Baby Health

Babies Teething Guide

Babies Teething Guide: Timing, Symptoms & Relief

Teething is a milestone that your baby will look forward to in his or her first year. It is also a challenging milestone. The arrival of the first tooth in your baby is a great sign of development and growth, but it can also cause a lot of pain for them. It may even lead to sleepless nights for you and your child. Teething is a normal and inevitable process, and it will have its ups and downs. Knowing the timeline and recognizing symptoms can make a big difference. This guide will provide you with useful advice and help you to navigate this time.

What to expect during the Teething Period

Teething may begin as early as three months old, but many babies do not get their first teeth until they are six months old. There is no “schedule” that can be used to predict when a baby’s first tooth will appear. Some babies may start teething earlier while others may take longer. By the time your child turns three years old, he or she should have 20 baby teeth.

Babies Teething Guide
Babies Teething Guide

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline for when teeth usually come in.

  1. First teeth (6-8 months). Lower central incisors are usually the first to show up. They are the first teeth to appear and can be very uncomfortable. The upper central incisors usually follow the bottom teeth, though this can vary from baby to child.
  2. Next teeth (8-12 months)
    Next, the lateral incisors (located next to the central incisors) usually appear. The first molars usually appear around 12 months. The molars are bigger and have a larger surface area. This can be uncomfortable for your child when they cut through.
  3. Canines (16-20 months)
    Your baby’s canine teeth will appear between 16 and 20 months. Due to their shape, these teeth can be a little more difficult for babies to handle. However, they are vital for your child’s dental development and are used to tear food.
  4. Second Molars (Age 20-30 Months)
    Second molars usually appear around 2 or 3 years of age. The largest and most difficult teeth to emerge are those located at the back of the mouth. Second molars are usually the most painful, so prepare yourself for some more sleepless nights and grumpier days.

There is no set schedule for the appearance of teeth, and this is perfectly fine. Some babies will get their first teeth very early while others might be late bloomers. It’s not always about your child’s development or health.

Teething symptoms: How to tell if your baby is teething

The emergence of the baby’s first tooth is a sure sign that teething has begun. However, you may also notice other symptoms in the weeks before the tooth arrives. The signs of teething can vary depending on the baby. Some may only experience a few, while others might experience all or most.

1. Excessive Drooling

Drooling is one of the first signs of teething. Teething can increase drooling, which is normal for babies. The salivary glands are stimulated by the pressure of the tooth pushing against the gums. Baby drool is common, so keep extra bibs and wipes handy to dry their chests and chins.

2. Chewing on everything

During teething, babies have a natural instinct to chew on objects. It helps relieve the pressure from the tooth pushing into their gums. Your baby may chew on your fingers, toys or clothing. You can satisfy your baby’s urge to chew by offering them teething toys, or teething rings that are chilled.

3. Fussiness, Irritability and Frustration

Teething can make your baby irritable and difficult to calm down. It is especially difficult when the tooth is about to emerge because the pressure on the gums can cause discomfort. This can be a challenge if your baby is usually happy. You may notice a change in their mood.

4. Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Teething pain may disrupt your baby’s sleeping patterns. Some babies will have difficulty falling asleep or may wake up more often during the night. It is more common when the canines and molars are growing in. These teeth cause the most discomfort.

5. Reduced Appetite

Your baby may experience pain when eating or drinking due to the swelling and tenderness of their gums. Your baby may be refusing to eat or eating less. Some babies will crave cold liquids or foods, like yogurt or chilled fruit, to soothe their sore teeth.

6. Swollen or Red Gums

Swollen or reddened gums are one of the first signs of teething. You may feel tenderness in your baby’s mouth when you gently touch the gums. There may also be swelling where the teeth are about ready to appear. It can be alarming but is completely normal.

7. Rashes around the mouth

Drooling can cause a rash to appear around the mouth or chin of your baby. Drool’s constant moisture can cause irritation to the skin and cause a rash or redness. Keep the area dry, and use a gentle lotion or balm on it to avoid skin irritation.

 

Baby Boy Playing with Teething Toy
Baby Boy Playing with Teething Toy

How to soothe your baby’s teething pain

It’s painful to watch your child suffer through teething. There are many ways you can help ease the pain for your baby and yourself.

1. Teething Toys & Rings

Baby teething toys and rings have been designed for them to chew. Some teething rings are cooled in the refrigerator to provide a soothing, cool sensation for sore gums. Parents may even freeze teething rings. However, it is important to remember that freezing too hard could damage the sensitive gums of your baby. Be sure to supervise your child when they use a teething ring.

2. Washcloths that are cold and wet

Cold, wet washcloths are an effective and simple remedy for teething discomfort. Wet a cloth and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. The cold temperature will temporarily relieve your baby’s pain by numbing their gums. The cloth’s texture is soothing to their sore gums. Be careful not to over-freeze the washcloth as it could become too stiff for your baby.

3. Gentle Gum Massage

Massage your baby’s gingiva with a clean, dry finger. This can bring immediate relief. Apply a little pressure to the area where the tooth is coming through. This type of massage is soothing to many babies, so make sure you do it gently.

4. Over-the-counter pain relief

You can give your baby over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen depending on their age. Consult your pediatrician for any questions and always follow the instructions on the package. These medications may provide temporary relief but should not be used long-term.

5. Frozen or chilled foods

If your baby has already begun eating solid foods, you can offer them chilled or frozen food as a remedy. Cold yogurt, cold fruit such as apples, bananas or berries, and even chilled puree can soothe sore gums. Avoid giving your child hard frozen foods such as ice cubes, which could cause a choking risk.

6. Distraction and Comfort

Distraction can sometimes be the best solution to distract your baby from teething pain. You can keep your baby occupied by playing with them, reading a book or offering a favourite toy. Cuddles and comfort can help your baby feel secure in this phase.

7. Consult Your Pediatrician

It’s important to consult your pediatrician if your baby is in pain, or you notice any unusual symptoms such as diarrhea or fever. These symptoms may be caused by teething but they can also be an indication of a serious illness.

How To Care For Your Baby’s Teeth

It’s important to focus on your child’s oral hygiene as soon as their first tooth appears. Early dental care is crucial to ensuring healthy gums and teeth as your child grows. It’s important to wipe your baby’s gums gently with a damp, clean washcloth even before their first tooth appears. This will help to remove any leftover milk and prevent bacteria buildup.

As soon as the first tooth appears, clean it gently with a damp washcloth, or use a toothbrush designed for babies. It is important to remove food particles and bacteria, as well as plaque, gently. Choose a baby toothbrush, which is smaller and gentler for gums and teeth. Brush the teeth gently using small circular movements.

Only introduce fluoride toothpaste to your baby after 18 months. You can only use a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste at this stage. Fluoride helps protect your baby’s mouth from cavities and strengthens their teeth. Be sure to supervise the child and make sure they don’t swallow any toothpaste. Too much fluoride is harmful.

It is important that your child maintains a routine of brushing his teeth twice daily, once in the morning and again before bed. Make tooth brushing fun and interactive to create a positive experience. To make your child feel more involved, you can sing or let them hold the toothbrush themselves and brush their teeth (with your assistance). This will help your child develop good habits, and they’ll be more likely to brush their teeth.

It’s important to have your child’s first dental exam when they turn three. Regular dental examinations are essential for catching potential problems early and monitoring your child’s development. Your child’s pediatric dentist can assess the alignment of their teeth, look for cavities and give advice on how to care for them as they develop. Establishing a routine for dental care early and ensuring regular dental visits will help your child to have a healthy smile throughout their life.

 

Baby Playing with Teething Toy or Rattle at Home
Baby Playing with Teething Toy or Rattle at Home

Conclusion

It’s easy for parents to forget that teething only lasts a few weeks, especially if your baby is experiencing it. You’re also feeling the stress. It’s important to keep in mind that, no matter how difficult it seems, this phase will pass. Soon, your child will have all of his baby teeth and the teething stage will be long forgotten. While teething is a difficult process, it’s just one of the many developmental milestones that your child will encounter on their way to adulthood.

Your baby’s teething is a time when the body works hard to prepare it for solid food and speech. Try to remember that, despite the discomfort your baby may be experiencing, teething is an important step in their overall health and development. Your baby’s discomfort will lead to new opportunities, such as the ability to speak and chew more clearly.

Understanding the teething process and recognizing symptoms will help you, as well as your baby, get through this trying time. Some strategies will work better for your baby than others, as every teething experience differs. Knowing that there are different options to comfort your baby can make a huge difference.

You and your baby will benefit from being patient. Although teething may cause sleepless nights and cranky days, it is only a temporary phase. All the sleepless nights and difficult moments will be worth it when you see your child’s new tooth and watch them explore the world.

 

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