When do babies start teething? What are the first signs of teething in infants? Get answers to your top questions about this important developmental milestone and learn how to help your little one through the teething process.

Understanding the Teething Timeline: When Do Babies Start Getting Their First Teeth?

The arrival of a baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone for parents, signaling the start of an important developmental phase. While every infant is different, most babies begin teething between 3 and 6 months of age. Generally, the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) erupt first, followed by the four upper front teeth (upper central and lateral incisors).

It’s important to note that some babies may start showing signs of teething even earlier, as young as 2 or 3 months old. On the other hand, others may not get their first tooth until closer to their first birthday. The timing can vary quite a bit, but the average age for the first tooth to appear is around 6 months.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Teething in Babies

Not every baby experiences obvious teething symptoms, but there are several common signs that parents can look out for:

• Increased drooling: Excessive saliva production is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs of teething.
• Chewing and biting: Babies may start chewing on their fingers, toys, or anything they can get their hands on as a way to soothe their gums.
• Irritability and fussiness: Teething can cause discomfort, leading to increased crying, crankiness, and difficulty sleeping.
• Swollen or tender gums: You may be able to feel the emerging tooth as a small, hard bump under your baby’s gums.
• Mild fever (under 101°F): A slight increase in body temperature can sometimes accompany teething, but a high fever may indicate an underlying illness.

It’s important to note that not all babies will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly from child to child. If you have any concerns about your baby’s teething process, be sure to consult with your pediatrician.

Soothing Strategies for Teething Babies: How to Provide Relief

As your little one navigates the teething process, there are several steps you can take to help provide comfort and alleviate discomfort:

1. Offer chilled (not frozen) teething rings, toys, or washcloths: The cool temperature can help numb and soothe sore gums.
2. Gently massage your baby’s gums: Use a clean finger or a soft, damp washcloth to gently massage the gums, which can help relieve pressure.
3. Consider over-the-counter pain relievers: Your pediatrician may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce inflammation and ease pain, but be sure to follow dosage instructions carefully.
4. Avoid teething gels and tablets: These products can potentially cause side effects and only provide temporary relief.
5. Stay patient and comforting: Offer extra cuddles, rocking, and soothing activities to help your baby through this challenging time.

Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits from the Start

While teething may be uncomfortable for your little one, it’s also an important step in their overall development. Healthy baby teeth not only aid in eating and speaking but also play a crucial role in guiding the eruption of permanent teeth.

To ensure your child’s long-term oral health, it’s recommended to schedule their first dental appointment by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. This early visit allows the pediatric dentist to assess your baby’s dental development, provide guidance on proper cleaning and care, and address any concerns or issues that may arise during the teething process.

Celebrating Milestones and Maintaining Dental Health

As your baby grows and reaches new milestones, it’s important to continue fostering good oral hygiene habits. This includes gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth even before the first tooth appears, and gradually transitioning to brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and age-appropriate toothpaste once the teeth start coming in.

By staying vigilant and proactive about your child’s dental health from the very beginning, you can help set them up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. Remember, your pediatric dentist is a valuable resource and partner in this journey, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teething in Babies

Does teething cause fever in babies?

No, teething does not typically cause a fever above 101°F in babies. If your child has a high fever or other concerning symptoms, it’s best to contact your pediatrician, as this may indicate an underlying illness rather than just teething.

Can teething cause diarrhea in infants?

There is no clear scientific evidence that teething directly causes diarrhea in babies. If your child experiences persistent diarrhea or other digestive issues, it’s important to rule out other potential causes and consult your pediatrician.

When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. This early visit allows the dentist to assess your child’s oral health and provide guidance on proper home care and any necessary interventions.

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.