by 10-12 mm, while maintaining the size of the teeth. The change in size is due to the lack of space on the jaw for wisdom teeth, which is manifested by difficult eruption and pericoronitis.

The second cause of pericoronitis is the embryological conditions of teething: teething of wisdom teeth is difficult because of the thickened walls of the dental sac that surrounds the crown of the tooth and because of the thick mucous membrane of the gums. Reduced growth factors also play an important role in the development of pericoronitis.
In the pathogenesis of pericoronitis, the fact that at the time of teething the position of the tooth practically does not change is important, but part of the chewing surface is covered with a mucous membrane. And under this hood, food debris, plaque and microorganisms accumulate, which ultimately causes a specific inflammation – pericoronitis. Traumatization of the mucosa of the chewing surface by antagonist teeth during chewing causes the maintenance of the inflammatory process. And, as a result, with pericoronitis, cicatricial changes in the hood and expansion of the periodontal gap occur.

Clinical manifestations

The main manifestation of pericoronitis is pain in the area of ​​the erupting tooth. Often the pain radiates to the temple or ear. In some cases, the process of chewing and swallowing food is difficult, and the patient has difficulty opening his mouth.

As pericoronitis develops, the inflammatory process passes to the surrounding tissues, soreness in this case is due to the involvement of the gingival hood in the inflammatory process, less often – the incorrect position of the erupting teeth. If the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle, then pericoronitis is more pronounced, since the gums and bone tissue are significantly damaged, sometimes the pressure on the adjacent tooth is so great that its destruction may begin.

With pericoronitis, the temperature in the affected area rises, body temperature rises less often, and regional lymph nodes increase. The inflammatory process in pericoronitis is the main cause of bad breath and bad taste in the mouth and while eating.

Treatment of complications

The main method of treatment of pericoronoritis is surgical treatment – excision of the hood under local anesthesia.

Excision opens the surface of the erupting tooth, so that plaque and microorganisms do not accumulate under the hood.

Wisdom tooth extraction is indicated if it is in a position where eruption is not possible. This is confirmed by x-ray examination, tooth extraction is carried out after the removal of acute symptoms of pericoronitis, after extraction, the tooth socket is cleaned and sutures are applied. Assign conservative anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy.

Since the wisdom tooth does not carry a functional load, it is recommended to remove the tooth in case of pericoronitis that is difficult to treat. Recurrent pericoronitis is cured only after the extraction of the wisdom tooth.

How to help a baby when he is teething

Ekaterina Borisovna Bulavina

pediatrician of the 1st category

Teeth break through – it even sounds painful. Indeed, when a baby starts teething, it often turns out to be painful. Many children do not sleep well, often cry, some even have a fever. But there are other symptoms that indicate that your baby is going through the period of the appearance of milk teeth.

— Ekaterina Borisovna, please tell us when babies usually start teething?

– Teething times are quite variable. On average, the first teeth come out at 5-7 months, but the process can begin earlier (both at two and at four months) or take up to a year. Some babies are born with teeth already. Everything is very individual and depends on many factors, such as heredity, sufficient intake of calcium in the body, the sex of the child, the climate in the place of residence.

– How fast will teeth cut after the first one appears?

— In both boys and girls, the process of complete eruption of the milk bite usually drags on for 2.5-3 years. The upper incisors appear 2–3 months after the appearance of the lower ones, then at the age of 9–13 months, the upper and lower lateral incisors erupt. From a year to a year and a half, the upper and lower first molars alternately appear, then, by 20 months, the upper and lower canines, by 2-2.5 years, the second molars. However, the sequence and timing of when babies begin to cut their teeth are very arbitrary.

Table and diagram by month: what time do children start teething

— How to understand that a child is teething?

— The appearance of teeth, although physiological, is a real test for a child and his mom and dad. Only recently they experienced colic, a feeding and sleeping regime was established, when suddenly the baby again becomes restless, naughty, refuses to eat, or, conversely, often and greedily grabs a breast or a bottle, sleeps poorly and pulls everything into his mouth. These are sure signs of the beginning of teething.

Some lucky people endure the whole process completely painlessly, and only an occasional tapping of the gum with a spoon reveals the first tooth that has already erupted. But sometimes the moment of teething is so difficult for the baby that it is easy to confuse it with the onset of the disease.

Only a doctor can determine the real cause of the child’s anxiety, and you should definitely contact him if the temperature rises to febrile numbers, severe lethargy, weakness, or, conversely, the baby’s strong excitability, as well as when signs of infection are attached, such as a runny nose, cough, disorders digestion, vomiting, loose stools.

— Ekaterina Borisovna, parents are waiting for the appearance of the first incisors with caution. What symptoms characterize the process in addition to pain discomfort?

– When teeth are being cut, the symptoms are very varied, and everyone is individual. In this case, the symptoms, depending on the location of the cutting teeth, may differ. Usually the most unpleasant sensations accompany the appearance of only the first teeth. All subsequent ones erupt more calmly, and the child practically ceases to pay attention to this process. With the appearance of chewing teeth, pain may resume, but they are not as intense as at the very beginning of eruption. The appearance of the upper teeth is often accompanied by a runny nose: this is due to the proximity of the location and a single network of blood supply to the upper jaw and nasal cavity.

— When is it better to bring down the temperature during teething?

– Antipyretic therapy is usually prescribed when the temperature rises above 38.5 degrees. Subfebrile temperature, up to 38 degrees, should always be brought down in children with organic damage to the central nervous system, with the threat of convulsions, as well as with pronounced changes in the general condition of the child.

— Why should a child’s health be closely monitored during teething? Does teething affect the immune system?

— Teething is a rather complex process involving all systems of a child’s body. The immune system is no exception. At the moment of tooth movement, a traumatic lesion of the gums occurs and, as a result, inflammation occurs in the tissues. Immune cells rush to the inflammatory focus, trying to eliminate it, which somewhat weakens the local protective reaction. In addition, the content of the enzyme lysozyme is reduced in abundant saliva, and it loses its protective properties. In addition, during this period, the child pulls everything into his mouth, trying to scratch itchy gums, which increases the risk of infection and injury to the mucous membrane.

— How can parents tell teething from other problems like a cold?

— Distinguishing a viral infection from teething syndrome is sometimes difficult even for a specialist: very often the two conditions occur at the same time. With eruption syndrome, the temperature rarely exceeds 38-38.5 degrees, the discharge from the nose is abundant, mucous in nature, often transparent. Cough superficial, occurs more often in a horizontal position. All symptoms are accompanied by profuse salivation. The general condition of the child rarely worsens, the child is capricious, whiny, but not lethargic or apathetic.

Teething may also be accompanied by symptoms of dyspepsia such as regurgitation and sometimes even vomiting, loose stools. Unlike an intestinal infection, regurgitation and vomiting are episodic and occur when saliva is abundant.

Fluid stools may be associated with increased motility due to fever – ingestion of large amounts of saliva and intense chewing movements. Stool 1-2 times a day, normal color and smell, without pathological impurities, but softer consistency.

In the event of any symptoms that do not fit into the picture of teething, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Does teething pain occur in all children?

— Each child has his own pain threshold. The intensity of inflammatory reactions is also different for everyone, so each baby experiences teething in its own way. If one will continuously cry all night, then the other may behave in a completely normal way. It depends on both genetics and the temperament of the baby.

— When teeth are being cut, how can you help a baby? What drugs are allowed to be given to relieve pain?

– Pain relief gels are widely used. However, you should remember the rules for their use. They have a short effect, about 20-30 minutes, but it is not recommended to use them more than five times a day. The gel is applied in a thin layer to avoid an overdose of the drug. And, as in the case of any medicine, do not forget about the possible allergic reaction in the baby.

Only anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain quickly and permanently. And there is a lot of BUT here. Any drug is not safe, especially if it is given for the first time. Only a doctor can assess the child’s condition and prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy if necessary, taking into account the risk-benefit ratio.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be given by mouth. The dosage is calculated by the doctor depending on the weight of the child. On the mucosa, gels with local anesthetic and antiseptic effects are used.

— Can folk remedies relieve pain and other symptoms?

— Treatment with folk remedies in our country is very popular, although the world scientific community questions its effectiveness. Only the effect of cold has proven effectiveness, therefore it is recommended to give the child chilled pacifiers and teethers to gnaw. Cold causes vasospasm, reduces swelling and inflammation in the gums, and, as a result, pain temporarily subsides. The effect is short-lived, but still there. It is also useful to massage the gums with a fingertip or a soft brush.

— Ekaterina Borisovna, tell us more about how nipples or toys that can be chewed help with toothache, and how to choose a pacifier and a special teether for a child.

— Gum massage helps baby cope with discomfort. During the massage, itching decreases, the gum tissue softens, and it is easier for the tooth to make its way. But constantly massaging a child’s gums is a very tedious task. He may well engage in self-massage, especially since during this period he himself with pleasure pulls everything into his mouth.

Special pacifiers or teethers will be excellent massage assistants. They differ from ordinary nipples in greater rigidity and a relief surface; they are made of latex or silicone. Many models of teethers are supplemented with a cooling function – inside contains a liquid that can be cooled. Teethers are also made of plastic, wood or even textiles. But, in my opinion, they do not meet safety standards. It is worth choosing brands that have long been widely represented on the children’s goods market.

— What techniques can be used to distract a child from a toothache?

– In this case, there is only one method – to surround the baby with care and attention as much as possible, to take him in your arms more often, to put him on the breast if the child asks. Next to the parents, the baby feels safe, calms down. Children are very sensitive to the behavior and emotions of adults, so it is important for parents to be calm and friendly, to distract the kids with toys, songs, affectionate words. Older children can play finger games. Relaxing massages and long walks are helpful.

Unfortunately, absolutely effective methods do not exist. Parents can only help the baby cope with the problem. But there are a few tips that will help you get through this difficult period.

– Please share them with our readers.

– The rudiments of teeth are laid long before birth. Therefore, a mother during pregnancy should carefully monitor her diet. Sufficient intake of calcium is especially important for the formation of healthy teeth in the baby. But even after birth, calcium should not be forgotten. When breastfeeding, the mother’s diet should contain dairy products or calcium supplements in case of intolerance to cow’s milk proteins by the baby.

Hardening from birth is a guarantee of good immunity. No need to wrap the child in a hundred clothes and be afraid to air the rooms. Walk in any weather and long enough, use a light contrast shower. And then no cold is terrible for the baby.

Also avoid public places, especially during teething. The baby is very vulnerable at this moment. Postpone visits from relatives, shopping trips and visits to indoor playgrounds for a while – thereby reducing the risk of infection of the child.

It is also especially important during this period to maintain the optimum temperature in the room. Heat and dry air will only increase discomfort.

Teething is a difficult stage in a child’s life. If the process causes severe discomfort, is accompanied by the appearance of alarming symptoms, high temperature, then you should contact a specialist for help as soon as possible. For the rest, surround the baby with care and attention, pick up nipples, teethers, toys that relieve itching, use medications with the permission of the doctor.