Signs of Teething

Some common signs that your baby is teething may include:

• Irritability
• Excessive drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Chewing on objects
• Difficulty sleeping

Tips for Soothing a Teething Baby

Here are some tips to help ease your baby’s discomfort during teething:

1. Offer a cold teething ring or washcloth for your baby to chew on.
2. Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a cold spoon.
3. Give your baby a cold, soft food to chew on, such as a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot.
4. Use over-the-counter teething gels or medications as recommended by your pediatrician.

Seeking Medical Advice

If your baby’s teething symptoms seem severe or if you have concerns about their well-being, it is important to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on how to best care for your teething baby and offer recommendations for managing their discomfort.

Remember, teething is a natural process that all babies go through, and with the right care and attention, you can help your baby navigate this milestone with ease. Stay patient, stay calm, and remember that this phase will pass!

What is Teething?

Teething is the period when a baby’s teeth start to break through the gums and emerge in the mouth. This process begins before any visible signs of teeth appear, as the teeth start developing in the jawbone while the baby is still in the womb. The discomfort of teething is caused by the pressure from tooth movement in the bone and gums, leading to localized inflammation.

Even adults can experience teething symptoms when their wisdom teeth come in, resulting in swelling, bleeding, and pain. They may also feel strong pressure in the jawbone and gum tissues.

Teething can be challenging to manage because babies cannot communicate their discomfort effectively.

When Does Teething Occur?

Teething occurs as new teeth emerge in the baby’s mouth. Eventually, a baby will have a total of twenty primary teeth, which usually start coming in between six months and two years of age. Teeth tend to erupt every six months, with the first four teeth usually appearing around six to seven months of age.

Unfortunately, teething can begin several months before the tooth actually breaks through, prolonging the process over two years.

Here are some additional signs that your baby may show when teething:
1. Irritability and increased crying
2. Difficulty sleeping
3. Loss of appetite
4. Chewing on fingers, toys, or other objects
5. Swollen or tender gums
6. Ear pulling or rubbing
7. Cheek rubbing or redness
8. Rashes around the mouth or chin
It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may exhibit a unique combination of symptoms when teething. Providing comfort measures such as gentle massages on the gums, offering teething toys, and using teething gels can help alleviate discomfort during this time. If your baby seems especially uncomfortable or if you have concerns about their teething symptoms, be sure to consult with your pediatrician.

How Can I Care for my Teething Baby?

When your baby is teething, calming them down can be a challenge. Some methods to help manage the pain include:

• Using cold treatments such as refrigerated teething rings or damp washcloths to reduce inflammation.
• Providing teething toys that are safe for your baby to chew on.
• Giving pain relievers such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your baby has a fever along with teething.
• Considering natural remedies like chamomile tea or clove oil when consulting with your pediatrician.

What NOT to Do

Avoid using products containing sugar or alcohol, or topical anesthetic gels for teething relief. It is advisable to consult with a pediatrician before trying any homeopathic remedies.

When it comes to teething relief, it’s important to steer clear of sugar and alcohol-based products as they can be harmful to your baby’s developing gums. Additionally, topical anesthetic gels may not be safe for young children and should be avoided. Instead, consider using teething rings or toys that are specifically designed to provide relief for sore gums.

More Questions about Teething?

For professional advice on managing teething in your child, reach out to your nearest Premier Dental of Ohio location.

Witnessing your baby’s first tooth coming in is a significant milestone in their development, but it can also be a challenging time for both the baby and parents. If you notice signs of teething in your baby, implementing some comforting techniques can help ease their discomfort.

Time for the tooth

Babies typically get their first tooth around six months old, with variations in timing for each child. Most babies get their bottom two front teeth first, followed by more teeth coming in gradually.

It is common for babies to show teething symptoms before the tooth actually appears.

Is it teething?

Some babies may display signs of teething, such as irritability or disrupted sleep, while others may not show any symptoms. Teething signs may include drooling, a desire to chew on things, irritability, and swollen gums or visible teeth.

Symptoms like a runny nose or diarrhea are not typically associated with teething.

What a pain!

The discomfort of teething usually decreases once the tooth breaks through the gums. To help your baby through this phase, you can gently massage their gums, offer teething toys or a cold washcloth to chew on, and refrain from using teething gels or tablets containing harmful substances.

While amber teething necklaces are popular, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend them. These necklaces can pose a choking or strangulation hazard to children and have no proven benefits in relieving teething symptoms.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief during teething, but consult with your pediatrician at Methodist Physicians Clinic for proper dosage.

About the Author

Dr. Emily Bendlin, a pediatrician at Methodist Physicians Clinic, specializes in assisting children and parents in overcoming challenges.

Celebrate the journey of your baby’s first tooth! Teething, an essential developmental milestone, may bring some discomfort and pain along the way.

This post will guide you through common teething signs, help you recognize when a tooth is coming through, and provide tips on teething remedies to keep your baby content during this transition. Consult your pediatrician for any concerns.

When do babies start teething? [1,2,3]

Babies typically start teething between 4-7 months, with some beginning as early as 3 months or as late as their first birthday. Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by age 3.

What order do baby teeth come in? [3]

Teething progresses through stages. Here’s the development order:

Stage 1: (0-6 months)

Teeth develop beneath the gums.

Symptoms: Early signs like drooling and biting may appear.

Stage 2: (6-8 months)

Teeth: Lower front teeth

Description: First teeth to emerge

Symptoms: Drooling, irritability, swollen gums

… (continues with description of each stage)
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