When do babies typically start teething. What are the first signs of teething in infants. How can parents help soothe their teething baby. When should a child have their first dental appointment.

The Teething Timeline: Understanding When Babies Start Teething

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the beginning of their journey towards a full set of teeth. But when exactly does this process begin? While every child is unique, most babies start teething between 3 and 6 months of age. However, it’s important to note that some babies may begin teething as early as 2 months or as late as 12 months.

The teething process typically follows a predictable pattern:

• Bottom front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first, around 6-10 months
• Top front teeth (central incisors) emerge next, typically between 8-12 months
• Side front teeth (lateral incisors) come in around 9-13 months
• First molars appear between 13-19 months
• Canine teeth emerge around 16-22 months
• Second molars are the last to appear, usually between 23-33 months

By the time a child reaches their third birthday, they should have a full set of 20 primary teeth. It’s crucial to remember that this timeline is just a general guide, and individual variations are entirely normal.

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

Identifying the signs of teething can help parents better understand and support their baby during this potentially uncomfortable phase. While some babies sail through teething with minimal discomfort, others may experience more noticeable symptoms. Here are some common signs that your baby might be teething:

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

Is a low-grade fever a sign of teething? While some parents report mild temperature increases during teething, it’s important to note that teething doesn’t typically cause fevers above 101°F (38.3°C). If your baby has a high fever or seems particularly unwell, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician to rule out other potential causes.

Soothing Strategies: How to Help Your Teething Baby

Watching your baby experience discomfort can be challenging, but there are several ways to help ease their teething pain:

1. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp washcloth
2. Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or toy
3. Provide cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt (for babies already eating solids)
4. Use a clean, damp washcloth that’s been chilled in the refrigerator
5. Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (consult your pediatrician first)

Are teething gels safe for babies? The FDA advises against using over-the-counter teething gels containing benzocaine, as they can lead to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication or teething product.

The Importance of Early Dental Care: When to Schedule Your Baby’s First Dentist Visit

Establishing good oral hygiene habits early is crucial for your child’s long-term dental health. But when should you schedule that first dental appointment? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging, whichever comes first.

These early visits serve several important purposes:

• Familiarizing your child with the dental office environment
• Checking for proper oral development
• Identifying potential issues early
• Educating parents on proper oral care techniques
• Establishing a “dental home” for ongoing care and emergencies

How often should children visit the dentist after their first appointment? Generally, it’s recommended that children have dental check-ups every six months, but your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your child’s individual needs.

Nurturing Healthy Smiles: The Role of Baby Teeth in Development

While it might be tempting to view baby teeth as temporary placeholders, they play crucial roles in your child’s development. Primary teeth are essential for:

• Proper chewing and nutrition
• Speech development
• Guiding permanent teeth into correct positions
• Maintaining space in the jaw for adult teeth
• Supporting facial structure and appearance

How long do baby teeth typically last? Most children begin losing their primary teeth around age 6, with the process continuing until about age 12. Proper care of baby teeth not only ensures your child’s comfort and health in the short term but also sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

From Gums to Grins: Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene begins even before your baby’s first tooth appears. Here’s a timeline for establishing healthy habits:

• Birth to 6 months: Gently wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
• 6 months to 1 year: Begin brushing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water
• 1 to 3 years: Introduce a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• 3 years and up: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and teach spitting

When should children start flossing? As soon as two teeth touch each other, it’s time to start flossing. This usually occurs between ages 2 and 6.

Beyond Teething: Potential Dental Concerns in Early Childhood

While teething is a normal part of development, there are other dental issues that parents should be aware of:

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Also known as baby bottle tooth decay, this condition can occur when babies are put to bed with bottles of milk or juice
• Thumb Sucking: While normal in infants, prolonged thumb sucking can affect tooth alignment and jaw development
• Tongue Tie: This condition can affect feeding and speech and may require intervention
• Dental Injuries: As children become more mobile, they’re at risk for dental injuries from falls or accidents

How can parents prevent early childhood caries? Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, clean their gums and teeth after feedings, and limit sugary drinks and foods.

The Role of Nutrition in Dental Health

A balanced diet is crucial for dental health, even in infancy. Here are some dietary considerations for healthy teeth:

• Calcium-rich foods promote strong teeth and bones
• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium effectively
• Vitamin C supports gum health
• Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong teeth
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks

When can babies start using cups instead of bottles? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing a cup around 6 months of age and weaning from the bottle by 12-18 months to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Teething Myths Debunked

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

• Myth: Teething causes high fevers and diarrhea
• Fact: While teething may cause mild discomfort, it doesn’t typically cause severe symptoms
• Myth: Teething necklaces are safe and effective
• Fact: The FDA warns against using teething jewelry due to choking and strangulation risks
• Myth: All babies need teething biscuits
• Fact: While some babies may find relief from teething biscuits, they’re not necessary and can contribute to tooth decay if used excessively

Do all babies experience teething discomfort? No, some babies may teeth without any noticeable symptoms, while others may experience more discomfort. Each child’s experience is unique.

The Connection Between Teething and Sleep

Teething can sometimes disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. Here are some strategies to help your teething baby sleep better:

• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
• Offer extra comfort and soothing before bed
• Use a cool, damp washcloth to soothe gums before sleep
• Consider safe pain relief options if recommended by your pediatrician
• Keep the sleep environment comfortable and conducive to rest

Can teething cause night waking in previously good sleepers? Yes, some babies who were sleeping well may experience more night waking during teething. This is usually temporary and resolves as the tooth emerges.

Teething and Breastfeeding: What to Expect

Teething can sometimes affect breastfeeding. Here’s what nursing mothers should know:

• Some babies may want to nurse more frequently for comfort
• Others may temporarily refuse to nurse due to gum discomfort
• Babies may sometimes bite while nursing as teeth emerge
• Teething doesn’t necessitate weaning unless the mother chooses to do so

How can mothers prevent biting during breastfeeding? Ending the nursing session at the first sign of biting and offering a teething toy instead can help discourage this behavior.

Cultural Perspectives on Teething

Teething traditions and beliefs vary widely across cultures. Here are some interesting examples:

• In some cultures, the appearance of the first tooth is celebrated with special ceremonies
• Certain traditions involve rubbing specific herbs or foods on the baby’s gums
• Some cultures have specific teething jewelry or amulets believed to ease discomfort
• In some places, the order in which teeth appear is believed to have significance for the child’s future

Do cultural teething remedies have scientific backing? While many traditional remedies are based on generations of observed effectiveness, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any unfamiliar treatments.

The Future of Pediatric Dentistry

As our understanding of early childhood dental health grows, so do the advancements in pediatric dentistry. Here are some exciting developments:

• Increased focus on prevention and early intervention
• Use of less invasive treatments for early childhood caries
• Integration of digital technologies for more precise diagnostics and treatments
• Growing emphasis on the oral-systemic health connection
• Development of more child-friendly dental materials and techniques

How might these advancements impact future generations? These developments could lead to better oral health outcomes, less invasive treatments, and potentially lower rates of dental anxiety in children.

Supporting Your Child’s Dental Journey

As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child’s dental health. Here are some key ways to support your child’s oral health journey:

• Model good oral hygiene habits
• Make dental care fun and engaging
• Choose a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children
• Address any dental anxieties or fears proactively
• Stay informed about your child’s oral health needs at each stage of development

How can parents help children overcome fear of the dentist? Regular, positive dental visits from an early age, along with calm, supportive behavior from parents, can help children develop a positive attitude towards dental care.

In conclusion, teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s development. While it can be challenging at times, understanding the process, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to provide comfort can make this journey smoother for both you and your baby. Remember, every child’s teething experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always consult with your pediatrician or dentist if you have concerns about your child’s dental development. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early and maintaining regular dental check-ups, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

When Do Babies Start Teething

Part of the fun of having a newborn is looking forward to each of their milestones — that first gummy smile, rolling over and, of course, your baby’s first teeth. Unfortunately, these brand new teeth are preceded by the often uncomfortable teething stage. Most parents know when their little one is teething, as their baby expresses the discomfort the only way they know how — crying, fussing and an inability to sleep.

Although the process may not be easy, this milestone shows that your little one is on track developmentally. Teeth are the precursor for a well-rounded diet. Without them, your little one would have to eat pureed food forever. When their teeth erupt, your baby can begin enjoying solid food, which will help them gain weight so that they can continue to grow and develop.

The truth is, every baby is different. Generally, you can expect your infant to begin teething between three and six months. Usually, the two bottom teeth pop out first, followed by the four upper front teeth. Before your baby enters this time frame, a few signs and symptoms will indicate that they’re beginning to teethe. Every parent should have a few tips that will make the process easier for both themselves and the baby.

First Dentist Visit

What Are the First Signs of Teething in Babies?

So how will you know if your baby is teething? Not every infant has symptoms of teething. Others have a bit of a miserable experience as the tooth pushes up through the bone and then the gumline. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that your baby is beginning this phase include:

• Crying and irritability
• Drooling
• A low-grade fever under 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Enlarged and firmer gums
• Increased biting
• Interruptions in sleep

What You Can Do to Help Your Teething Baby

By the time your little one is 24 months old, they should have their complete set of baby teeth. The good news is that teething does not last throughout that entire period. Flair-ups come and go in episodes, and toward the end, your baby will get used to the sensation of erupting teeth.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help minimize your baby’s discomfort:

• Apply a cold compress: Chill — don’t freeze — a wet washcloth or toy, as cold can help naturally numb the gums.
• Give them cold foods or drinks: Applesauce and pureed fruit are great options.
• Rub the gums: Use a clean finger to gently massage your child’s gums.
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever: Ask your pediatrician about using a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve painful symptoms.
• Consider teethers: Just be careful your baby’s new teeth don’t puncture the plastic.
• Avoid topical teething gels or teething tablets, as these can potentially cause your baby to get sick and only offer temporary relief.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule Your Baby’s First Pediatric Dental Appointment

Although many parents wait until their kids are toddlers, professional dental care should start by the time your child’s first tooth has erupted and no later than their first birthday. If your baby is teething, it’s time to contact Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Our team specializes in treating children from their first baby tooth until they’re teenagers ready to head off to college. Not only can we provide tips to help comfort your child during the teething process, but we can also ensure that they’re on track for proper oral hygiene. Contact us today to request an appointment.

Dr. Dana Fox

Dr. Dana grew up in Portland and went to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for dental school. She then moved to Anchorage, AK for her residency in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Dana takes a holistic approach to pediatric dentistry & is able to use her own parenting experience to sympathize and understand each family’s unique dynamic.

November 2, 2018
by
Dr. Dana Fox

Early teething and tooth care

How to establish good oral habits early.

Baby teeth are important for:

• Eating
• Proper jaw development
• Guiding adult teeth in place
• Speaking clearly

Most baby teeth come around six months, but sometimes earlier and babies can show signs of teething before six months of age. See the chart below for average ages of tooth development.

Coping with teething

A common sign that a new tooth is coming is increased drooling. Teething may cause discomfort, making your baby fussy. Your baby may not want to eat.

• Give your baby extra love and patience.
• Allow your baby to chew on a clean, chilled teething ring, teething toy, or clean wet face cloth.
• Teething gels and ointment are not recommended.

Teething does not cause fevers. If you have any concerns, call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse or contact your health care provider.

Good dental health starts at birth

• From birth, even before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums daily with a clean, wet cloth.
• Once baby teeth appear, gently brush your baby’s teeth (once in the morning and after the last evening feeding) with a child’s toothbrush
• Use a rice grain-sized of fluoride toothpaste. As more teeth appear, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste up to a pea sized amount by the age of 36 months.

Use soothers properly

Some worry soothers can impact tooth development and growth. Here are some soother tips to start healthy dental habits early and prevent tooth decay.

• Ensure that breastfeeding is well established (no problems breastfeeding and enough milk production, usually around four to six weeks) before introducing a soother.
• Choose the right size soother for your baby’s mouth and make sure it is a one piece design.
• Check the soother nipple often – throw it away if it is sticky, cracked or torn, or if the nipple is not firmly attached.
• Sterilize the soother before first use, by boiling it in water for five minutes and let it cool completely.
• Keep the soother clean.
• Avoid licking your baby’s soother to clean it, adult mouths can transfer tooth decaying bacteria.
• Avoid dipping the soother in honey or other sweet substances that can cause tooth decay and are unsafe for young children.
• Soothers or pacifiers are not recommended once all baby teeth have grown in, usually when your child is about three years of age.
• Never tie anything to the soother to attach it or hang it from your toddler. It can be a choking hazard. Use a clip with a short ribbon attached instead.
• Parents can start to wean children off the soother as soon as possible.

Learn more about soothers and tips to wean your child from one.

Teething – Everyday.Clinic

Some babies are born with their first teeth. For others, teeth begin to erupt before 4 months, and for some after 12 months. But most babies start teething around 6 months.
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Teething symptoms:
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Sometimes baby teeth erupt without pain or discomfort.
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In other cases, you may notice the following symptoms:
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– pain, swelling, redness of the gums
– moderate increase in body temperature (up to 38 degrees)
– redness of the cheeks, sometimes on one side
– child rubs ears
– child is more restless than usual
– child chews on things and hands
– child is irritable and does not sleep well
– irritation, rash on cheeks

Many parents think that teething causes fever and diarrhea, but researchers say that these symptoms are not signs of teething. If your child has a temperature above 38 C or diarrhea, see a doctor.
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In what order do teeth erupt?
● Lower incisors (lower front teeth) – These usually appear first, usually between 5 and 7 months of age.
● Upper incisors (upper front teeth) – these usually erupt between 6 and 8 months of age.
● Upper lateral incisors (on either side of the upper front teeth) – these erupt between 9 and 11 months of age.
● Lower lateral incisors (on both sides of the lower front teeth) – these erupt between 10 and 12 months of age.
● First molars (back teeth) – they erupt between 12 and 16 months of age.
● canines (between lateral incisors and first molars) – they appear between 16 and 20 months of age.
● Second molars – erupt between 20 and 30 months of age.
In most children, all milk teeth erupt by the age of 2-3 years. However, it is worth remembering that all children are different and the timing may be different.
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How to relieve teething symptoms?
● To relieve the pain of teething, one of the best remedies is a gentle massage of the gums.
● special teethers can also be used for massage, they can be cooled (do not freeze)
● offer cool food and drink to the child
● if teething symptoms make the child feel much worse, antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used

Do not use:
– gels with local anesthetics: the effectiveness of these drugs has not been proven, but there is a risk of side effects
– homeopathic remedies are also not have proven effectiveness
– beads: may cause suffocation
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Prevention of teething rash:
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One of the main signs of teething is salivation, which can lead to rashes on the skin (cheeks, neck). In order to prevent the appearance of a rash – wash the child after contact with saliva and food, pat the skin dry after washing, do not rub, use barrier creams with zinc.

Author: pediatrician and allergist Maria Makhova.

Personal Doctor – News

A child’s teething period is quite long: teething usually starts at 5-6 months. Very rarely, teeth can begin to erupt when the child is only a month old, and for someone, on the contrary, late at 1 year old – this is an individual feature.
However, it happens that late teething is associated with the development of rickets or nutritional errors. If the teeth have not started cutting by 9 months, you should see a doctor.
The period of teething ends at about 2-2.5 years.
During teething, the child may be anxious, but this anxiety should not last more than a few days and drastically change the life of the family.

MYTH 1 – The child does not sleep well – it’s true!
If he sleeps badly, often wakes up, this may be, but if he roared so that he cannot be calmed down for an hour, then this is not connected with the teeth, you need to look for the cause.
MYTH 2 – Teething can cause a high temperature – not true!
If the child has a temperature increase for teething, which often happens, then it should not be 38-39 degrees. In this case, most likely, some kind of viral infection has joined in parallel.
MYTH3 – A child can refuse food – not true!
A child can really eat badly during teething, but in no case completely refuse food – this is not the norm.
MYTH 4 – teething is often accompanied by a runny nose and cough
Often, mothers associate a runny nose in a child with teething, we’ll say right away that there can be no runny nose and cough due to teething. Rather, we are talking about the layering of a viral infection.
MYTH 5 – loose stools in a child due to teething –
When teething, a child produces a large amount of saliva, so the stool may be slightly thinner than usual, but in no case should this be profuse diarrhea. We must not forget that children of this age often put everything in their mouths, so the chances of catching an intestinal infection are high. If the child’s stool has changed dramatically, this is also a reason to consult a doctor.
How can you alleviate the condition of the child?
More recently, a fairly large number of gels have been used to facilitate teething and calm the mother.