"Teething syndrome" is a normal event that occurs when a baby's teeth break out or cut, through the gums. That first tooth and those cute toothy smiles are milestones you will look out for and cherish.
Having teeth means your baby can eat more food, but getting there can be tough on you and your child.
If you're wondering when they will appear, you need to know that the timing of teething varies widely for each child.
Read on to discover when your baby may start teething, the signs and symptoms it presents, tips to help soothe the pain, and so much more…
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Teething usually starts when babies are between 6 and 12 months old. Although in rare cases those first teeth may appear earlier or even a little later. When a child is 3 years old, they should already have a first or primary set of 20 teeth. For some babies, they may be born with an erupted tooth, or have their first tooth appear in the first few weeks, though this is very rare.
You can look out for signs of teething, such as tender gums, gnawing on a fist or finger, or drooling, which may indicate that your baby will soon see a tooth emerge.
How Long Does Teething Last?
The duration of the teething process can vary for each child. At some point between their second and third birthdays, however, your child will have a full set of 20 primary teeth. This implies that the total teething process lasts about two years.
If your child experiences discomfort while teething, it will probably come and go. Symptoms usually appear in the coming days before a tooth erupts; then the soreness lessens as a new tooth appears.
Symptoms Associated with Teething
Each baby has a unique mix of symptoms during the teething process. The most common symptoms are mild irritability and a lack of appetite.
Many babies, may have few or no symptoms when their teeth break through the gums, while some will show at least one or two of the following symptoms when they begin to teethe:
• Drooling
• Chewing on solid objects
• Mild fussiness and crankiness
• Irritability
• Lack of appetite
• Sore and tender gums
• Red and swollen gums
How Can You Help Soothe Your Baby While They're Teething?
The best way for you to help soothe your teething baby is by gently rubbing their sore gums. You can use a clean finger, a moist gauze pad, a cool spoon, or a clean facecloth. You may also want to give your baby a clean teether to chew on, but ensure the teether consists of solid rubber. For your baby’s safety, avoid using plastic objects and liquid-filled teething rings that could easily break, and also avoid frozen teething rings, as they are too hard for your baby’s mouth.
Avoid using teething bracelets or necklaces made of amber, marble, wood, or silicone. These types of teethers pose strangulation and choking hazards risk to your baby. Avoid using numbing creams and gels that contain benzocaine, as well as homeopathic remedies.
If your baby is inconsolable, you can ask their pediatrician about giving them a dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen.
How Do You Care for Your Baby’s Teeth and Gums?
Setting your children up for good oral health starts from an early stage, even before their teeth begin to appear.
Before your baby’s teeth come out, you can gently wipe down their gums with a washcloth or gauze pad after meals. When a few teeth start coming through, you can use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.
As soon as the first tooth erupts, you should start gently brushing twice a day and when they become 18 months of age, you can start using a small pea-sized amount of low-strength fluoride toothpaste.
You will have to brush and floss your baby’s teeth for some period of time. When your child is between 3-6 years of age, you should start teaching them how to brush and floss their teeth and always encourage them to spit out, not swallow, and not rinse after brushing.
The total time as recommended to brush your teeth is about 2 minutes. However, for babies and young children who only have a few teeth, this time is a little too long for them. Just ensure to reach every surface of each tooth when brushing your baby’s teeth.
And when your child develops two teeth that touch, you can start flossing in between them with dental floss. Your dentist can show you techniques and items that can make this an easier process for you.
Always check your child’s teeth at home regularly by lifting their top lip and rolling down their bottom lip to look at their teeth. If you see white, black, or brown spots on the teeth that do not rub or brush away, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist to check your baby's teeth.
A Note from Dr. Favvy
The teething syndrome is a normal yet, uncomfortable process of your baby’s growth and development. You may be upset to see your baby in pain, but always know that the signs and symptoms of teething will certainly disappear. Your baby will soon have a mouth full of healthy teeth but if you have any worries about your baby’s teething, reach out to their pediatrician.
Dr. Favvy
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Disclaimer
The
information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.
It
should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your
child’s pediatrician.
Always
consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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