Baby Teeth: Teething Symptoms and Remedies

Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to push through their gums. While it can be a frustrating time for babies and their parents, a baby’s teething phase is one of the most significant milestones in your baby’s development.

Despite the cuteness of those front teeth emerging, the process of baby teething can be quite painful. It can also be a stressful time for parents, trying to soothe their baby’s pain. This article can help you get a better understanding of the common symptoms and remedies for teething in babies and hopefully make the process a little easier for you and your baby.

When do babies start teething:

Babies are born with all 20 primary teeth beneath the surface of their gum. These teeth usually begin to cut through the surface of the gum between the first 6 to 12 months. By the age of three, most children have their entire set of baby teeth in place.

Baby teething symptoms:

While in some cases, baby teeth can emerge with little to no pain, the change can cause some discomfort for your baby, making them a bit crankier than usual. Here are a few signs that your baby might be teething.

• Sore Gums,

• Mild Temperature,

• Flushed Cheeks,

• Face Rashes,

• Unusual Drooling,

• Chewing & Biting Toys and Objects,

• Distress & Crankiness,

• Lack of Sleep.

Baby Teething by Age:

The following is a guide to how babies' teeth typically emerge. Remember, babies develop differently. Therefore, the guide is just a rough estimate.

• 5 to 7 months: Bottom incisors or the bottom front teeth

• 6 to 8 months: Top incisors or the top front teeth

• 9 to 11 months: Top lateral incisors or the teeth on either side of the top front teeth

• 10 to 12 months: Bottom lateral incisors or the teeth on either side of the bottom front teeth

• 12 to 16 months: Molars or back teeth

• 16 to 20 months: Canines

• 20 to 30 months: Second molars

How to Soothe a Teething Baby:

Consider the following simple tips if your teething baby appears to be in pain:

• Gently massage your baby's gums: Apply some pressure using a clean finger or wet gauze to alleviate your baby’s discomfort.

• Use the smooth side of a cold spoon to gently rub the surface of your baby’s gum, this can help reduce inflammation and swelling and alleviate some pain.

• Teething rings can help ease the process as the baby bites or chews on it. Teething necklaces may be an option, but they are dangerous because they can pose a choking hazard.

• Use over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Consult your pediatrician when it comes to medication for an expert opinion on the type and dosage of medication specifically for your baby.

In addition to this, ensure that your baby is as comfortable as possible, to reduce the amount of discomfort they feel. Keeping your baby dry, dabbed with baby powder and in a temperature-controlled environment can help calm and comfort your baby while teething. Choosing products that are safe for your baby can also help reduce the risk of rashes, fevers, skin conditions and further discomfort.

When to seek support:

Teething is a temporary and normal as part of a baby's development. Having said that, you are the most familiar with your child. If you suspect something is wrong, consult your pediatrician. High fevers, cough, runny nose, and diarrhea could be caused by other illnesses rather than teething. You should also consult your doctor if your baby hasn't gotten their first tooth by the age of 16 months.

While teething can be a difficult time for you and your baby, knowing what to expect during your baby’s teething period and how to make it less painful can be beneficial for your baby.

Remember that long term dental health depends on how you care for your baby’s teeth. You might think that these primary teeth will soon fall out, which is true. However, decay of these teeth will make them fall out faster, leaving gaps before the permanent teeth arrive. This might later lead to further dental concerns. As you provide the remedies necessary for your baby’s teething process and the care necessary for your baby’s dental health, invest in products that are durable, safe, and environmentally friendly.

References:

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teething

2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378

4. https://www.chla.org/blog/health-and-safety-tips/tips-teething-pain-what-s-safe-and-what-s-not