Learn how to identify the signs of teething and ways to comfort your baby during this challenging period. Visit our blog for expert advice from midwives.
Teething can cause discomfort, especially at night. Get the latest tips from our experts on:
- Recognizing teething signs
- Teething symptoms onset
- Sleep disturbances due to teething
- Methods to calm a teething baby
- Treating teething rash
- Establishing a bedtime routine
- Choosing the right teething toys
- Managing excessive drooling
Understanding Teething Signs
As your baby grows, they may display signs of teething. It’s important to spot these signs and alleviate their discomfort during this period.
Common teething signs include:
- Irritability
- Excessive drooling and rash
- Chewing on objects
- Red cheeks
- Difficulty settling down
- Tugging or rubbing ears
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen gums
- Nappy rash
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever
- Increased biting and gnawing
- Waking up at night more frequently
It’s important to provide your baby with teething toys or a clean, cold washcloth to chew on to help relieve their discomfort. You can also gently massage their gums with a clean finger to provide some relief. If your baby seems to be in a lot of pain or discomfort, consult with your pediatrician for additional advice and options for pain relief.
Teething Milestones
Most babies get their first tooth between 4-12 months, but the timing varies. Understand teething symptoms and ways to comfort your baby.
Teething may not be complete by 18 months, with the process varying widely. Here is a general guide to the teething timeline:
- Central incisors lower jaw → 4-12 months
- Central incisors upper jaw → 6-12 months
- Lateral incisors upper jaw → 8-14 months
- Lateral incisors lower jaw → 9-16 months
- Molars, upper and lower jaws → 12-36 months
- Canines, upper and lower jaws → 16-24 months
Teething typically begins with incisors followed by molars and canines. It is important to note that every baby is different and may experience teething at different times. Some babies may even be born with teeth already erupted, while others may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday. It’s important to provide comfort and relief to your baby during this sometimes uncomfortable process.
Managing Nighttime Teething
If your baby is waking up at night due to teething, they may exhibit common symptoms such as increased drooling, irritability, and chewing on objects. While short-term sleep disturbances due to teething are normal, it’s important to seek medical advice if the symptoms persist or if your baby has a fever, rash, or other concerning symptoms.
In addition to seeking medical advice, there are a few strategies you can try to help manage nighttime teething discomfort. Offering your baby a chilled teething ring or gentle massage on their gums can provide some relief. You can also try using a teething gel or medication recommended by your healthcare provider.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also benefit teething babies. A calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or singing a lullaby, can help your baby relax and signal that it’s time for sleep. Ensuring that your baby’s sleep environment is comfortable, quiet, and conducive to sleep can also support better sleep during teething episodes.
Comforting Your Teething Baby
Help your baby relieve teething discomfort and sleep better. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms indicate other concerns.
Nighttime can be challenging for teething babies. Follow these tips to alleviate pain.
Use Soothing Sounds
Establish a Comforting Environment
Stay Hydrated
Combat Teething Rashes
Protect Baby’s Skin
Prevent teething-induced skin irritation by keeping the area dry and clean. Use skin barrier creams to protect and soothe your baby’s skin.
Maintaining a Sleep Routine
Consistent sleep patterns can help your teething baby sleep better. It is important to follow a regular bedtime routine to help establish good sleeping habits. This can include activities such as giving a warm bath, reading a bedtime story, or listening to calming music. These calming techniques can help relax your baby and signal that it is time to sleep.
Additionally, it is important to create a comfortable sleep environment for your baby. This means ensuring the room is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Using a white noise machine or soft music can also help drown out any outside noises that may disrupt your baby’s sleep.
Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable, leading to better sleep for both baby and parents. It may take time for your baby to adjust to a new routine, but consistency is key. Stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time each day, even on weekends, to help regulate your baby’s internal clock.
Minimizing Sleep Disturbances
Teething may disrupt sleep temporarily, but simple strategies can help reduce disturbances. Consider using products designed to protect against teething rashes.
Teething is challenging for both babies and caregivers. Seek support and relief during this tough time.
Teething can bring discomfort and pain, leading to crying and sleepless nights. Seeking advice from a pediatric dentist can help manage teething issues.
Understanding Teething
Teething typically begins around six months, with signs like irritability, drooling, swollen gums, and crying as emerging teeth push through.
Soothing Techniques
- Chilled Teething Toys: Use cold toys to numb gums.
- Gentle Gum Massage: Massage gums with a clean finger or wet cloth.
- Cold Washcloth: Chill a wet cloth for your baby to chew on.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: Consult a pediatrician before using gels or medications.
Consulting a Pediatric Dentist
Get tailored advice from a professional to ensure proper oral health care for your child.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for good oral health from a young age.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging phase, but with home remedies and expert guidance, you can ease your baby’s discomfort. Stay patient, offer comfort, and seek advice from a pediatric dentist for optimal oral health. Soon, those tiny teeth will appear, and teething will become a distant memory.
The Stages of Tooth Growth
Teeth emerge gradually, with lower front teeth typically appearing first. By around 2 ½ to 3 years old, most children will have all their teeth. Every baby develops differently, with some getting teeth as early as 4 months and others born with teeth.
It is important to take care of your child’s teeth from the moment they start to emerge. Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, and schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure their teeth are healthy.
As children grow, their baby teeth will fall out to make way for adult teeth. This process usually starts around age 6 and continues until the early teens. It is important to teach children good oral hygiene habits to prevent dental issues in the future.
Early Teething Signs
Before the first tooth emerges, your child may display these signs of teething:
– A flushed cheek or face
– Sensitive red gums
– Increased drooling
– Chewing on objects
– Increased fussiness
– Changes in feeding
– Nighttime awakenings
If you notice a sore, red gum where the tooth is erupting, consult a doctor if concerned.
Remedies for Teething Relief
There are various remedies to help soothe your baby during teething. Remember, every baby is different, so try different methods to find what works best. Cuddles and hugs are always comforting. Pain relief options include paracetamol and ibuprofen. Chilled teething rings can alleviate gum pain and provide distraction.
Effective Teething Techniques
- Babies often want to chew on items when teething. In addition to teething rings, a cold washcloth can be soothing.
- Gently massage your baby’s gums with your finger for pain relief.
- Consider a sugar-free pain reliever with paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort.
- Ensure plenty of rest for the whole family during teething times.
- Keep teething rings chilled when on-the-go for relief on the move.
Caring for Baby’s Oral Health
Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear to establish good oral hygiene habits. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste on a baby toothbrush for those up to 3 years old. Limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay.
Sugar left in the mouth can lead to decay, so be mindful of consumption. Take your baby to dental appointments and ask the dentist to check their teeth. Contact your doctor with teething concerns or questions about pain relief.
Consulting a Professional
HELP & SUPPORT
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