Recognizing the signs of teething in babies is crucial to providing relief as the teething process follows a specific order. Consult with a professional before using any remedies.

When it comes to easing teething pain, natural methods and homeopathic remedies can be effective in soothing discomfort.

Use Cold Teething Rings

Refrigerated teething rings are recommended to help alleviate the pain of teething. Silicone rings provide a safe option for babies.

Offering popsicles made from breast milk or fruit puree can also provide relief and added taste. Ensure to monitor sugar intake levels.

Other cold items like chilled spoons or washcloths can also be helpful in soothing a teething baby’s gums. Always supervise your baby while they are using any teething aid.

Chew on Dental Collars

Chewing on soft objects such as dental collars can help soothe teething pain. Rubber toothbrushes and plastic comforters are also beneficial for teething babies.

It’s important to make sure the objects are clean and safe for babies to chew on. Avoid small objects that could be a choking hazard and always supervise your baby while they are teething.

Gently Massage Gums

Massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide relief from discomfort. Consider using soothing oils designed for teething pain.

Hydration is Key

Offer cool water for your baby to drink to help soothe teething pain. Avoid extremely cold water to prevent any discomfort.

Consider Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies like Chamomilla Vulgaris and Mercurius Solubilis can effectively relieve teething discomfort in babies. Always consult with a healthcare professional before use.

There are numerous accessible and affordable solutions to ease teething pain. Consult a professional for more complex teething issues.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething can help parents manage their baby’s discomfort. Using Milton’s sterilising products can help reduce inflammation and infection risks during teething.

Other tips for managing teething discomfort include offering teething toys or chilled teething rings for your baby to chew on. Rubbing a clean finger gently on your baby’s gums can also provide some relief. Additionally, giving your baby cold foods like yogurt or pureed fruits can help soothe their sore gums.

When Teething Begins

Babies typically start teething between 6 and 12 months, with fully formed teeth appearing around their first birthday.

Some signs that your baby may be teething include excessive drooling, irritability, and chewing on objects. To help alleviate their discomfort, you can give them a teething toy to chew on or gently rub their gums with a clean finger. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene even before their teeth come in by wiping their gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings.

Managing Teething Symptoms

Teething can cause discomfort in babies, resulting in symptoms like red gums, fever, sleep disturbances, and increased drooling. Consult a doctor if concerning signs appear.

Relieving Teething Pain

Various methods, such as providing safe objects to chew on, gum massages, distractions, cold drinks, and drool management, can help relieve teething pain without medication.

Safe Teething Relief

Chilled teething rings and sterilised chew toys are safe options for teething relief. Ensure hygiene with Milton’s cold water sterilisation process.

Gentle Gum Massages

Gentle gum massages can alleviate inflammation and pressure in teething babies. Sesame Street Little Focaccia aids in calming your baby during this stage.

Distractions

Provide distractions like toys or reading to divert your baby’s focus from teething pain. Comforting activities can help in soothing your baby.

Hydration and Nutrition

Chilled beverages or food can reduce inflammatory pain during teething. Hydrating options like mashed fruits or yogurt can offer relief to keep your baby hydrated.

Drool Management

Prevent excessive drool to reduce skin irritation. Apply moisturising ointment to soothe affected areas around the mouth and neck.

Teething Tips:

Additional tips for relieving teething pain include using silicone teething necklaces for babies to chew on, frozen washcloths for a cooling sensation, and offering cold fruit or vegetable purees for a soothing treat.

Teething Safety:

Always supervise your baby during teething relief activities to ensure they are using safe objects and to prevent any choking hazards. Consult with a pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s teething pain.

Maintain Cleanliness

Cleanliness is vital to prevent infections during teething. Use Milton’s range of sterilisation products to eliminate harmful germs and ensure your baby’s safety. Regularly clean and sterilize your baby’s toys, pacifiers, and other items that may come in contact with their mouth to reduce the risk of infections.

Shop Milton’s hygiene products at various retailers to protect your baby from germs and infections. Remember to follow the instructions on the product packaging for optimal results.

Understanding teething signs can help manage discomfort for babies and parents. Common symptoms of teething include excessive drooling, irritability, and swollen gums. Provide relief for your baby by gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or giving them a cold teething ring to chew on. Be sure to avoid using teething gels or medications without consulting your pediatrician.

It’s important to remember that teething is a natural process and will pass in time. By recognizing the signs and using safe methods to alleviate discomfort, you can help your baby through this stage more comfortably.

Early Tooth Development

The appearance of teeth usually begins around 6 months, with most baby teeth developing by 2.5 years old. Recognizing signs of teething can help manage discomfort for both babies and parents.

Provide Comfort with Natural Remedies

In addition to teething rings and gels, you can also try natural remedies to soothe your baby’s teething discomfort. Chamomile tea, for example, can have calming effects when applied to the gums. Simply dip a clean finger or cloth in cooled chamomile tea and gently massage your baby’s gums.

Another natural remedy is a cold spoon. Place a clean metal spoon in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then gently rub the rounded part on your baby’s gums. The cold temperature can help numb the pain and provide relief.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, you can start introducing good oral hygiene habits. Use a soft, damp cloth or gauze to gently clean your baby’s gums after each feeding. Once the teeth start coming in, switch to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste.

Monitor for Signs of Teething

Teething can affect babies differently, but common signs include drooling, irritability, and swollen gums. Keep an eye out for these signs and offer comfort as needed. If your baby has a fever or diarrhea along with teething symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

By following these tips and being attentive to your baby’s needs, you can help ease their teething discomfort and make the process more manageable for both of you.

Prevent Nappy Rash

Teething can lead to nappy rash and discomfort. Change your baby’s nappies frequently and consider using a barrier cream for soothing relief.

Reach Out for Support

If your baby is fussy, seek support from friends or family during tough times.

It’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Taking care of a fussy baby can be overwhelming, and having a support system in place can make all the difference. Whether it’s asking a friend to come over for a few hours, or calling a family member for advice, reaching out for support can help you navigate through the tough times.

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is common for soothing and may start around 18 months of age.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding up to 12 months may help prevent tooth decay. Consult with your public health nurse or GP for advice on extended breastfeeding.

Early Dental Care

Before teeth appear, clean your baby’s gums twice daily with a soft cloth or gauze. Introduce gentle toothbrushing at around 6 months to establish a teeth brushing routine early on.

Visit the Dentist

Visit the dentist when your baby’s first teeth start appearing around 6 months for advice on dental care and teething.

Tongue Tie Concerns

Some babies may have tongue tie, which is a condition where the strip of skin under the tongue is shorter than usual, restricting the movement of the tongue. This can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech development, and even dental issues such as tooth decay.

In some cases, a minor surgical procedure called frenectomy might be necessary to address this issue. During a frenectomy, the tight or thick band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is cut to allow for better movement of the tongue.

If you suspect that your baby has tongue tie or are experiencing any related concerns, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a pediatric dentist for proper evaluation and treatment options.

When to Consult a Doctor

Signs of Concern

• If your baby has a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius
• If your baby is lethargic and drowsy

Teething does not cause these symptoms, and a rash may occur on the chin or neck. Watch out for signs of dehydration and consult your GP if concerned.

For more advice on baby teeth care, consult your dentist or public health nurse.

Review and Funding Information

Page Information

Page last reviewed: 4 February 2022
Next review due: 4 February 2025

Funding received from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund under Grant Agreement Number 8.

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Teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s growth but can also be challenging and painful. This guide offers tips to recognize teething signs, provide relief, and keep your baby comfortable. Consult your pediatrician for any concerns.

Teething Milestones

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, progressing in stages until toddlers have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Understanding Teething Stages

Teething stages from 0 to 3 years involve different teeth emerging and potential symptoms. Early signs like drooling and irritability may indicate teething.

Stage 1 (0-6 months)

Teeth develop beneath the gums during this stage.

Symptoms: Early signs like drooling and biting may appear.

…

Stage 7 (22-33 months)

Second molars are the last primary teeth to emerge.

Symptoms: Irritability, trouble sleeping, drooling, gum swelling, and a mild fever may occur.

Duration of Teething Symptoms

Teething symptoms typically last 3-5 days before and after the tooth emerges through the gum.

For some infants, the teething process may bring about symptoms that last a few weeks. This period of discomfort and irritability can extend up to three years before calmness sets in.

Teething timeline

Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, but it can vary. The first teeth to emerge are usually the bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Ways to soothe a teething baby

There are several methods you can try to help alleviate your baby’s teething discomfort:

• Give your baby a clean, cold teething ring or washcloth to chew on.
• Massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger to provide relief.
• Use teething gels or pain relievers specifically designed for infants, following the instructions carefully.
• Offer cold foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, to help numb sore gums.

When to see a doctor

If your baby seems to be in a significant amount of pain, or if you notice any unusual symptoms such as high fever, diarrhea, or excessive drooling, it’s important to contact your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on how to best manage your baby’s teething discomfort.

Baby teething remedies & pain relief tips [1,3]

There are several methods to help provide relief for teething babies.

Massage your baby’s gums

Gently rub the gums or give a teething ring or pacifier for relief.

Try a cold teething ring or washcloth

Chill teething aids, but avoid freezing them completely. The coolness can numb the gums.

Offer chilled foods

Offer chilled foods or vegetables to numb the gums and provide relief.

Use a cold spoon

Use a cold spoon to gently press against the gums for soothing relief.

Give your infant pain medicine for their teething pain

For discomfort relief, consider using pain medicine like Infants’ TYLENOL® after consulting with a pediatrician.

Keep your baby’s face clean

To prevent a facial rash from drooling, ensure the face is kept clean and dry.

What to avoid [1,3]

Avoid using teething products that may be harmful for babies under 2 years old.

Additional tips for soothing a teething infant

Teething toys: Provide safe toys for teething relief.

Gentle bathing: Help your baby relax with a warm bath.

Comfort and cuddles: Ensure your baby feels secure and comforted.

Hydration: Keep your baby well-hydrated.

Gentle brushing: Clean emerging teeth with a soft brush.

If you have any questions, talk to your pediatrician

If symptoms are severe, consult a pediatrician for personalized advice on comforting your baby.