When do babies start teething. What are the common signs of teething. How can parents soothe a teething baby. What are the best practices for caring for baby teeth. Which teething remedies should be avoided. When should parents seek medical help for teething symptoms.

Understanding the Baby Teething Process

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth through the gums. This process typically begins around 6 months of age, although it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. By the time a child reaches 30 months, all 20 of their primary teeth should have erupted.

The teething process can be uncomfortable for babies, often causing irritability and discomfort. As a parent, understanding the timeline and symptoms can help you provide the necessary comfort and care during this crucial period.

Teething Timeline: What to Expect

• 3-6 months: Early teething may begin
• 6-10 months: First teeth typically appear (usually lower central incisors)
• 10-14 months: Upper central incisors emerge
• 14-18 months: Canine teeth and first molars appear
• 18-24 months: Second molars emerge
• 30 months: Full set of 20 primary teeth should be present

Is teething a linear process? No, teething can be unpredictable. Some babies may have teeth emerge in a different order or at different times. It’s essential to remember that each child’s teething journey is unique.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Teething

Teething can manifest in various ways, and not all babies experience the same symptoms. Being aware of the common signs can help parents identify when their baby is entering the teething phase and provide appropriate care.

Common Teething Symptoms

• Excessive drooling
• Swollen, tender gums
• Increased irritability and fussiness
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Loss of appetite
• Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
• Gnawing on objects

Can teething cause fever? While a slight increase in body temperature may occur during teething, a high fever is not a typical symptom. If your baby develops a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), it’s best to consult a pediatrician as it may indicate an unrelated illness.

Soothing Strategies for Teething Babies

As your baby navigates the discomfort of teething, there are several strategies you can employ to provide relief and comfort. These methods can help alleviate pain and soothe irritated gums.

Effective Teething Relief Techniques

1. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
2. Offer a cold teething ring or chilled washcloth
3. Provide safe, firm objects for chewing
4. Use over-the-counter pain relievers (consult with a pediatrician first)
5. Try chilled (not frozen) fruits in a mesh feeder for babies eating solids

Are there natural remedies for teething discomfort? Yes, some parents find success with natural remedies such as chamomile tea (cooled) for its soothing properties or diluted clove oil for its numbing effect. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy.

Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth

As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, it’s crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits early. Proper care of baby teeth sets the foundation for lifelong dental health and helps prevent early childhood cavities.

Essential Dental Care Tips for Infants

• Clean gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth appear
• Introduce a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste at 6 months
• Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle

How often should you brush your baby’s teeth? Aim to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. This routine helps remove plaque and prevents tooth decay.

Teething Remedies to Avoid

While there are many safe and effective ways to soothe a teething baby, some popular remedies can be harmful or even dangerous. It’s essential for parents to be aware of what to avoid to ensure their baby’s safety during the teething process.

Unsafe Teething Practices

• Teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine
• Amber teething necklaces or bracelets
• Liquid-filled teething rings
• Homeopathic teething tablets
• Applying alcohol to the gums
• Using aspirin for pain relief

Why are teething necklaces dangerous? Teething necklaces, especially those made of amber, pose significant choking and strangulation risks. There’s also no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in relieving teething pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While teething is a normal developmental process, there are instances when symptoms may indicate a more serious issue. Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider can help ensure your baby’s health and well-being during this time.

Signs That Warrant Medical Attention

• High fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Severe diarrhea
• Persistent vomiting
• Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period
• Excessive crying or irritability
• Signs of dehydration

Should you be concerned if your baby’s teeth come in out of order? Generally, no. While there is a typical order for tooth eruption, it’s not uncommon for teeth to appear in a different sequence. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s dental development, consult with a pediatric dentist.

Nutritional Considerations During Teething

Teething can impact a baby’s eating habits, sometimes leading to a temporary decrease in appetite. Ensuring proper nutrition during this time is crucial for your baby’s growth and development.

Dietary Tips for Teething Babies

• Offer softer foods that are easier to eat
• Experiment with different food temperatures
• Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration from excessive drooling
• Consider nutritious, chilled foods like yogurt or pureed fruits
• Continue regular feeding schedules as much as possible

Can teething affect breastfeeding? Yes, some babies may temporarily refuse to nurse due to gum discomfort. Offering a cold teething ring before feeding or gently massaging the gums can help. If feeding issues persist, consult a lactation specialist or your pediatrician.

Long-Term Dental Health Considerations

While teething is a temporary phase, it marks the beginning of your child’s dental health journey. Establishing good habits early and understanding the importance of primary teeth can set the stage for lifelong oral health.

Importance of Baby Teeth

• Aid in proper speech development
• Enable effective chewing and nutrition
• Hold space for permanent teeth
• Contribute to facial structure and aesthetics
• Boost self-esteem and social interaction

When do permanent teeth start to come in? The transition from primary to permanent teeth typically begins around age 6 and can continue until age 12 or 13. This process, known as mixed dentition, requires ongoing dental care and monitoring.

Navigating the teething process can be challenging for both babies and parents. By understanding the timeline, recognizing symptoms, and implementing appropriate care strategies, you can help make this developmental milestone more comfortable for your little one. Remember that each child’s teething experience is unique, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Always consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist if you have concerns about your baby’s teething process or oral health. With patience, care, and attention, you can support your baby through this important stage of development and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What to expect when your baby starts teething

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GEHA | August 22, 2022

Children’s health

Everyday health

Dental

Your baby’s teeth are a big part of their health, so it is important to build a strong foundation for your child’s oral health now.

What is teething?

Teething is the process in which teeth grow through the gums in an infant’s mouth. Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, though some infants begin teething as early as 3 months while others don’t begin until after 12 months. By the time your child is 30 months old, all twenty of their baby teeth should be in place.

Signs and symptoms that your baby may be teething

There are several signs and symptoms your baby may experience as they begin the teething process. If you know what to look for, you may even notice certain symptoms that signal the teething process will soon begin.

Common teething signs and symptoms include:

• Face rash
• Flushed cheeks
• Sucking fingers
• Excessive drooling
• Disruption of eating and sleeping patterns
• Acting cranky, irritable and tearful
• Low-grade fever
• Tender, swollen and sore gums
• Gnawing, chewing and biting objects

How to comfort your teething baby and care for their new teeth

As your baby begins teething, you will want to find ways to comfort your baby and care for their new teeth. There are several methods you can attempt for both.

To comfort your teething baby, you can:

• Rub your baby’s gums. Wash your hands thoroughly, then massage or rub the sore area(s) with gentle finger pressure. You can also use clean and wet gauze instead of your finger.
• Keep their mouth cool. Cool or chilled food and objects can help soothe a baby’s sore gums. You can place a cold spoon or teething ring (not frozen) on your baby’s gums. If they are eating solids, you can use frozen bananas or berries. It is essential to watch your child closely when they have any substance in their mouth.
• Give your baby something to chew on. A firm, rubber teething ring may offer some pain relief.
• Try over-the-counter remedies. If nothing else is working and your baby seems especially upset, consider giving them infant’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

To keep your baby’s new teeth clean, you can:

• Run a soft, clean cloth over their gums twice a day. Once after the morning feeding and once before bed.
• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean their teeth twice a day. A toothbrush should not be used until their first teeth appear.
• Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than the size of a grain of rice. Once your child learns to spit (around ages 2 – 3) you can switch to a pea-sized dollop.
• Begin thinking about regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit around their first birthday.

What not to do

There are a few things to avoid while your baby is teething. Certain ingredients and tools will harm your child a lot more than they will help. To keep your baby safe, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These ingredients can be harmful, even fatal to your baby.
• Avoid teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets. While amber teething necklaces and other similar products may be trendy, they pose a huge risk for choking and strangulation.
• Avoid liquid-filled teething rings.
• Never give your child aspirin.
• Do not rub alcohol on your baby’s gums.
• Do not use homeopathic remedies.
• Never place anything frozen directly against your child’s gums or teeth. Instead, wrap the object in a towel or wait until it is cooler.

When to seek additional help

It is important to know that high fever, diarrhea and vomiting are not typical symptoms of teething and may be a sign that your child needs proper medical attention. If you notice your baby refusing food or bottles, it may also be time to contact their doctor. Click to access GEHA’s Find Care tool.

Disclaimer: This information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and if you have questions regarding a medical condition, regimen, or treatment you should always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice from a qualified medical professional because of information you have read herein.

Sources:

“Baby teething symptoms.” www.nhs.uk, National Health Service, 1 February 2019

“Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums.” mayoclinic.org, Mayo Clinic, 25 February 2022

“Teething.” medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2 October 2020

“Teething: 4 to 7 months.” www.healthychildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 6 October 2016

“Frequently asked questions (FAQ).” www.aapd.org, America’s Pediatric Dentists, n.d.

“Safely soothing teething pain and sensory needs in babies and older Children. ” www.fda.gov, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.

“Perinatal and infant oral health care.” www.aapd.org, America’s Pediatric Dentists, 2021

“Teething.” www.mouthhealthy.org, American Dental Association, n.d.

“Fact sheets for families – teething.” cchp.ucsf.edu, University of California San Francisco, 2005

“How to help teething symptoms without medications.” www.healthychildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 27 March 2014

“Baby teething pain.” www.healthychildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 20 December 2018

“Managing discomfort caused by teething.” www.jcda.ca, Canadian Dental Association, 5 December 2013

When do babies start teething? | Signs & How to Help

What is teething?

Teething is when your baby’s teeth start moving underneath their gums and coming through. Some people also refer to it as ‘cutting teeth’.

What age do babies start teething?

All babies develop at different rates so there’s no saying when your baby might get their first tooth. Some babies are born with their first teeth whereas others still have no sign of a first tooth when they’re 12 months old. There are some clear signs and symptoms to look out for though that often indicate that precious first tooth might be on its way.

Teething pains

Teething often causes babies discomfort, making them restless and irritable. As the roots of their teeth grow, they push the edges of the teeth through the gums. Babies usually suffer most with their first teeth as the sensation is new, and with their molars because of their size.

Signs your baby is teething:

Look out for two or three of these symptoms¹:

• They have become more fussy and clingy and are crying more at night.
• They are dribbling a lot.
• They have an urge to bite to try to ease the pain, so they’ve started chewing on their fingers and anything else they can get hold of!
• Their cheeks are flushed.
• Their gums are swollen and red.
• They’re demanding the breast or bottle more.
• Some babies may have a poor appetite for solid foods because their gums hurt.
• They aren’t sleeping well.

How to help your teething baby

There’s lots you can do to soothe your baby and help relieve the pain. Try some of these suggestions:

• Give them a teething ring to chew on (the ones you can cool in the fridge are good).
• Your doctor may recommend infant pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Apply a barrier cream to their chin, neck and chest to stop them getting sore from dribbling.
• Distract them with lots of hugs or something to play with.
• If your baby is 6 months or older you can give them a piece of carrot or apple to chew on. 

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

You can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come through, using a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and toothpaste specially formulated for their age. Remember to be gentle as their gums may still be feeling sore – and don’t be surprised if they’re less than keen to start off with! Just keep trying until it becomes part of their regular daily routine.

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Last reviewed: 31st August 2020
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When do children start teething?

It is almost impossible to name the exact date when the baby’s first tooth erupts. Everything is very individual, some hurry-ups can boast of the first tooth at the age of 4 months, while other children have not yet acquired teeth even with the advent of the first year of life. There is nothing wrong with this, just the individual characteristics of the organism are expressed precisely in such features.

But, if you want to get an answer to the question: when children start teething, most babies experience characteristic pain from 3-4 months of age. As a last resort, from 6-9months, many already have several teeth.

How do the first signs appear?

Most parents fear this period and want to know in advance what the child’s symptoms are when teething. Believe me, you will definitely not miss this moment, and if you prepare in advance, it will not be an unpleasant surprise. The following symptoms are characteristic of teething in all infants: The main thing here is not to allow the appearance of irritation. Excessive moisture around the mouth can cause irritation. If you regularly wash your baby and wipe your face with baby cream, you can avoid many troubles.

Rarely, but it happens that the baby suffers from a mild degree of otitis media. Erupting teeth give tension to the corresponding muscles, and they begin to suffer. Ear twitching, runny nose and pain, clear evidence of this. But, it is better to additionally consult a pediatrician.

Now you know exactly how children behave when teething. And you will be able to accurately determine this condition in order to help the baby at a difficult moment in his life and cope with the physiological problem together.

An important point!

Parents just need to know a very important fact. During this period, babies have weakened immunity, and they are prone to most diseases and infections. It is worth limiting communication on the street, and try to ensure that the little one does not take dirty objects in his hands and mouth. Try to limit your diet to only proven and high-quality products. Give food only warm food, which is much better absorbed by the body. Consult with a pediatrician, and it is possible to add a complex of vitamins to the diet.

Expert opinion

It doesn’t matter what time a child starts teething, parents should be prepared for this in advance. Buy the necessary equipment and try to be patient. The baby is guaranteed to cry and act up. But, if you do not allow yourself to break down at the slightest pretext, and pass this test with dignity, the reward will be healthy teeth and good psychological health in the family.

An excellent folk remedy is ordinary cooled and peeled carrots. It is not only useful for a baby as a source of vitamins, but also helps as an anesthetic.

Why does the child’s teeth grow poorly

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The first erupted tooth in a child is a joyful event for parents. But what if there are no teeth at 6 or 8 months or even later? Is this really a problem or can we wait?

Milk teeth: up to 2–2.5 years they should grow exactly 20

Sometimes the change of teeth to permanent ones is delayed, so sometimes an examination may be required to establish whether everything is in order.

Why can’t teeth grow in time?

Individual features

The average time for the appearance of the first milk tooth is 6 months, but the teeth can begin to erupt as early as three months or a year, and both options are normal. If the child’s teeth do not appear, but there are no other complaints and the pediatrician does not notice any problems, then there is no need to worry until a year or a little over.

The same applies to the late start of the change of milk teeth to permanent ones. In some children, permanent incisors begin to appear already in the older group of kindergarten, while others experience this moment at school. The normal period for the formation of a permanent bite is from 7 to 13 years.

Teeth may erupt later than the average term in weakened, often ill children.

What to do?

Watch for other complaints, if necessary, contact the doctors, and if there are no complaints, then nothing. It is impossible to influence the rate of appearance of teeth.

Partial dentition

Adentia is the congenital absence of tooth buds. Most often, the top two “twos” are missing. Moreover, there may be a lack of both milk and permanent teeth, or both.

Adentia is a congenital condition, it occurs due to a failure in the embryonic period during the laying of the main organs and systems.

It is very difficult to notice the partial adentia of milk teeth: the teeth are small, they are all of a similar shape, and others take the place of the missing ones. Such adentia does not harm the chewing process in any way.

If permanent teeth are missing, this is already visible visually. In this case, malocclusion may develop, as the “triples” are pulled up to the place of the missing “twos”, the following teeth are also displaced.

Partial edentulous – no upper incisors Partial edentulous – no upper incisors, but “triples” have taken their place

The exception is wisdom teeth, they are also “eights”. Their functions are not so important, in most people they remain impacted, and if they are lost, they are not replaced. Their absence does not affect the health and aesthetics of a smile.

What to do?

If there is a partial shortage of permanent teeth, it is most often necessary to correct the bite and prepare a place for prosthetics. If you do not prosthetics, but close the empty space with neighboring teeth, then this will not be a complete solution to the problem – the dentition will be narrower than it should have been.

Completely edentulous

This is a rare occurrence – the complete absence of rudiments of teeth (deciduous or permanent). In this case, the teeth cannot erupt because they simply do not exist in the jaw bone.

Complete adentia in the picture

In medicine, cases have been described when the patient had milk teeth, but the permanent ones were completely absent. The loss of milk teeth was timely, but permanent teeth did not appear in return. At this point, the child’s parents paid attention to the problem, and the dentist made a diagnosis.

In addition to being congenital, adentia can be acquired if the child has undergone severe treatment (chemotherapy) at an early age. Due to the toxic effect of drugs, the rudiments of the teeth can be damaged.

What to do?

Adentia is clearly visible on the CT scan.