Finding your baby’s first tooth is a special moment, but it can also bring sleepless nights as they go through teething. There are various ways to help ease your baby’s teething pain.
When do babies start teething?
Children’s teeth come in stages, with the lower front teeth usually appearing first. By the age of 2 ½ to 3 years old, most children have all their teeth. Babies typically get their first teeth around six months, although some may get them earlier or later.
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Common signs of teething include irritability, drooling, and a strong desire to chew on objects. To help alleviate discomfort, you can give your baby a cold teething ring or gently massage their gums with a clean finger.
It’s important to establish good oral hygiene habits from a young age. You can start cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush even before their first tooth appears. Once teeth start coming in, you can use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth twice a day.
What are the signs of teething?
Prior to the emergence of the first tooth, your baby may display early signs of teething such as:
- A flushed cheek or face
- Sensitive red gums
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Increased fussiness
- Changes in feeding habits
- Night waking and restlessness
If you notice red and sore gums where the tooth is coming through, consult a doctor if you have concerns about your baby’s well-being.
Additional signs of teething may include:
- Low-grade fever
- Ear pulling or rubbing
- Cheek rubbing or facial rash
- Increased biting or sucking
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Unsettled behavior
It’s important to provide your baby with teething toys or cold washcloths to help soothe their gums during this uncomfortable time.
Additional tips for helping your baby with teething pain
In addition to medications and teething rings, there are other techniques you can try to help ease your baby’s discomfort during the teething process. Some parents find that gently rubbing their baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide relief. Offering cold foods, such as applesauce or yogurt, can also help numb sore gums. You can also try giving your baby a cold washcloth to chew on, or using natural remedies like chamomile tea bags or clove oil (always consult with your pediatrician before trying any herbal remedies).
Five tips to relieve teething pain
- Try offering a chilled teething ring or a sterilized washcloth for your baby to chew on.
- Gently massage your baby’s gums to ease the pain.
- Consider using sugar-free pain relievers like Nurofen for Children.
- Ensure your baby gets plenty of rest to prevent tiredness and irritability.
- Keep teething rings on hand for comfort while you’re out and about.
- Offer cold foods like yogurt or applesauce to help soothe sore gums.
- Distractions such as singing, playing, or taking a walk can help take your baby’s mind off the pain.
- Consult with your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing excessive discomfort or if you have concerns about teething.
When to start caring for your baby’s teeth
Begin brushing your baby’s teeth early to establish good oral hygiene habits. Limit sugar intake to prevent tooth decay, and make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups for optimal oral health.
Fun fact: Prolonged exposure to sugar in your baby’s mouth can lead to increased tooth decay.
If you have any concerns about teething or need advice on pain relief, consult with a healthcare professional.
*When giving your child Nurofen for Children, always read and follow the instructions on the label. Misuse can be harmful. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist. Do not give to infants under 3 months old. Seek medical advice for children under 1 year.
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ASSISTANCE & GUIDANCE
Remember to read and follow all instructions on the product label.
If you have any health concerns or need medical advice, consult your GP or pharmacist.
Nurofen products offer pain relief for various conditions. Choose the appropriate product based on your needs and age group.
Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, with most baby teeth appearing by 2 ½ years old.
During the teething process, babies may experience symptoms like drooling, irritability, and sore gums. Providing a chilled teething ring or gently massaging the gums can help alleviate discomfort. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene even before your baby’s teeth emerge.
If your baby is experiencing severe pain or other concerning symptoms during teething, consult your pediatrician for advice on appropriate pain relief options.
Signs your baby is teething
If your baby is teething, they may exhibit symptoms like red cheeks, drooling, increased chewing, and tender gums.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your public health nurse or GP if your child:
- Fever over 38°C
- Diarrhoea
- General signs of illness
These symptoms are not linked to teething.
How to help your teething baby
Engage in comforting activities and play with your baby to help distract them from teething discomfort.
Tips for helping a teething baby
- Offer a teething ring or cold items for chewing
- Gently massage gums with teething gel
- Use mild pain relief if necessary
- Provide cold water to drink
- Introduce healthy foods like carrot or apple for older babies
- Supervise closely to prevent choking hazards
Teething rings
Teething rings can help soothe gums and alleviate pain for babies. Ensure that the rings are safe and clean for your baby to use.
Avoid putting teething rings in the freezer to prevent gum damage.
You can also offer a cold, wet facecloth for your baby to chew on. Keep it clean and safe for use.
Teething gels and pain relief
Sugar-free teething gels contain mild numbing agents to relieve pain and are suitable for babies over 4 months. Consult with a healthcare provider for proper usage.
If discomfort persists, consider using sugar-free pain relief, but avoid giving ibuprofen to babies under 3 months old.
Follow the instructions carefully and never use adult products for teething relief in babies.
Amber teething jewellery
Avoid using amber teething jewelry for your baby as it can pose choking hazards and be dangerous.
Online sales of unlicensed homeopathic teething products may have serious adverse effects on young infants.
- Watch for signs such as difficulty breathing, seizures, agitation, excessive drowsiness, constipation, and urination difficulties.
Remember, in Ireland, Nelson’s homeopathic teething products sold under the brand name ‘Teetha’ are safe for babies.
Baby Teething Care
Teething babies may experience nappy rash and sore bottoms. Change diapers frequently and consider using barrier nappy cream to protect your baby’s sensitive skin. You can also try giving your baby teething toys or a clean, cold washcloth to chew on to help alleviate teething discomfort. Remember to always monitor your baby during this time and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Helpful Tips for Parents
If your baby is uncomfortable due to teething, provide comfort and distraction through play and cuddles.
Thumb Sucking Habit
Some children find comfort in sucking their thumb, usually starting around 18 months of age.
Breastfeeding and Oral Health
Research indicates that breastfeeding for up to 12 months can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Seek advice if you plan to breastfeed beyond that age.
As your baby’s teeth continue to come in, schedule regular dental check-ups every six months to monitor their oral health and catch any issues early. Encourage good oral hygiene habits by demonstrating proper brushing techniques and limiting sugary foods and drinks in their diet.
Remember to replace your baby’s toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles appear frayed. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle to prevent tooth decay, and consider using fluoride toothpaste once they are old enough to spit it out, typically around age two or three.
Tongue Tie Concerns
Some babies may have restricted tongue movement due to tongue tie, which can impact oral hygiene. In some cases, a frenectomy may be necessary to release the frenulum.
Additional Recommendations
Monitor for symptoms like high fever, lethargy, and dehydration, which are not associated with teething. Contact a healthcare professional if concerned.
For more information and guidance on baby dental care, consult your dentist or public health nurse.
Important Information
Regularly check your baby’s teeth as they typically start appearing around 6 months of age. By 2.5 years old, most baby teeth should be present.
Look out for teething signs such as red cheeks, drooling, increased chewing, gum tenderness, and nappy rash.
- Be alert for symptoms like high fever, diarrhea, and general illness, as these are not linked to teething.
Important Contacts
Don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups for your baby to ensure their oral health is on track. It’s also important to brush their teeth twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s teething process, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist for guidance and support.
Remember, good oral hygiene habits from an early age can set your baby up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!
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This initiative is funded by the Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 from the Irish Government.
Last reviewed: 4 February 2022 – Next review due: 4 February 2025
For babies with tongue tie, limited tongue movement can hinder cleaning around their teeth, potentially leading to decay.
In some cases, infants may require a frenotomy (frenectomy) to release the frenulum causing the tongue tie in a minor procedure.
When to get medical advice
Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if your baby:
- has a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius
- is lethargic and drowsy
These symptoms are not related to teething.
Teething may cause a mild rash on the baby’s chin or neck, but it doesn’t typically result in a widespread rash.
Dehydration may occur in babies who are not drinking enough or producing an adequate number of wet diapers daily.
If you have concerns about your baby’s symptoms, contact your GP for advice.
You can also seek advice from your dentist or public health nurse on caring for your baby’s teeth.
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Last reviewed: 4 February 2022
Next review due: 4 February 2025
This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 8.
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