Teething is an inevitable stage in every baby's development. Teething in babies is a process where a baby's primary teeth start to emerge from the gums. Although teething is a normal part of a baby's growth, it can be a challenging time for both the baby and the parents. In this article, we will discuss signs of teething in babies and some tips to help ease the discomfort.
At what age do babies start teething?
Teething is a natural process when a baby's teeth begin to emerge from the gums. While most babies start teething around six months of age, it can vary from one baby to another.
As a parent, you probably enjoy watching your baby reach their adorable milestones such as their first smile, giggle, or rolling over. However, teething is not always a pleasant milestone. It can cause discomfort, irritability, and even sleepless nights for both the baby and the parents.
Despite the potential challenges, teething is a normal part of a baby's growth and development. It's worth noting that the timeline for teething can differ from one baby to another.
What are some common signs of teething in babies?
Teething can be a painless process for some babies, and the emergence of their first tooth may be the only noticeable sign. However, for other babies, teething can be uncomfortable and cause discomfort.
Some of the most common symptoms of teething include excessive drooling, resulting in a face rash, and an urge to chew on different objects. The baby may also exhibit irritability, crankiness, and crying, along with refusing to eat. Swollen, sore, or tender gums may be a sign of teething, and the baby may experience trouble sleeping, flushed cheeks, and may pull on their ears. A slightly elevated temperature, around 99°F (37.2°C), may also be observed.
Teething symptoms are not dependent on whether a baby is breastfed or bottle-fed. However, if you breastfeed or chest-feed your baby, you may notice additional changes that are related to teething. For instance, gum pain or soreness may cause the baby to adjust their latch while feeding.
Even before a tooth emerges, you may feel your baby gnawing or biting down on your breasts, and as breastfeeding can be soothing for them, they may want to feed more frequently during teething.
It's important to note that teething symptoms can occur before the emergence of a tooth, so it's normal to see these changes in your baby even if there is no visible sign of a tooth yet.
Note: Conversely, a rectal temperature that reads 100.4°F (38°C) or above, vomiting, or diarrhea are typically not associated with teething. If you observe these symptoms in your baby, it's advisable to get in touch with their pediatrician.
What order do baby teeth appear in?
While most babies typically start to get their first tooth between the ages of 4 and 7 months, there's a wide range of when it's considered normal to start teething.
If your little one hasn't cut a tooth by 7 or 9 months, there's no need to worry. However, if you're concerned, you can always speak with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
On average, babies begin teething at around 6 months of age, and will likely have a full set of teeth by the age of 3. But this timeline can vary, and when your baby will start teething may even be influenced by genetics.
While it's not common, some babies are born with one or two teeth. Infants born with teeth should be closely monitored, as they can present a choking risk.
Typically, the initial teeth to emerge are the lower two, with the subsequent four teeth being the upper ones. However, this pattern can vary, and many factors can influence the timeline, such as premature birth or low birth weight.
On average, babies have four teeth by 11 months, eight teeth by 15 months, twelve teeth by 19 months, and sixteen teeth by 23 months. During this time, your baby may experience symptoms of teething, which may come and go as they cut new teeth or feel the first symptoms of a tooth emerging.
If your child doesn't have any teeth by 18 months, you should see a pediatric dentist for evaluation, as there may be an underlying medical issue causing a delay in teething, such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, or underactive thyroid.
Remember, every baby is different, so there's no need to be concerned if your child's teeth are coming in at a different rate than their friends. Teeth will come in when they're ready, and your little one will be showing off their adorable toothy grin before you know it.
What are some safe remedies to help soothe a teething baby?
Breastmilk
Freezing breast milk in ice cubes can help soothe your child's sore gums. Pour breast milk into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, crush the ice cubes into small bite-size pieces and offer them in a bite guard or baby feeder.
Breastfeeding can also provide some relief, as nursing can reduce the pressure on your baby's gums. Chamomile tea has wonderful properties that are ideal for reducing the stress and discomfort of teething. Moms can drink this decaffeinated tea and pass the benefits of the tea on to the baby too!
Chilled or Frozen
Items
Cold or frozen foods, such as carrots, bananas, or apples, can be safe foods for your baby to chew. Food should be monitored and fed in a mesh or silicone teether to prevent large pieces from entering your baby's mouth.
Massage
When your baby is teething, tension can build up along the jawline, causing pain that radiates from the mouth to the ears. Giving your baby a gentle facial massage can help relieve the pain and irritation often caused by teething.
Toys or Teething Rings
Using a safe, non-toxic teether or toy is a good choice for a teething remedy that allows your baby to chew and relieve pressure. Silicone or rubber are safe options. Another option could be a wooden teether, but be sure to use a brand that uses water-based sealants, and keep in mind that some will need to be oiled before use.
With A Clean Finger
Finally, one of the oldest and best natural remedies for teeth is to use a clean finger! Rubbing your child's sore gums with your finger or allowing them to chew can help relieve tension and pain.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with your baby's teething issues
- Wipe your baby's face and chin frequently to prevent him from developing a salivary rash.
- Be careful with diaper rash because increased saliva production during teething can lead to increased acid in your baby's urine and feces.
- Clean teethers regularly to reduce your baby's risk of contracting germs.
Dental crackers and cold or frozen foods should only be offered to children who already consume solid foods.