When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs and Timeline

• A baby can teeth as early as three months or as late as 12 months old. 
• Once your baby has teeth, wash them with a toddler or finger toothbrush and toothpaste. 
• However, before your baby teeths, you should be washing their gums with a washcloth.
• Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

Seeing your baby’s first tooth emerge is an exciting, and adorable milestone. And typically, a baby’s first tooth will come in as early as three months. 

But if it doesn’t appear by then, be patient. Every baby is on their own schedule, and the time their teeth come in will differ.

“Kids really vary a lot with when they get teeth, says Gina Posner, MD, board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “The majority of kids will start getting teeth anywhere between three months and as late as 12 months.”

Your baby’s first teeth are usually the bottom front two

The first teeth you’ll likely see pop up are the bottom front two, also known as the central incisors, says Posner. 

After that, the top two central incisors will likely grow in next. Then, the lateral incisors, which are the teeth on either side of the two front teeth. After these, surrounding teeth tend to fill in front to back, along with the molars.

This is the most common progression. However, you shouldn’t be concerned if your baby’s teeth are erupting in a different pattern. 

“Kids are very, very odd with how they get teeth. It’s very unpredictable,” says Posner. It takes months for the mouth to fill in, and it can take up to age three for all 20 primary teeth to come in, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

How to clean your baby’s teeth

As soon as teeth start popping up, it’s time to get started on oral hygiene. “I don’t think it’s ever too soon to start brushing those teeth,” Posner says because babies are susceptible to tooth decay and cavities, just like the rest of us. 

Below are three methods for brushing your little one’s pearly whites. 

• Washcloth: Even before your baby has teeth, you should clean the gums by gently running a clean, damp washcloth over them. It’s important to take care of the gums as well as the teeth. The washcloth is a good way to ease the baby into the next steps of teeth brushing, so toothbrushes won’t feel as foreign.
• Finger toothbrush: There are many options of little brushes you can put on your pointer finger, finger puppet style. Usually, these brushes are made of silicone and are very gentle. Again, you can use these on new teeth and on the gums. “I’d probably say at the very beginning, the finger brush is probably the easiest,” Posner says. 
• Toddler toothbrush: When more teeth have come in and the baby is not so much a baby anymore, it’s time to use a “real” toothbrush with soft bristles. They will eventually be able to hold the brush on their own, but you’ll still need to provide lots of help and guidance. 

What toothpaste to use

As soon as you start seeing those teeth, break out the toothpaste. You’ll want to use a toothpaste formulated especially for babies and toddlers, of course.

While some parents are hesitant to give their babies fluoride toothpaste, the general consensus is that a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste is okay. “Dentists are actually saying to put a tiny grain of rice or smaller size of fluoride toothpaste on, and that amount is safe to swallow,” Posner says.  

Once your baby is a little older and is able to spit the toothpaste out, you can use a pea-sized amount. 

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about brushing your baby’s teeth after every feeding or meal. According to Posner, “morning and night, twice a day” will do the trick. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also states twice daily brushing will suffice. 

Possible risks 

If you don’t take good care of your baby’s teeth, they can get severe tooth decay. “There’s something called ‘Baby bottle tooth decay’ and their teeth can just rot out,” says Posner. Luckily, with regular oral hygiene practices, this is preventable. 

You’ll also want to be gentle when brushing. Posner says, “You don’t want to brush too hard. You can always mess with the enamel if you’re really scrubbing.” 

Insider’s takeaway 

You don’t need to take your baby to the dentist as soon as a tooth starts coming in. “By the time they start getting, five, six teeth, it’s time to start taking them to a dentist so they can check and make sure everything looks good,” Posner says. 

You should be sure to take them around their first birthday if you haven’t already at that point. If your baby is a year old and doesn’t have any teeth yet, you should certainly bring them in to see what’s going on. 

So remember, when your baby’s first tooth comes in, start to get in the habit of a good oral hygiene technique, and you’ll be setting them up for years to come of healthy teeth.

When Do Babies Start Teething? Teething Signs, Symptoms, and Remedies

• Babies start teething at around 6 months of age.
• The best way to soothe babies’ sore gums is by letting them chew on a safe, preferably cold, teething toy.
• All babies should have their first dentist checkup by the time they turn 1 year old.

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There are so many parts to raising babies that you have to work at: getting them to sleep, giving them tummy time to help them roll over, teaching them how to eat solid food, and so on. But the baby teeth? Those arrive no matter what you do, whether you’ve prepared yourself or not. And while you might not want to say goodbye to that gummy grin, it’s better to be at the ready. But when do babies start teething, anyway? And does the arrival of teeth come with all of the fevers, cries, and sore gums that everybody says? Donald L. Chi, D.D.S., Ph.D., 2018 recipient of the Pediatric Dentist of the Year award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), gives us the lowdown about what to expect when those teeth start popping through.

Generally, babies start teething by around six months.

Yes, you can expect those first pearly whites right around the half-year mark. “The front middle teeth come in first,” Dr. Chi says. “Then the first set of molars, the canines, and finally the second set of molars in the very back of the mouth.

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Babies have a total of 20 teeth — and most babies have a full set of teeth by age 3 years.” You can consult this handy baby teething chart to see where to look first.

One thing to watch out for: While newborns can be born with teeth, if you see something in your baby’s mouth at an extremely young age, it’s more likely to be what’s called Epstein’s Pearls, which are white cysts that occur in 75% to 80% of newborns, the AAPD notes. You should point them out to your pediatrician, but generally they tend to go away on their own, and don’t require treatment.

If your child doesn’t have any teeth by the time he turns 1, it’s not an immediate reason to worry — especially if you were a late bloomer when it comes to teeth, too. Still, “All babies should have their first visit to the dentist around the time the first tooth erupts — around age 6 months — or before their first birthday at the latest,” Dr. Chi says. Even if the first one hasn’t poked through the gums yet, schedule that visit.

There are clear symptoms of teething, but be careful about blaming your baby’s chompers for everything.

Teething has been associated with everything from drooling and irritability to even fevers and diarrhea. In fact, whenever a kid seems out of sorts between the ages of 0 and 2, a parent is likely to name teething as a culprit. But is it?

“There are two common signs of teething: excess drooling and chewing on things like toys, books, and fingers,” Dr. Chi says. “Babies may also show signs of oral discomfort and irritability. Some people believe that teething leads to health problems like runny noses, fever, colds, and earaches, but these are myths. Babies teethe for about 2.5 years, from age 6 months to 3 years, which is a long time. The colds and minor illnesses that occur during this period of a baby’s life are unrelated to teething.”

The problem with trying to predict a tooth before you see it is that babies who are not teething can be irritable and drooly, too, as Slate reports:

[Researchers] found that no specific symptom occurred in more than 35 percent of teething infants. In other words, nonteething kids often seem like they’re teething, and teething kids don’t all have the same symptoms. What a nightmare for parents. “Despite hundreds of thousands of data points,” explains study co-author Michael Macknin, a Cleveland Clinic pediatrician, “we could not determine when a child was teething before a tooth appeared.”

So if your baby is running a high fever or comes down with a case of dreaded diarrhea, you can’t just blame the teeth, and it’s better to get things checked out by a doctor.

Teething babies are soothed by chewing.

When you’re sure that your baby is fussing because of tooth issues, it’s time to break out the teething rings and other toys that are safe to chew on. “Some babies like to chew on a parent’s finger with their gums or on a toothbrush,” Dr. Chi says. “There are also teething pacifiers that can be filled with small pieces of frozen fruit, which babies can chew. But parents should avoid medications like Anbesol, Orajel, Tylenol, and other products marketed for teething babies. “

“Pain relievers and medications that you rub on the gums are not necessary or useful since they wash out of the baby’s mouth within minutes,” a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) adds. “Some medication you rub on your child’s gums can even be harmful if too much is used and the child swallows an excessive amount. Stay away from teething tablets that contain the plant poison belladonna and gels with benzocaine. Belladonna and benzocaine are marketed to numb your child’s pain, but the FDA has issued warnings against both due to potential side effects.​”

In addition, the AAP warns against teethers that contain BPA, or teething necklaces or bracelets that are made out of amber, wood, marble or silicone. Besides the fact that long teething necklaces may be choking hazards, “the use of these necklaces is not supported by modern science,” the AAP says. Instead, the AAP recommends wetting a washcloth, freezing it, and letting the baby chew on the nice, cold fabric.

Once the teeth come out, you have to start taking care of them.

Yes, even though they’re baby teeth and fall out eventually — how you treat baby teeth now can affect the roots of the permanent teeth underneath. “In addition to visiting the dentist, there are two ways to care for baby teeth,” Dr. Chi says. “First, avoid added sugars, including sugary drinks, juice, and sweets. And then, brush the teeth and gums with a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Fluoride toothpaste is safe when used in such small amounts.”

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Of course, your baby might not be a willing participant — which is all the more reason to go in for that checkup. “Brushing a baby’s teeth can be challenging,” Dr. Chi says. “Dentists can show parents ways to make brushing easier. ”

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Marisa LaScala
Parenting & Relationships Editor
Marisa LaScala covers all things parenting, from the postpartum period through empty nests, for GoodHousekeeping.com; she previously wrote about motherhood for Parents and Working Mother.

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When do babies start teething?

Teething is one of those mixed-bag milestones. You anxiously await for baby’s first tooth, and then realize it comes with plenty of drool, sleep disruption and crankiness.

Here’s what you need to know about teething, from tooth timing to symptoms to dental care.

WHEN DO BABIES START TEETHING?

According to Anastasia Williams, a pediatrician at Olde Towne Pediatrics in Manassas, Virginia, parents can generally expect to see the first tiny white chompers poking through between 4- and 7-months-old. (That said, it can also happen earlier or much later.

“It’s a process, and it’s not like babies have read the timelines — I’ve seen children who didn’t get their first two teeth until they were past one year,” Williams says. Although there are some cases where late teething might signal a health issue such as a genetic disorder, as long as your child doesn’t have other health concerns, it’s nothing to stress about.

WHICH TEETH WILL COME FIRST?

“The first teeth that emerge in a baby are either her upper or lower front teeth, which are also called the central incisors,” says Christina Johns, a pediatrician and senior medical advisor at PM Pediatrics in Lake Success, New York.

The exact order can vary, but the American Academy of Pediatrics has a teething timeline chart that gives the typical progression. After the two pairs of central incisors, parents might see the lateral incisors (the four teeth that flank them), the first molars, the canines (also called cuspids, which aare the pointy ones) and, finally, second molars. Most children finish cutting teeth between the ages of 2 and 3.

IS IT TRUE SOME BABIES ARE BORN WITH TEETH?

Yes. A “natal tooth,” as it’s called, is simply a baby tooth that’s made an early debut. According to Johns, it’s extremely rare, occuring in about one in every 2000 newborns. “If the tooth is loose at birth, it will likely need to be removed because a baby can choke on it,” she says.

SIGNS OF TEETHING:

Teething babies are often fussy, especially in the days right before the tooth pokes through, with pain that may seem to be especially bothersome at night. Williams shared a few of the main symptoms she sees.

1. Drooling
2. Fist biting
3. Visible swelling in the gums
4. Ear pulling: “Babies tend to grab the first thing they encounter in the general area of the mouth and cheek, which is the ear,” says Johns. However, ear pulling is not a sign of any other ear problem. “Some parents also ask me if teething causes ear infections, and the answer is most definitely not,” says Williams.

CAN TEETING CAUSE A FEVER?

The short answer: If the fever is higher than 100.4 degrees, you can’t blame teething. “Sometimes with teething we may see very slightly elevated temperatures of say 100 or 100.2, but we don’t consider this a true fever,” says Williams, who adds that a temperature reading of 100.4 or greater warrants at least a call to your doctor, as it’s more likely that your baby has picked up a virus. “A popular saying in pediatrics is ‘the only thing that teething truly causes is teeth,’ which is a simplification because you do also have increased saliva and discomfort, but the spirit is true,” says Johns.

HOW TO HELP A TEETHING BABY:

1. Over the counter pain meds: Both doctors suggest Tylenol for younger babies and ibuprofen for those older than six months. “That pain is real and can wake them—Tylenol really does help and ibuprofen, which lasts up to eight hours, can get them through almost a full night,” says Williams.
2. Gum massage: Williams suggests simply washing your hands and massaging your baby’s gums.
3. Chewing/gnawing at frozen things: Johns suggests a frozen wet washcloth or frozen fruit in a mesh feeder bag designed especially for babies. “Anything that is cold and cannot easily break off into a piece that could be a choking hazard will do the trick,” she says. Williams cautions against using liquid filled teething toys because they can leak.

THINGS TO AVOID GIVING TEETHING BABIES:

1. Homeopathic remedies and teething tablets: Doctors are adamant about avoiding these since they aren’t regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
2. Necklaces: Both doctors noted that necklaces, such as amber teething beads, may break and become choking hazards.
3. Numbing agents: Any teething remedies (such as gels) with numbing agents like lidocaine or benzocaine, which can, according to the Food & Drug Administration, cause as “life-threatening” reactions in infants and young children by reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood.

HOW LONG DOES TEETHING LAST?

Although it can feel like it’s going to go on forever, there is an end in sight. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children get their final two pairs, the second (or back) molars, sometime between 23 and 33 months, with the lower ones generally coming in first. By age three, your little one should have a complete set of 20 teeth, and kids tend to lose the first baby tooth around age 6.

WHEN SHOULD BABIES HAVE THE FIRST DENTIST VISIT?

“Babies should be seen by a pediatric dentist after their first tooth erupts or by 12 months,” says Johns, and then typically every six months. If you’re worried about your little one getting wiggly or anxious, Williams suggests finding a pediatric dentist, who will be especially skilled at dealing with younger kids and can offer fun incentives like videos during the exam and toys at the end.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY BABY’S TEETH? IS FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE SAFE?

It’s never too early to start getting your little one used to the idea of having her mouth cleaned. “Even before the first tooth appears, I suggest that parents start by using a clean, wet washcloth to wipe down their baby’s mouth and gums in the morning and before bedtime, and after meals,” says Johns. Once those pearly whites come in, an infant toothbrush and the tiniest dab of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) is all you need, morning and night.

Once children can be trusted to spit out toothpaste, usually around age 3, you can switch to about a pea-sized drop. “It’s a good idea to supervise until they are at least 6 or 7 so that they are using the proper method and not swallowing the toothpaste,” says Johns.

Another way to prevent cavities is by drinking fluoridated water, which the American Dental Association says can prevent up to 25 percent of cavities in both children and adults. “So many people drink bottled water now, but starting at six months, babies should have a few ounces of filtered tap water each day,” says Williams.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Is your baby drooling? They must be teething. Running a low fever? They’re definitely getting a few new teeth. Having an extra fussy day? Blame teething!

It seems like anyone and everyone has an opinion (and perhaps a degree from the University of Google) when it comes to babies + teething. But how do you know what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to this baby rite of passage? What teething symptoms should you be on the lookout for? And are there baby teething toys or other remedies that can help?

Learning the ins and outs of teething can help both you and your little one feel better during this important milestone.

Note: This content was reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Lisa Di Enno, Board-Certified General Pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer of XpertCare.

The Truth About Teething

When do babies start teething?

Many parents and caregivers will start noticing a bit of extra drool and their baby putting their hands—and anything else they can find—into their mouths right around three months of age. Does this mean your little one is about to cut their first tooth? Probably not.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most babies will get their first tooth any time between six and 12 months of age. So while it may look like your three-month-old is already showing signs of teething, what you’re often seeing is your little one discovering their mouth and gaining better control over their hands.

What are the most common baby teething symptoms?

The list of teething symptoms is pretty broad, and it’s often tough to pin down if what your little one is experiencing is due to a tooth coming in or just an off day. A few common baby teething symptoms to be on the lookout for, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), include:

• Irritability
• Drooling more than usual
• Trouble sleeping
• Swollen gums
• Fussiness
• Decrease in appetite

Before you start chalking up every little symptom to teething and worrying that your little one is in for months of pain, however, know this: there’s no good scientific evidence backing the idea that teething produces anything more than mild discomfort for most babies. Lots of things, from colds and a diaper rash to separation anxiety and even being overtired, can cause your little one to have an off day. Try not to focus on teething as the main culprit and do your best to think about what else may be going on.

What teeth will baby get first?

Babies are born with 20 teeth in total. The first ones to break through are usually the central incisors—the fancy dental term for middle teeth. The bottom middle teeth tend to break through, or erupt, first, followed by the middle top two. The adjacent teeth erupt next, working their way out toward the back of your baby’s mouth, with the molars coming in last. (This baby teething chart from the ADA is a great resource to learn which teeth will be coming in when.)

And speaking of teeth coming in, you’ll need to start practicing healthy dental habits as soon as that first little chomper peeks through your little one’s gums. The ADA recommends brushing your child’s teeth twice a day using a child-sized toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste—no more than a tiny smear the size of a grain of rice. They also advise against putting your little one to bed with a bottle, as it can lead to tooth decay.

How can I relieve teething pain for my baby?

If your little one seems extra fussy or isn’t acting like themselves, start by trying to determine if teething pain is the culprit. The best way to do this is to look inside your baby’s mouth and check for red, swollen gums around the area where you think a tooth might be erupting. A baby tooth takes about a week to fully break through the gums, and that’s the most likely time for your baby to experience discomfort during teething.

If you’re confident teething is to blame, there are several baby teething remedies that can help ease your baby’s pain.

• Gum massage. Wash your hands, then use your finger or knuckle to gently rub the sore areas in your little one’s mouth.
• Offer something cold. Something chilled is a great way to ease teething pain. Try a frozen wet washcloth or a teething ring or toy that’s designed to be frozen.
• Teething toys. Plastic, silicone, wooden or rubber toys specifically designed for teething give your little one something safe to gnaw on to help soothe sore gums.
• Medication. If your little one is clearly in pain, talk to your pediatrician about giving a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Keep in mind that there are a few things to stay away from when it comes to baby teething remedies.

• Amber teething necklaces and bracelets. (These are not safe or effective, according to the ADA. They pose a choking and strangulation hazard and their effects are not backed by science.
• Teething tablets, homeopathic teething gels or tablets, or gels with benzocaine.

The Best Teething Toys for Babies

Teething toys are more than just cute—they can be a game changer when it comes to easing discomfort in tiny gums. These 11 favorites are perfect to keep around your home or toss in your diaper bag when you’re on the go.

Baby Teething: Parents Need to Know About Teething Charts, Teething Symptoms

Baby teething is a significant milestone — with a gradual timeline and teething symptoms that can be hard to read at first. When parents find their baby to be particularly drooly or fussy, it’s probably time to ask “when do babies start teething?”. Baby teething symptoms are said to include a host of changes in demeanor, attitude, temperature, skin condition, and even bowel movements. Which is to say baby teething is incredibly stressful for parents who are happy to blame it for all of their struggles. The perceived peril at the onset of baby teething has inspired an entire industry built around baby teething remedies and teething toys — offering varying degrees of efficacy. Every parent deals with the teething process, and many are happy to share anecdotal evidence to support one approach or another. But Dr. Sean Boynes is a National Children’s Oral Health Foundation Dentist of Distinction and has medical science on his side.

“When your child begins teething, the most important thing you can do at this time establishes a dental home,” he advises. “Preventive care is key when it comes to oral health, which is why we recommend babies see a dentist when the first tooth appears. It also gives you and the dentist a chance to develop an ongoing relationship and personalized care to ensure there are no signs of particular concern.”

Quick Guide for Parents With Teething Babies

• Teething makes a baby cranky, not sick: there’s no evidence that fevers or diarrhea are caused by teething, but it can make babies irritable.
• Even the first tooth needs a dentist: baby teeth are temporary, but they are still important. Parents should establish a dental home when the first tooth appears.
• Chewing works best: there are a number of remedies for teething pain, but just letting the kids chomp down on a wet washcloth is best. Some remedies, like gels that contain benzocaine, may be dangerous.
• The later the tooth, the tougher it is: the first few teeth are sharp and erupt easily; later, flatter teeth are more painful and harder to relieve due to their position.
• Tooth care is for life: teething will end, but oral hygiene doesn’t. Good habits in childhood will carry through adulthood.

Baby teething gets blamed for more issues than it causes, but it can still be pretty uncomfortable. “It is very important for parents to learn to recognize normal timing and symptoms of teething,” says Boynes. “It might be the reason your baby is fussy, drooling excessively, particularly irritable, interested in chewing on hard items, or has tender and swollen gums.”

Baby Teething Charts and Order of Eruption

Baby teeth, milk teeth, primary teeth, deciduous teeth – all these terms refer to the same thing. The first few chompers to appear are the lower incisors (the bottom two front teeth) that emerge as early as four months. They are not particularly dramatic, because they are very sharp and erupt easily, and they are cute as hell because babies are starting to get good at smiling. Then come the top two front teeth.

The remaining teeth emerge from front to back; this baby teething chart can help parents see what is going on with their baby’s teeth and when. The specific timing is determined by genetics, but by age three most kids will have the full set. All in all, parents can expect two and a half years of low-key irritability and unreliable sleep.

How to Treat Baby Teething Symptoms

There are many numbers of teething relief products lining the pharmacy shelves, but a recent FDA consumer update should give any parent pause about over-the-counter treatments containing benzocaine. The most straightforward (and probably most effective) is just to let them chew, says Boynes. They’re going to chomp anyway, so parents might as well give them something appropriate to chew on.

“You can wet and wring a clean washcloth, place it in the refrigerator or freezer to chill, then let your baby chew on it,” says Boynes. “The cold helps soothe the pain, too. You can also massage your baby’s gums and provide them with safe chewing toys” like the ones on this list.

How to Care for Baby Teeth

Teething is a process that does eventually end, but dental care doesn’t. Baby teeth are temporary, but they come in at developmentally important times. They emerge in time for the baby to start solid foods. They are crucial to proper speech development. And they last longer than parents may think, so cavities or other problems shouldn’t just be shrugged off.

“Caring for baby teeth means caring for your child’s teeth until they are age 11 or 12, which would be a long time for anyone to live with health issues associated with tooth decay,” says Boynes. “Once teeth emerge, parents should begin brushing twice daily using a small dab of fluoridated toothpaste and a soft toothbrush with a small head. Losing baby teeth too early can actually impact the development of permanent teeth.”

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Definition

Teething is the growth of teeth through the gums in the mouth of infants and young children.

Alternative Names

Eruption of primary teeth; Well child care – teething

Information

Teething generally begins when a baby is between 6 and 8 months old. All 20 baby teeth should be in place by the time a child is 30 months old. Some children do not show any teeth until much later than 8 months, but this is usually normal.

• The two bottom front teeth (lower incisors) often come in first.
• Next to grow in are usually the two top front teeth (upper incisors).
• Then the other incisors, lower and upper molars, canines, and finally the upper and lower lateral molars come in.

The signs of teething are:

• Acting cranky or irritable
• Biting or chewing on hard objects
• Drooling, which may often begin before teething starts
• Gum swelling and tenderness
• Refusing food
• Sleeping problems

Teething does NOT cause fever or diarrhea. If your child develops a fever or diarrhea and you are worried about it, talk to your health care provider.

Tips to ease your child’s teething discomfort:

• Wipe your baby’s face with a cloth to remove the drool and prevent a rash.
• Give your infant a cool object to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold apple. Avoid liquid-filled teething rings, or any plastic objects that might break.
• Gently rub the gums with a cool, wet washcloth, or (until the teeth are right near the surface) a clean finger. You may place the wet washcloth in the freezer first, but wash it before using it again.
• Feed your child cool, soft foods such as applesauce or yogurt (if your baby is eating solids).
• Use a bottle, if it seems to help, but only fill it with water. Formula, milk, or juice can all cause tooth decay.

You can buy the following medicines and remedies at the drug store:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or ibuprofen can help when your baby is very cranky or uncomfortable.
• If your child is 2 years or older, teething gels and preparations rubbed on the gums may help the pain for a short while. Be careful not to use too much. DO NOT use these remedies if your child is younger than 2 years old.

Be sure to read and follow package instructions before using any medicine or remedy. If you are not sure how to use it, call your child’s provider.

What not to do:

• Do not tie a teething ring or any other object around your child’s neck.
• Do not place anything frozen against your child’s gums.
• Never cut the gums to help a tooth grow in, because this can lead to infection.
• Avoid teething powders.
• Never give your child aspirin or place it against the gums or teeth.
• Do not rub alcohol on your baby’s gums.
• Do not use homeopathic remedies. They may contain ingredients that are not safe for infants. 

Images

References

American Academy of Pediatrics website. Teething: 4 to 7 months. www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-4-to-7-Months.aspx. Updated October 6, 2016. Accessed February 12, 2021.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on oral health care programs for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2020:39-42. www.aapd.org/globalassets/media/policies_guidelines/p_oralhealthcareprog.pdf. Updated 2020. Accessed February 16, 2021.

Dean JA, Turner EG. Eruption of the teeth: local, systemic, and congenital factors that influence the process. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery’s Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.

When to Start Brushing Baby Teeth

Are you wondering what is the right age to start brushing your baby’s teeth? The short answer is to start brushing when the first tooth erupts through the gums. But there’s a lot more to the question of when and how to brush baby teeth. 

The truth is that it’s never too early to start taking steps to maintain your baby’s oral health. Even before a baby has teeth showing, their gum health is important. The teeth are already formed underneath the gums when the baby is still in the womb. Early oral care will help keep the unerupted teeth healthy and encourage them to come in properly. 

Follow this timeline for early dental care to give your baby the best possible start.

Most babies will not have any teeth before the age of 3 months. Even if there are no teeth, it is still a good idea to clean the gums daily. This can be done with a clean, damp washcloth or a soft bristled toothbrush made for infants. Some infant toothbrushes are made of soft rubber and designed to fit over your finger to ensure only gentle pressure is applied. A small smear of fluoride toothpaste can be used with a soft bristled toothbrush twice daily when the first tooth emerges.

Many babies will still not have any teeth at this age, but some start to get teeth by the age of 6 months. Continue to clean the gums with a washcloth or consider starting to use an infant toothbrush at this age. Brushing the baby’s gums can help relieve teething pain and encourage tooth eruption. If any of your baby’s teeth have erupted by this age, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

There is a greater chance that your baby will have at least one or two teeth that have erupted by this time. However, it is still perfectly normal for your baby not to have any teeth showing yet at this age. If there are not yet any teeth showing above the gum line, continue brushing the gums once a day. If there are one or multiple teeth showing, brush those teeth twice a day with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste on an infant toothbrush.

By now your baby likely has a few teeth that have erupted through the gums. It is important to brush those teeth twice a day, always with just a smear of fluoride toothpaste, as well as the gums where there are not yet any teeth showing. If your baby still does not have any teeth by their first birthday, there is still no cause for alarm. But regardless of the number of teeth your baby has, at this age it is time to consider making your baby’s first dental appointment.

As your baby’s mouth fills up with teeth, it is important to keep up with a regular brushing routine of at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. Try to encourage your little one to develop the habit of spitting after brushing. If your baby still has no teeth by 18 months, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss delayed tooth eruption.

At this stage children should start to learn to brush their own teeth. It is recommended that the amount of fluoride toothpaste be increased to a pea-sized amount on an age appropriate toothbrush. You will still need to assist your child with brushing at this age to ensure they are brushing effectively. Encourage your child to spit out extra toothpaste and avoid swallowing it.

Getting an early start with your baby’s oral care sets them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Make an appointment with us when your baby’s first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. We regularly work with the smallest of patients and have the experience necessary to help them feel at ease.  

Call 505-888-3520 today to schedule your first visit or request an appointment. We look forward to helping your baby get a positive start to a lifetime of dental health.

90,000 Baby’s first teeth: what is important for parents to know

10.09.2018

Zubik, where are you, get out,
Don’t torment our baby.
Our baby sheds tears,
What’s in the mouth of vanities.

Congratulations – your baby has his first tooth! This is a great joy and the reason for parental pride: the baby grows and develops. This significant event marks the beginning of the first important and at the same time difficult period in a child’s life – teething.Unfortunately, the process of their appearance is always accompanied by painful sensations, which cannot be avoided. But progress does not stand still, and the editorial board of Panama.ua has collected the most valuable information that will help parents not lose their composure and maximally ease the painful sensations of the baby during teething. So, what do moms and dads need to know about children’s first teeth?

When the first teeth appear: what is the norm and deviations from it

The first teeth – the central incisors of the lower jaw, begin to appear in the period from three months.From 6 to 9 months, the incisors of the upper jaw grow. Up to 10 months lateral incisors of the upper jaw appear, up to 11-12 months – lateral incisors of the lower jaw. Until the age of one year, the baby erupts 8 teeth. After 12-15 months, the first molars begin to appear, and the canines will begin to erupt after 18 months. By the age of two, the crumbs will have 8 teeth on the lower and upper jaw, and by the age of three, 10 teeth will appear. A complete “dental kit” – 20 milk teeth, begins to be replaced by molars at the age of 7 to 9 years.The most painful teeth are the canines. They appear after 18 months. The cause of the baby’s severe pain during the eruption of the canines is the nerve responsible for the movements and reactions of the upper part of the face, located very close to them.

It should be noted right away that the process of the appearance of teeth in a child is natural and natural for everyone, but individual for each baby. If the baby has reached a certain age – for example, he is already a year old, and the number of teeth is less than it should be – this is not a reason for panic and terrible thoughts that the child is not developing correctly.In some children, teeth appear earlier, in others later. But for your own peace of mind, a consultation with a pediatrician will not be superfluous. It is important for mothers and fathers to know that the first teeth are located asymmetrically in the baby’s oral cavity – this is also not a reason for too strong anxiety. When the crumbs have 16 cloves, they will take the correct position in the process of chewing food.

Signs of an imminent appearance of teeth in a child

A few days before the dentition appears, the baby’s gums become red and swollen, itching and increased salivation appear, and the child’s body temperature may rise.If the immune system is weakened, teething may be accompanied by infectious diseases, pain in the nose and ears, a runny nose, and a disorder of the digestive system. Also among the symptoms of the imminent appearance of teeth: poor appetite, refusal to breast, redness of the cheeks. At this time, the baby pulls everything into his mouth, trying to relieve the itching in the gums, becomes more capricious and nervous, often cries at night.

How to relieve gum pain during teething?

This question worries every loving mother, because she experiences the pain of her child more than her own.To relieve the painful sensations in the baby’s gums during teething, you can use special products: gels and oils developed for this purpose. Apply them as often as the situation requires. Simultaneously with the application of the product, give the baby a light massage of the gums – this will help relieve itching, eliminate discomfort and speed up the appearance of a clove. The first tooth set by Dr. Komarovsky can become your reliable assistant at this time.

You probably already know about such toys as teethers.They will be needed so that the crumb can relieve the itching in the gums and at the same time be distracted from the painful sensations by playing. What is the secret of these toys? All teethers are bright and original to catch the baby’s attention. Naturally, the child will pull the toy into his mouth and try to chew on it – this is exactly what the whole calculation is for. Thanks to the textured surface of the toy, an easy and pleasant massage of the baby’s gums is provided, which will help eliminate itching in them. Many teethers contain either water or heat-resistant gel inside: in this case, before giving the toy to the child, you need to put it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes – the chilled filler will keep the temperature low for a long time, which will also help reduce pain in the gums …

Since now the baby will have increased salivation, take care of the presence of soft and comfortable bibs that will protect the baby’s clothes from moisture. Also, a protective cream should be applied more often to the chin and neck of the child – this will help to avoid irritation, peeling, redness on the skin. Let you always have soft napkins at hand to wipe the baby’s face in time without damaging the delicate skin.

To care for the first baby’s teeth, you will need special toothbrushes – you can find them in the assortment of the brands Nuby, Lindo and other manufacturers.Many kits already contain massagers for baby gums.

Definitely NOT

The process of teething in a child is painful, and parents naturally want to do everything possible so that the baby does not feel discomfort. But this does not mean that the child needs to be given strong pain relievers, including aspirin or analgin, without first consulting a pediatrician. Also, you can not massage the gums of the baby, using alcohol and alcohol tinctures, apply tablets to the gums of the child.

Best for Baby

The most important thing for a child during the teething period is parental attention, love and care. Be close all the time, hug and kiss your baby more often, give him a feeling of safety, security and warmth. Play with the baby, distracting his attention from the pain. There will be whims and tears, but you remain patient, because your baby needs you most of all right now.

We wish that the process of teething for every baby was the least painful, the teeth grew healthy, and the babies and their parents smiled more often.

We hope you have found some useful information thanks to this article. Share it on social networks with friends who also have to go through a difficult period of teething of their sons and daughters.

90,000 Teething – News

The formation of teeth begins long before the birth of the child, and when the baby is born, the rudiments of teeth are already present in his jaws. The first milk teeth, which are also called temporary, begin to erupt at the age of 6-7 months.By 2.5 – 3 years, all 20 milk teeth usually erupt.

Milk teeth erupt in the sequence: Central incisors – Lateral incisors – Canines – First molars – Second molars

The lower teeth erupt before the teeth of the upper jaw.

Milk teeth are very important for the process of chewing, digestion, speech development, and also serve as the basis for the formation of the jaws, therefore it is very important to keep the teeth healthy throughout their entire service life.

At the time of the eruption of the temporary teeth, the child’s jaw is still very small and therefore the temporary teeth are much smaller than the permanent ones.Over time, the child grows, which means that his jaws grow and develop, so gaps appear between the temporary teeth. The correct growth of the jaws is ensured by a certain load. The more tough food a child chews, the better the jaws train and develop.

On average, 4 years after the eruption of deciduous teeth, the process of root resorption begins. The period of final resorption of the roots of deciduous teeth corresponds to the period of eruption of permanent teeth.At the age of 6 to 12, milk teeth gradually fall out, and permanent ones erupt.

Often milk teeth that have not fallen out in time interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth. As a result, the child may develop an incorrect bite, which will require further treatment by an orthodontist (a specialist in bite correction). To avoid this, you need to carefully monitor your child’s teething, regularly visit a dentist who can remove baby teeth that did not fall out in time and interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth, and also assess the risk of malocclusion.

Material prepared by pediatric therapist D. Kondratyeva

90,000 First Teeth – Mommy Club. All about pregnancy, infant and baby development

What is Teething?

This is a stage in the development of your baby, when his first teeth begin to erupt and grow. The rudiments of teeth are formed much earlier, even when the baby is in the mother’s stomach. Now the teeth are pushed through the gums and real teeth are formed.

What to expect when a toddler has teething?

Teething is a painful process for many babies. Even breastfeeding or bottle feeding can cause severe pain because the gums are bloody and swollen, so during teething, your baby may sometimes refuse to breast or bottle.

To make sure your baby is not teething, wash your hands and run your finger across the gums to feel if a new tooth is emerging.If your teeth are about to erupt, your baby’s gums are likely to be red and swollen. You will have many sleepless and restless nights, problems with nutrition, and besides, you will have to reckon with the whims of the baby. You may also notice that your baby wants to chew whatever he can put in his mouth. It can be your fingers, toys, and everything that is at an accessible distance.

Which teeth erupt first?

Most likely the first teeth you will notice will be the two central front teeth of the lower jaw.These will be followed by the maxillary central anterior teeth. Don’t worry if there are gaps between the teeth at first – teeth often erupt in different places, and these gaps should soon disappear when all 20 baby teeth erupt.

When does teething start and how long will it last? Usually, the first teeth begin to appear around the age of five to six months. It is likely that in some babies, several teeth may begin to erupt as early as three months of age, and the rest – only from twelve months.It is impossible to predict how long teething will last. Sometimes it happens that several months pass before one tooth erupts.

Larger teeth in the back will not appear until after the baby’s first birthday, and this will again be a stressful and painful period. All twenty deciduous teeth should erupt before the age of three. The good news is that for most toddlers, only the first few teeth are the most difficult to erupt. Although the initial stage is difficult, the rest of the teeth will erupt more easily, and you will have the opportunity to rest until the molars begin to erupt.

90,000 What is dental caries, when, how and for what reasons does it develop in children

Caries can develop soon after teething as early as in the second year of a child’s life. If it remains unnoticed or adequate medical and preventive care is not provided on time, temporary milk teeth are quickly destroyed.

The main risk factors for early childhood caries are:

• early infection of a child with cariogenic microflora ;
• unsatisfactory oral hygiene ;
• irrational power supply ;
• decrease protective factors of the body .

In young children (up to one and a half to two years), caries usually begins on the front teeth of the upper jaw. This is the so-called “bottle” or “caries” caries. It develops due to a violation of the child’s diet: nightly sweet drinks, feeding between main meals. Any sugary drinks – drinks, fruit juices, infant formula and sugar water – can destroy teeth, as carbohydrates accumulate on the surface of the front teeth, which destroy teeth.If a child falls asleep with a bottle in his mouth, its contents collect and linger over the upper front teeth. Natural sugars in breast and cow’s milk are quickly converted to acid and tooth decay begins. During sleep, the process of salivation is sharply reduced, therefore, the natural self-cleaning of the oral cavity is hampered. Under these conditions, the carious process affects almost the entire surface of the anterior erupted teeth, the enamel of which is immature and fragile.

Infection of the oral cavity of children often occurs through the fault of adults.Microbes that can cause tooth decay most often enter the baby’s mouth from those who look after him (mom, dad, grandmother, nanny). This happens when using one spoon, a cup, licking a pacifier, sampling food from a spoon, etc. Particularly dangerous is the transmission of microorganisms under the age of 2.5 years, when teething is taking place. Infection can be prevented by avoiding salivary contacts. Adults need to sanitize the oral cavity, regularly and thoroughly care for their teeth, use hygiene products with chlorhexidine or chewing gum with xylitol during the first years of a child’s life.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CARIES IN YOUNG CHILDREN

For this, first of all, you need:

• Adult constant attention to the hygienic state of the baby’s oral cavity . This will reduce the effect of acid-forming microflora on the enamel of the child’s teeth. Only a clean tooth will remain a healthy tooth! With the appearance of the first milk tooth, parents should brush their child’s teeth daily – in the morning and in the evening after eating, using a toothbrush and a small amount of baby toothpaste (about the size of a pea, from a nail on the baby’s little finger).During the hygienic procedure, complete removal of plaque should be achieved. Sometimes for this you have to carry out the procedure of brushing your teeth in several stages, alternately cleaning different groups of teeth.

Initially, teeth cleaning can be carried out on the changing table. It is necessary to make a “nest” of pillows or a terry towel under the child’s head to maintain its stable position, brush your teeth with one hand, and hold the child’s handles with the other. You can also brush your teeth on an adult’s lap.To do this, you need to put the child on his back so that he can see the face of an adult, freely move his legs to the right and left and could not push off from the abdomen. With your free hand, you can lightly hold both arms of the child. At the same time, the parents and the child can perfectly communicate with each other. Regardless of what position the child is in when brushing his teeth (lying, sitting, standing), he still swallows the paste. This should not be feared, you just need to use a small amount and be sure to children’s toothpaste.

Very soon children express a desire to brush their teeth on their own, as it is exciting and interesting. Parents should not hinder this desire, but in the end they should be helped to “clean” the child’s teeth.

• Normalization of the nature and mode of nutrition . After teething, it is very important to avoid erratic night feeding of the baby. At night, a child at this age should no longer wake up to eat. If the baby is thirsty, then at night he can only be given water .It is better to buy bottled drinking water (still and without additives). Mineral water is not suitable for babies due to the high concentration of mineral salts. In the spring, you can recommend preparing homemade rosehip infusions or adding a quarter of a lemon to your drinking water. Sugar should not be added to drinks, since it is at this age that taste preferences are formed. Then it is very difficult for parents to wean the child from sugary drinks, especially at night. From the age of nine months, you need to teach your baby to drink from a cup, and after a year, stop using the baby bottle.

Natural juices without additives and sweetened drinks should be served with main meals no more than once a day. The amount of clean water you drink can be unlimited, you need to offer water in between meals. This often causes great difficulties for mothers. Children refuse to drink water because they were not taught to do it on time.

Vegetables, fruits, cheese can be used as snacks between main meals. Chips, corn sticks, raisins, and other sweet and sticky foods should be avoided.

Regular dental visits . The enamel of teeth in the first years after eruption contains few minerals, therefore it is especially susceptible to caries. The risk of the disease increases with an unfavorable course of pregnancy, artificial feeding, and frequent illnesses of the child. The first visit to the dentist is best done immediately after teething. The doctor will identify risk factors, help with the choice of toothpaste, show you how to properly brush your teeth, and prescribe mineralizing procedures if necessary. Subsequently, you should visit the dental office every six months. Do not forget to visit your child’s toothbrush, toothpaste, favorite toy and a gift for him. In case of detection of unwanted changes on the teeth, it is necessary to seek dental care in a timely manner.

July 16

Dental Health Day

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