When your baby’s first teeth break through the gums, it is usually known as teething. It is a completely natural process and a stage of early childhood development. It also shows that your baby is growing just as they should. In most cases, babies are considered to make their teeth appear within the first year. Although the exact timing can be different for every baby. In some cases, babies may show their teeth around 4 months, while some others may not show them until their first birthday.
You should also know that your baby might show you some signs before teeth, which include gum discomfort, drooling and increased fussiness. Due to these early signs, it can be really surprising for parents to comprehend. It is crucial to understand deeply about the beginning of teething and stuff that goes on during this phase. This way, it makes it easier to manage this phase more effectively. In this blog, you will know more about the process of teething and how you can manage this phase effectively.
When does it start?
Typically, most babies are considered to start teething between 4 – 7 months of age. Still, it is completely normal for some babies to begin teething even as early as 3 months of age. In other cases, the babies may not get their first tooth until their first birthday. It is necessary to comprehend that every baby grows at their own pace. Usually, there’s no need to be worried about the differences in their growth timeline. Delayed teething does not cause a problem if your baby is developing normally and overall healthy. It also depends a lot on your baby’s genetics as well. If parents or any sibling also faced early or delayed teething, it is likely that the baby will follow the same pattern as well.
Overall, there are a variety of things that are considered normal, while some slight variations are common. It is advised for parents to stay relaxed as the teething timeline can differ, but their baby will eventually grow their teeth at their own pace.
Teeth appearance in sequence
Babies usually show their teeth in a general sequence, however, the exact order can differ from one child to another. In most cases, the first teeth to appear are often mandibular central incisors (the two front teeth located on the lower jaw). Afterward, babies show their upper central incisors. Next, the teeth beside the front ones also begin to appear. These are often called lateral incisors. Moving forward, the first molars also start to appear toward the back of the mouth. Canines also appear, which are basically pointed teeth between molars and incisors. Lastly, the second molars also appear at the very back of the mouth. Typically, it is natural for children to develop a complete set of 20 baby teeth by the age of 2 – 3. This whole process takes time, but it helps your children to chew and speak clearly.
Common symptoms
Usually, teething comes with a group of common mild symptoms that you should know about. These symptoms usually include tender gums and increased drooling, fussiness and irritability. Your baby may also experience a strong urge to chew on things for relief. It is also possible for some babies to experience an increase in temperature, but not high fever. These symptoms can happen due to emerging teeth applying pressure on the gums, causing inflammation and discomfort. It is essential to know that teething can not cause intense diarrhea, high fever or any severe illness. If any of these conditions occur, it is advised to consult a doctor to determine any other underlying cause. A better understanding of these symptoms helps to maintain the overall health and ensure the appropriate development of baby.
Practical remedies to soothe a teething baby
It is very simple to soothe a teething baby with some safe and practical remedies. Starting off with providing your baby a clean, cool teething ring. It helps to ease your baby’s gum discomfort upon chewing. Another way is to softly massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. You can also provide them with a soft, damp cloth to chew. During this phase, fussiness can also be reduced by giving them extra cuddles, attention and comfort. If necessary, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can also be used to provide relief. Still, it is important to consult with your doctor before any usage. It is essential to use gentle and safe ways to keep your baby comfortable. It helps to prevent the use of unhealthy options like certain teething gels that consist of numbing agents or harmful ingredients.
When to see a doctor
It is completely true that teething can be very uncomfortable for babies. Still, it is not responsible for causing any kind of severe illness. It is strictly advised for parents to seek immediate medical attention in case of certain signs. These signs include intense or frequent discomfort and high fever. It is also advised that in case your baby refuses to drink or eat anything for a long period of time. Seeking immediate medical help is also important in the case of unusual symptoms. These unusual symptoms include rashes, ongoing diarrhea and vomiting.
You should also know that these symptoms are not typically a part of the teething process. It is also important to trust your instincts, if you don’t feel right about your baby’s health, it’s better to consult a healthcare professional. It helps to properly diagnose your baby to rule out other causes. It also ensures your baby stays comfortable and healthy during this phase.
Conclusion
At the end, teething is a completely natural process that generally starts around the age of 4 – 7 months. It is normal for the exact timing to differ from one baby to another. It is completely normal for babies to start teething late or early as long as they are healthy and growing well. It is important to know that symptoms like fussiness, drooling or gum discomfort are challenging. However, they gradually go away once the tooth starts to appear. Maintaining this phase is quite simple with proper gentle care, patience and the right soothing tactics.
You should remember that teething is just a step in your baby’s growth journey. This phase passes sooner than it feels. It is essential to stay calm and trust yourself, knowing that you are doing a great job in supporting your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much temperature can be increased by teething?
Generally, it is not possible for teething to cause a high fever. Still, it can slightly increase the temperature of your baby. The best way to verify is to check the temperature of your baby first. If your baby indicates a temperature higher than 38° C, then it’s likely due to some other issue rather than teething. It is advised to consult a doctor in this case for proper diagnosis and better treatment for other symptoms as well.
How long does teething last?
It is important to understand that teething does not happen overnight. Instead, the whole process occurs over a period of time. Typically, it is possible for children to develop a full set of baby teeth by the age of 2 – 3. Each tooth can cause discomfort for a few days, but the overall process occurs in cycles.
Can teething affect your baby’s sleep?
Yes, your baby’s sleep can be disturbed by teething. It often happens due to discomfort and soreness in the gums caused by appearing teeth. It causes the baby to wake up back and forth, resulting in shorter naps. It is best to provide your baby with extra attention, cuddles and care, especially at night when there are no distractions. It helps to regulate your baby’s sleep and prevent restlessness.
Can teething cause coughing in babies?
Generally, teething itself is not known to cause coughing in babies. Although babies may experience gagging or mild coughing due to increased drooling. If your baby is suffering from frequent coughing, it can be caused by some other underlying condition. It is important to keep an eye on other symptoms as well. It is strictly advised to consult a doctor in case of intense frequent coughing alongside fever or breathing issues.
Is the daily use of teething toys safe?
Generally, it is completely safe to use teething toys on a daily basis. It helps to provide baby with something they can chew on, while soothing their sore gums. It is important to make sure that toys are hygienic, non-toxic and appropriately sized to prevent the risk of choking. It is recommended to avoid using hard or frozen toys as they can hurt your baby’s gums. Also, keep an eye on your baby’s toys to replace any damaged ones.
