When do babies typically start teething. What are the first signs of teething in babies. How can parents help soothe a teething baby. Why are baby teeth important for development. What is the typical timeline for baby tooth eruption.

Understanding the Teething Process: What Parents Need to Know

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth. This process can be both exciting and challenging for parents and infants alike. While every baby is unique, there are general patterns and timelines that can help parents prepare for this important stage.

When Does Teething Usually Begin?

Most babies start teething between 3 and 6 months of age. However, it’s important to note that this can vary considerably from child to child. Some infants may begin teething as early as 2 months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday. The bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are typically the first to emerge, followed by the four upper front teeth.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play crucial roles in a child’s development:

• Eating: They enable babies to transition from soft foods to a more varied diet
• Jaw development: They help guide proper jaw growth
• Speech: They assist in the development of clear speech patterns
• Adult teeth guidance: They serve as placeholders for permanent teeth

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Teething

While some babies sail through teething with minimal discomfort, others may experience more noticeable symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help parents provide timely comfort and care.

Common Teething Symptoms

• Increased drooling
• Irritability and fussiness
• Swollen or tender gums
• Chewing on objects
• Slight increase in body temperature (but not a high fever)
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Decreased appetite

Is teething always accompanied by fever? No, teething itself does not cause high fevers. While a slight increase in body temperature may occur, any temperature above 101째F (38.3째C) is likely due to an unrelated illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Soothing Strategies for Teething Babies

Parents can employ various methods to help alleviate their baby’s discomfort during teething. Here are some safe and effective strategies:

1. Gently massage the gums with a clean finger
2. Offer a cold, clean washcloth for chewing
3. Provide chilled (not frozen) teething rings or toys
4. Serve cold foods like applesauce or pureed fruit (for babies already eating solids)
5. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a pediatrician

Are teething gels safe for babies? Most pediatric dentists and doctors advise against using topical teething gels or tablets. These products often provide only temporary relief and may contain ingredients that can be harmful to infants.

The Teething Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the typical order and timing of tooth eruption can help parents anticipate their baby’s teething journey. While individual experiences may vary, here’s a general timeline:

• 6-10 months: Lower central incisors
• 8-12 months: Upper central incisors
• 9-13 months: Upper lateral incisors
• 10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors
• 13-19 months: First molars
• 16-23 months: Canines
• 23-33 months: Second molars

By around 3 years of age, most children will have their full set of 20 primary teeth. However, it’s important to remember that this timeline is just a guideline, and variations are common and usually not a cause for concern.

Dental Care for Babies: Starting Early for Lifelong Health

Establishing good oral hygiene habits from infancy is crucial for long-term dental health. Parents should begin caring for their baby’s gums even before the first tooth appears.

Pre-Tooth Oral Care

Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. This helps remove bacteria and accustoms the baby to having their mouth cleaned.

First Tooth Care

Once the first tooth emerges, begin brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

First Dental Visit

Schedule your baby’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help catch potential issues and establish a positive relationship with dental care.

Nutrition and Teething: Supporting Your Baby’s Development

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in dental development and overall health during the teething phase. Here are some considerations:

• Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as recommended by your pediatrician
• Introduce a variety of nutrient-rich solid foods around 6 months, following your doctor’s guidance
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can lead to tooth decay
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to cavities

How does teething affect a baby’s appetite? Some babies may experience a temporary decrease in appetite during teething due to gum discomfort. Offering cool, soft foods can help soothe their gums while providing necessary nutrition.

Common Concerns and Myths About Teething

Teething is surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions. Let’s address some common concerns:

Teething and Illness

While teething can cause mild discomfort and a slight temperature increase, it does not cause high fevers, diarrhea, or severe illness. If your baby experiences these symptoms, consult your pediatrician as they may indicate an unrelated health issue.

Teething Necklaces

Amber teething necklaces and similar products are not recommended by medical professionals due to risks of choking and strangulation. There is also no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing teething pain.

Late Teething

Some babies are simply late teethers, and this is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your child hasn’t developed any teeth by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatric dentist to rule out any underlying issues.

When to Seek Professional Help

While teething is a normal process, there are instances when professional advice should be sought:

• If your baby develops a fever over 101째F (38.3째C)
• If teething seems to cause extreme distress or pain
• If you notice any signs of infection in the gums, such as excessive swelling or redness
• If your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
• If no teeth have appeared by 18 months of age

Remember, every baby is unique, and what’s normal can vary widely. Trust your instincts as a parent, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist if you have concerns about your baby’s teething process or oral health.

Preparing for the Teething Journey: Tips for Parents

As you navigate your baby’s teething journey, keep these tips in mind:

1. Be patient and understanding. Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, and they may need extra comfort and attention.
2. Stock up on teething-friendly items like clean washcloths, teething rings, and appropriate pain relievers before teething begins.
3. Maintain a consistent oral care routine, even when your baby is fussy.
4. Keep track of which teeth have emerged and when, to share with your pediatrician or dentist.
5. Remember that teething is temporary, and each phase will pass.

How can parents maintain their own well-being during their baby’s teething phase? It’s important for parents to practice self-care during this potentially challenging time. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, seek support from family and friends, and remember that it’s okay to take breaks when needed.

Teething is an important milestone in your baby’s development, signaling the beginning of their journey towards a full set of teeth. While it can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, understanding the process, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to provide comfort can make this phase more manageable. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts, stay patient, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. With the right approach and care, you can help your baby navigate through teething and emerge with a healthy, beautiful smile.

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.