Baby teething is a normal part of development, but it can be an uncomfortable and confusing time for both babies and parents. Most babies get their first primary tooth during the first year of life, although the timing can vary. Common signs of teething include increased drooling, a desire to chew and mildly swollen or tender gums. Understanding what is normal during teethingβand what may indicate an illnessβcan help parents care for their baby safely and know when to seek professional advice. Learn from baby teething guide when they show common signs, safe ways to soothe sore gums and when parents should contact a paediatrician or dentist.
Who Is This Article For?
- Parents of babies who are starting to show signs of teething
- Parents waiting for their baby’s first tooth
- Parents wondering about baby teething symptoms
- Parents looking for safe ways to soothe sore gums
- Parents concerned about excessive drooling or chewing
- Parents learning how to care for their baby’s first teeth
- Parents who want to know when teething symptoms require medical attention
When does a Baby Start Teething?
The first tooth to appear is usually one of the bottom incisors β the ones right next to the gums. These commonly start to break through around the time that your child is 12 months old. Teething can begin as early as 7-9 months, but itβs not uncommon for it to start as late as 12-16 months. One sign that your childβs first teeth are on their way is that their gums will be swollen, red and puffy.
They will probably drool more than usual and may be fussy and cranky. Your baby may also experience some mild abdominal pain, which can be more noticeable when lying down. Teething can cause a loss of appetite and some slight diarrhoea, so keep an eye on your babyβs diaper output.
Signs Baby Teething Guide
The best way to know for sure if your baby is teething is to look for the signs. They include red and swollen gums, increased drooling, irritability, and an affinity for chewing on anything and everything. If your baby has a fever, diarrhoea, or is uncharacteristically fussy, teething is most likely not the cause. Because your childβs teeth are forming well before they break through the gums, you canβt actually see them growing. But you can see the signs of impending teething pain: swollen gums, a tender mouth, and teeth marks on everything in sight
What to expect when Baby Teeth are erupting?
The process of teething begins when the first tooth begins to emerge from the gums. At this time, a babyβs mouth is full of soft, spongy dentin, a substance that is rich in minerals and vitamins. The babyβs body will begin metabolizing the minerals within the dentin, which will cause the gums to soften and swell. Teething can be an uncomfortable process for your baby, but thereβs usually nothing to worry about.
Itβs normal for your baby to drool and chew on everything in sight as he works to ease the pain and pressure as baby teeth break through the gums. Teething can cause your babyβs temperament to change, making him fussy and irritable. He may also be more prone to infections since heβs drooling more than usual and doesnβt have the best hand-washing technique down yet.
How to soothe a Teething Baby?
The first step to soothing a teething baby is to make sure theyβre hydrated. A teething baby is more prone to dehydration, so make sure he is drinking enough breast milk or formula. Teething gels are an easy way to soothe a teething baby. You can apply them to your babyβs gums to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. You can also try teething rings, chew toys, cold washcloths, or frozen fruit and vegetables that are designed for teething babies.
If your baby is dealing with a lot of drool, you may want to use a bib to protect his clothes from getting soaked. Teething babies usually produce more saliva than normal β especially when teething is at its worst. This means that drool is likely to be soaking his chin and clothing almost constantly. Teething babies tend to be attracted to textures that are different from what theyβre used to feeling in their mouths. This is also why teething babies often try to gnaw on their own hands or fingers, sometimes even to the point of drawing blood.
Tips for helping your Teething Baby
If your baby is teething, you can help her through the process by keeping her hydrated, giving her plenty of chew toys or frozen food to gnaw on, and helping her to keep her hands away from her mouth. You can also try teething gels to ease pain and swelling, or find other baby teething remedies. Just remember that babies donβt have any control over their hands, so they are likely to use them in ways that are not helpful.
Be sure to keep your little oneβs hands away from his mouth as much as possible. If your baby has an infection like a cold or bacterial infection, the teething process might not be the only cause of the symptoms. If your baby has a fever, diarrhoea, or is uncharacteristically fussy, teething is most likely not the cause.
Conclusion
Baby teething is a normal developmental process, and most babies begin getting their first teeth during the first year of life. Increased drooling, chewing and mildly tender or swollen gums are common signs, while significant fever or diarrhoea should not simply be blamed on teething. Parents can usually help by gently massaging the gums and offering safe, appropriately chilled teething items. Once the first tooth appears, begin brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. A baby’s first dental visit should also take place within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than 12 months of age. With early dental care and appropriate attention to symptoms, parents can help protect their child’s oral health from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do babies start teething?
Most babies begin getting their first teeth during the first year, commonly between about 6 and 12 months, although timing varies considerably.
What are the common signs of teething?
Common signs include increased drooling, chewing, mildly swollen or tender gums and some irritability.
Does teething cause fever or diarrhoea?
Significant fever and diarrhoea should not automatically be attributed to teething. These symptoms can indicate an illness and should be evaluated appropriately.
How can I soothe my baby’s teething pain?
Gentle gum massage, an appropriately chilled teething ring and a cool clean washcloth may help relieve discomfort.
Are teething gels safe for babies?
Parents should avoid benzocaine-containing teething gels and should discuss medication-based pain relief with a pediatrician or healthcare professional.
Suggested Article β
- 5 Foods that make kidβs Teeth stronger
- Prevent Crooked Teeth in Children
- Take Care of Milk Teeth in Children.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for patient education only. Dental treatment should be planned after clinical examination, medical history review, and X-rays or scans where required. Treatment suitability, cost, timeline, healing, and results vary from patient to patient.
